Did you know that off gridding has become a trend? Even celebrities like P Diddy, Adele, Sandra Bullock and Wiz Khalifa have bought off grid cabins, ranches and homes in secluded spots that are entirely self-sufficient.

If you’ve ever considered moving off grid, there is good news. Off gridding is cheaper than ever before. With a little bit of determination, you can install your own off grid solar system. If the prospect of swinging by to borrow a cup of sugar from Shania Twain and swapping battery tips doesn’t compel you to go off grid, these top 10 reasons are sure to provide some inspiration. 

What is an off grid solar kit?

The term "grid" refers to the interconnected network of power generation sources that supply electricity to our homes and businesses. You know all those power lines running everywhere? That’s the grid!

Going off grid makes you self-sufficient and no longer dependent on external services to meet your essential needs. Instead, you'll utilize an independent power source and eliminate the utility company altogether. The most reliable source of independent electricity is an off grid solar power system.

The absolute best way to go off grid is with a solar kit. The kit contains all the necessary components to power your home, shed, or recreational vehicle with clean, renewable energy and there is a truckload of benefits to going off grid with a solar kit. 

Bear in mind it is possible to buy grid-tied solar kits as well. Residential and commercial buildings use these systems to sell supplemental power back to the utility company. But if you want to call it quits with your utility provider all together, off grid is the way to go.

Top 10 reasons to go off grid with a solar kit

DIY solar kits have become extremely popular in recent years. Installing solar energy kits is easier than you think, and it's a perfect solution for homeowners that are seeking independence, control, and more knowledge about their power production while saving boatloads of cash in the process. Here are the top 10 reasons to use a solar kit to go off grid.

1. Price

Everyone wants to know how much an off grid solar system will cost. When most people look into solar panels or off grid solar systems, they usually start by going straight to a solar power company. The company will determine the size of the solar system required and provide a quote for the necessary equipment and their installation.

The quote for a 6kW system with a 12kWh battery bank is usually around $24,000 before rebates or credits. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, nearly half of that cost is related to the installation and operating cost of the solar company, not the actual equipment itself.

Love a Black Friday sale? Get this: you can cut out 50% of the cost of your off grid solar system when you go with a solar kit. That means saving thousands of dollars on your entire system because you only pay for the equipment you need, not the overheads of the company installing it.

2. Control

One of the primary benefits of using an off grid solar kit is the level of control it gives you over the components of your system. When you purchase a system from a solar company, you are essentially stuck with the components they decide to use. However, with a DIY kit, you get to choose from a huge selection of solar panels, charge controllers, inverters, and batteries to make up your system exactly the way you want to. You can tailor the entire system to your unique energy needs and budget and start living off the grid on your own terms.

3. Independence

When you have an off grid solar system, you are no longer reliant on the power grid and generate your own electricity. When you use a solar kit to go off grid, you’re more involved in the process. You gain the knowledge and ability to fix any issues that arise in the system rather than waiting for a professional to come and make repairs. This level of self-sufficiency is a significant advantage in times of power outages or emergencies.

4. Knowledge

By installing your off grid solar system using a DIY off grid solar kit, you will gain a wealth of knowledge about solar energy in general. You will become familiar with the various components of the system, how they work, and how they interact with one another through the installation process. This knowledge can be valuable in the future when maintaining or upgrading the system.

With an off grid solar kit knowledge literally is power.

5. Quality

Solar companies usually only carry one or two brands of components. This is due to agreements they might have with manufacturers, or limitations on how much equipment they can keep on hand in a warehouse. With an off grid solar kit, the individual components of your kit come from whatever brand you choose with zero warehousing cost by shipping directly to you straight from the manufacturer. You can ensure that each component in your system is of the highest quality, increasing the overall lifespan and efficiency of your system.

6. Peace of mind

You don't have to look much further than review sites to find customers that weren't thrilled with their solar panel installers. By installing the system yourself, you have complete control over the installation process and can ensure that each component is installed correctly and functioning properly. It’s just one less thing you need to worry about, because you know it’s been done right.

7. Expandability

With the flexibility of an off grid solar kit, you have the freedom to upgrade and expand your system as your energy needs change. If your family or energy consumption needs increase, you can easily add additional solar panels or batteries to your system to keep up.

8. Support

Buy your off grid solar kit from a provider that offers lifetime customer service and support. If you have any issues with the system or need assistance during the installation process, just contact the solar kit provider for help.

9. DIY

There's a great sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from creating something that can power your home and reduce your carbon footprint. You can learn new skills, gain new knowledge, and connect with the environment throughout the process. It’s much easier than you think and most homeowners can do it with relative ease. Trust us, if you’ve ever changed a plug or assembled a piece of IKEA furniture, this will be a breeze.

10. It's fun!

Building an off grid solar system using a solar kit can be a lot of fun (and not just because you'll save a boatload of money and never have to pay a utility bill again!) It's a project that can bring friends and family together in a unique way. And there's nothing quite like the feeling of flipping the switch and seeing your house light up with the power you created for the first time. We recommend blasting “I Got the Power” by Snap! when you hit the switch.

Conclusion

Solar kits are a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and have a lot of fun along the way. By choosing a DIY solar kit, you can hand-pick the components you need and scale up your system at any time. Sure, it may seem a little intimidating at first, but if you buy your kit from a specialist like shopsolarkits.com, you'll have the support of a skilled professional from start to finish for as long as you own your system. One of our team members will help you find the kit that's right for you and provide a transparent and obligation-free quote right away.

Learn more about with our off grid solar power FAQ, or take a deep dive and become an expert in off grid solar power with our guide, Off grid solar power 101.