Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on whether you'll ever connect to the grid and how you plan to use power. An off-grid system runs entirely on your panels and battery, with no utility connection at all, and is common for cabins, remote properties, and full off-grid homes. 

A hybrid system can connect to the grid but still includes a battery, so it keeps essential loads running during an outage. A grid-tied system stays connected to the grid and typically skips the battery, which is more affordable but usually won't power your home during an outage. 

If you just need portable power for a few devices, a power station (an all-in-one battery, inverter, and charge controller) may be a simpler fit than a full kit. Not sure which applies to you? Call us at 877-556-3347, and we'll help you figure it out.

Start with what you plan to run and for how long: add up the wattage of your appliances and how many hours a day you'll use them. That total, plus how many days you want to run on stored power alone, determines your battery and panel size. 

Our Solar System Size Calculator walks through this appliance by appliance and recommends a panel, battery, and inverter size for you. If your setup is more complex, or you'd rather talk it through, request a Free Solar Proposal or call 877-556-3347 and we'll help size it with you.

That comes down to your daily energy use and how many days of backup ("autonomy") you want if the sun doesn't cooperate.

Someone using a system occasionally might be fine with one day of storage, while someone relying on it full-time usually wants two or more days of buffer. As a rough example, 5,000 watt-hours of daily use with two days of autonomy points to roughly a 10,000 watt-hour (10 kWh) battery bank. 

Our sizing calculator lets you adjust the autonomy setting and see how it changes your recommended battery size.

Often, yes, within the limits of your inverter and wiring. Our solar kits range from smaller setups for an RV or small cabin up to large systems for full off-grid homes, so there's usually room to grow within a brand's lineup. 

If you know you'll want to expand later, mention that when sizing your system so we can point you toward components with headroom to add panels or batteries down the road, since not every inverter or battery bank is built to expand. Call us before you buy if future growth is a priority.

A complete kit typically includes the solar panels, an inverter (sometimes an all-in-one inverter and charger), a battery or battery bank, and the cabling, breakers, and connectors needed to wire it together. Exactly what's in the box varies by kit and brand, so check the specific product listing for its full component list, and reach out if anything's unclear before you order.

Panels collect sunlight and produce DC power. A charge controller regulates that power so it charges your battery safely (on many hybrid and all-in-one systems, this is built into the inverter itself). The battery stores energy for when the sun isn't out. 

The inverter converts DC power into the AC power your outlets and appliances actually use. All four need to work together, especially on voltage, for the system to perform the way it's supposed to.

We carry hybrid inverters (built to manage solar, battery storage, and in some systems a grid connection, all in one unit), off-grid inverters (for systems with no utility connection), and microinverters (which convert power at the individual panel level).

Which one you need depends on whether your system will ever connect to the grid and how you want it to manage your battery. If you're not sure, tell us about your setup, and we'll point you to the right category.

It depends on the brand. Jackery's SolarSaga panels use proprietary DC connectors matched to Jackery power stations, and Jackery doesn't document or support wiring them into a standalone inverter. EcoFlow and Anker SOLIX are different: most of their panels (including EcoFlow's rigid panels and the Anker SOLIX PS400) use standard MC4 connectors and panel voltages in the same range as conventional panels, so they can physically interface with a separate MPPT charge controller or hybrid inverter. EcoFlow even confirms this for its own MC4 panels.

The catch is scale: a single portable panel's voltage output is far below what inverters like the EG4 or Sol-Ark need to start up, so it would take several panels wired in series, the same as with any brand's panels, to build a usable string.

If you're building a system around a separate inverter, look for panels meant for that kind of setup, and ask us first if you're not sure which category a panel falls into.

That depends on your battery's capacity, your inverter's power rating, and what you're running. A battery around 5,000 watt-hours might comfortably run a small fridge, lighting, and device charging for close to a day, but that runtime drops fast if you add something like a window AC unit or space heater. 

Motor-driven appliances (well pumps, compressors, power tools) also draw a brief power surge when they start, well above their running wattage, so your inverter needs to handle that too. 

It can, but only if it's built for it. A standard grid-tied system is required to shut off automatically during an outage for safety, so panels alone generally won't keep your home running when the grid goes down. Real backup power requires a battery and an inverter set up for it. Off-grid and hybrid systems with battery storage, which make up most of what we sell, are built around this from the start.

A few habits go a long way: keep the charge level above 20% instead of routinely running it to empty, avoid extreme temperatures (never store below -20°C or above 45°C), and always use the manufacturer-recommended charger. 

If you're storing a battery for a while, discharge it, recharge to 100%, then bring it down to about 60% before storage, repeating roughly every three months. Check it periodically for swelling, leaks, or corrosion, and stop using it right away if you notice any of those.

Often, yes, as long as the additional units match the voltage and specs of what's already installed. Panels can usually be combined to reach a larger array, and batteries can often be paired to add storage. 

Whether your specific inverter and battery setup allows for this depends on the brand and model, so confirm compatibility with us before ordering, especially if you're adding to a system you didn't originally buy from us.

The biggest thing to check is voltage. Off-grid and hybrid systems typically run at 12V, 24V, or 48V, and your panels, battery, and inverter all need to match (or be configured for) the same voltage. You'll also want to check that your inverter's power rating covers what you plan to run. Kits we sell are already matched for you. 

If you're mixing components or brands, or adding to an existing system, call us or use live chat before you order so we can confirm everything fits together.

No, installation is the customer's responsibility, and we don't provide installation services or reimburse installation costs. If you're not experienced with electrical work, we strongly recommend hiring a licensed electrician or qualified solar installer instead of doing the wiring yourself.

