The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Standalone Solar Power
If you’ve ever wondered “Can I run my house on solar power alone?” — you’re not alone. Standalone (off-grid) solar systems give you energy independence, peace of mind, and serious long-term savings. This guide walks you through everything you need to know as a beginner.
🔋 What Is a Standalone Solar System?
Unlike grid-tied systems, standalone solar works independently — no grid, no monthly bill. Power is generated, stored, and used entirely on-site.
Basic Components:
- ✅ Solar Panels — convert sunlight into electricity
- ✅ Charge Controller — manages charging safely
- ✅ Battery Bank — stores energy for night/cloudy use
- ✅ Inverter — converts DC to AC for appliances
- ✅ Wiring + Protection — ensures safe power flow
📦 What You’ll Need (and Why)
- Panels: Sized to generate daily power + recharge batteries
- Batteries: Enough capacity to handle 1–3 days without sun
- Inverter: Handles your peak power usage
- MPPT Controller: Higher efficiency, better in low light
📐 How to Size Your System (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Load Calculation
Add the total watt-hours used daily. Use our Load Calculator.
Step 2: Panel Requirement
Panel Watts = Daily Load ÷ Average Sun Hours
Use 5h/day if unsure.
Step 3: Battery Sizing
Battery Wh = Daily Load × Days of Autonomy
Convert to Ah using your battery voltage. Try our Battery Sizing Tool.
Step 4: Inverter Sizing
Pick an inverter that supports your peak simultaneous load with surge tolerance. Use our Inverter Tool.
📌 Typical Small Home Setup
- Solar: 1.5–2kW (5–7 panels)
- Batteries: 2 × 12V 150Ah (or 24V 200Ah)
- Inverter: 1500–3000W
- Controller: 40A MPPT
- Appliances: Lights, fans, TV, router, laptop, fridge
💰 What It Costs (Estimates)
| Component | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Panels (2kW) | $1,400 |
| Batteries (5kWh) | $1,600 |
| Inverter + Controller | $700 |
| Wires, Mounts, Fuses | $300 |
| Total | $4,000 |
🔧 Tools to Plan It All
✅ Final Thoughts
Standalone solar power isn’t complicated — it just needs smart planning. With the right tools and guidance, anyone can design their own off-grid system. Use our free tools and step-by-step posts to start your solar journey today.