Whether you are considering an off-grid solar installation for your family cabin or your everyday remote dwelling, there are some basic variables you’ll want to understand before deciding what type of system to invest in. Important considerations, such as your installation method, average electrical loads, and storage needs, will ultimately affect how your system performs. At Sun’s Eye Solar, we offer free consultations to customers in Washington State, helping them make the most efficient decisions possible when designing their off-grid systems. Let’s start with the basics… What is an Off-Grid Solar System? Off-grid solar photovoltaic systems consist of solar panels, an inverter, and solar batteries for energy storage. Unlike grid-tied solar systems with battery backup, off-grid systems are designed for structures that are not linked to the electrical grid. Sometimes, these systems also incorporate backup generators to provide extra power during extended cloudy periods. Off-grid solar setups are often the most cost-effective solution when extending the power grid to a home is prohibitively expensive or impossible.