We're glad to help you choose and size the right equipment before you buy; the physical installation and any related costs are on you.

Most installs call for a multimeter, an MC4 crimping tool with connectors, insulated screwdrivers and wrenches, and cable ties or wire management tools. We don't supply or reimburse for tools, so have these on hand (or a qualified installer with their own) before your system arrives.

It depends on where you live. Permit and inspection requirements for solar and battery systems are set locally and vary by city, county, and state, so there's no single answer that applies everywhere. Check with your local building or electrical authority before you install, and if you're not confident doing the electrical work yourself, hire a licensed electrician.

Always disconnect power before working on any electrical component, and wear insulated gloves when handling batteries or wiring.

Follow your local codes rather than assuming general guidance applies everywhere, and keep a fire extinguisher on hand while installing or servicing your system. If a battery ever shows swelling, leaks, or damage, stop using it immediately and contact us or the manufacturer.

Monthly, check for loose connections or damage, clean dust off your panels, and check your battery's charge level. Quarterly, do a deeper panel cleaning and run a battery calibration cycle if needed. Annually, do a full inspection: check mounting hardware, test electrical parameters with a multimeter, verify battery capacity, and check your inverter for errors.

Yes, we offer free shipping to the lower 48 states. Orders are typically processed within 72 business hours (Monday through Friday), and most orders arrive within 3 to 10 business days of purchase, not counting weekends, holidays, or courier delays. You'll get a confirmation email right after ordering and a tracking update once it ships.

If it's been more than 15 business days since shipping, email us at contact@offgridsource.com. If a package arrives damaged, document it on the delivery receipt, take photos within 24 to 72 hours, and file a claim with us within 72 hours, since claims filed later are harder to resolve. 

If a package shows as delivered, but you can't find it, check nearby delivery spots, ask neighbors, and review any security footage; once a carrier marks something delivered, responsibility shifts to the recipient, so it's worth acting fast.

You can cancel before your order ships by emailing or calling us within 24 business hours of placing it. Once it's shipped, it can't be cancelled, and refusing delivery at that point may trigger a manufacturer reconsignment fee. Shipping charges are non-refundable once an order has shipped.

Along with standard payment methods, we offer Shop Pay Installments (split orders over $50 into four interest-free payments, with financing through Affirm's lending partners at rates from 0% up to 10-36% APR depending on your eligibility) and PayPal Credit (promotional financing on purchases of $99 or more, interest-free if paid off within six months).

Yes. If you find a lower price for the same item from another authorized dealer's online store, contact us before you buy, and we'll match it. The lower price has to come from an authorized dealer's own online store (not marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, and not physical stores), and it needs to be reported to us before purchase. Sales tax isn't included in the comparison.

We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Items need to be new, unused, and in original packaging with all materials included, and you'll need to submit photos when requesting the return. Any special labels and documentation that came with the original shipment must also be on the box. Custom orders and anything installed or used aren't eligible. You're responsible for return shipping unless the item arrived damaged or defective, in which case it's free. Refunds go back to your original payment method once we've received and inspected the item and confirmed it's in working condition with all original components and packaging.

We recommend a trackable, insured shipping method for returns. We're not liable for items damaged in return shipping, so any damage claims go directly to your shipping carrier. We may refuse returns that don't meet these terms.

Email contact@offgridsource.com or call 877-556-3347. Our team will respond within 24 to 48 business hours with return shipping instructions and any documentation you'll need. Once we receive and verify the returned product, we'll begin processing your refund or replacement right away.

Some orders ship from different suppliers, so items from a single order may need to go to separate return addresses. Please send each item to the exact address we provide for it, since we can't be responsible for returns sent to the wrong address.

Yes. Exchanges are available for items in new, unused condition with all original packaging and components. Once we've received, inspected, and confirmed the returned item meets our return conditions, we'll process your replacement order.

Shipping charges are non-refundable for exchanges, and you're responsible for both the return shipping on the original item and the shipping on the replacement. If your product arrived damaged or defective, both are free; just contact our support team to arrange it.

Not on standard returns made within 30 days, unless the specific product's supplier requires one, in which case we'll let you know and deduct it from your refund. Returns after the 30-day window need written approval and may carry a restocking fee of 15% or more.

Warranty length and coverage come from the manufacturer of each product, not a single Off-Grid Source policy, so terms vary by what you bought (check your product manual for specifics).

To start a claim, contact the manufacturer directly or reach out to us, and we'll help you through it. Have your serial number, proof of purchase, and a description of the issue ready. If applicable, also include any error messages or fault codes, plus photos or videos of the problem. Our technical support team may ask for additional information the manufacturer requires. Filing a claim doesn't guarantee an automatic repair or replacement; it gets reviewed first.

Returns or warranties may be voided if a product malfunctions because of added third-party equipment or unauthorized modifications.

Customers in Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico are responsible for all shipping costs on returns and exchanges, and we strongly recommend a reputable freight provider with enough insurance to cover the item. We don't accept returns or exchanges from other U.S. territories.

Manufacturer warranties apply only within the lower 48 states. If you're in Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico, the product must be shipped to the mainland for warranty service, and shipping both ways is your responsibility.

You don't have to figure it out alone. Our Solar System Size Calculator walks through your appliances and usage to recommend a system, and our Free Solar Proposal service gives you a more tailored recommendation. You can also call 877-556-3347, email contact@offgridsource.com, or use live chat, with no obligation to buy just because you asked.