Off-Grid Solar 101: What You Really Need to Know

Thinking about cutting the cord to the utility grid and powering your home with 100% solar? Before you invest in acres of panels and a wall of batteries, watch this deep-dive.

Mitch Workman—Big Dog Solar’s resident energy nerd—breaks down the truth about off-grid living, including:How an off-grid system works (generation + storage, no grid safety-net)Real-world cost ranges for panels, batteries, and ongoing maintenance Sizing your system so winter clouds don’t leave you in the darkHidden trade-offs—from battery lifespan to resale valueWho off-grid is perfect for (and when a grid-tied system with backup batteries makes more sense)

👉 Want a personalized read on your home’s solar potential—off-grid or grid-tied? Take our free, 60-second Solar Score Quiz: score.bigdogsolar.com

Why listen to us?

Big Dog Solar has installed 12,000+ systems across the Mountain West since 2008—from remote ranches to suburban rooftops. We’ve seen every scenario and know when off-grid freedom is worth the investment—and when it’s smarter to stay connected.

Chapters:

‍0:00 “So… you want to go off-grid?” (expectations vs reality)

‍0:38 How off-grid actually works (power generation + storage)

‍1:40 Who thrives off-grid (and who doesn’t)

‍2:28 The smarter middle ground: grid-tie + battery backup3:35 Costs, trade-offs, and lifestyle impact4:28 Not sure? Take the Solar Score + next steps

‍#OffGrid #SolarBattery #GridTie #EnergyIndependence #BigDogSolar #HomeBackup #netmetering

Mitch: So, you want to go off-grid solar—or do you? I’m Mitch with Big Dog Solar. We got our start with off-grid and have seen thousands of systems go in. Here’s what to know.

We’ll cover how off-grid works, who it fits, what it takes, and an option that gives you many of the same benefits with fewer drawbacks.

Reality check: Off-grid means you’re fully responsible for generating, storing, and using all your power. Long winters or cloudy stretches + high usage can hurt. To make it work, you’ll need a lot of storage and often an oversized array—that affects cost.

Who it fits: Remote locations without grid access; people who enjoy maintaining systems and managing consumption; minimalist or self-reliant lifestyles.

Middle ground: Many homeowners want backup and preparedness without living entirely on batteries. A grid-tied system with a battery gives you solar generation, outage backup, and grid reliability—usually with fewer batteries and lower cost than full off-grid.

Bottom line: Goals differ. Off-grid can be powerful—but impractical for many. Grid-tied + battery offers more freedom with fewer trade-offs. Not sure where you land? Try our free Solar Score for a quick, personalized read, and reach out with questions.

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