Green energy solutions are more than a passing trend, and off-grid solar systems are available anywhere you find the sun. Like traditional home solar arrays with battery backups, off-grid solar systems provide clean energy while storing enough reserve energy to power your home for three to five days. You can expect to spend between $32,500 to $69,500, or a national average of $51,000, to take your home off-grid.
Off-grid solar generates electricity for your home without relying on the electric grid and costs vary depending on the brand, installation size, type, setup, location, and labor rates. Your off-grid system has three components:
- A photovoltaic system large enough to meet your home’s energy demands
- A battery system to store energy for later use
- A solar charge controller to protect your batteries
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator By Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost By Location
- On-Grid Solar System vs. Off-Grid Solar System
- FAQ
Average Costs of Off-Grid Solar Systems
| National Average Cost | $51,000 |
| Typical Price Range | $32,500 – $69,500 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $18,000 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $100,000 |
Most off-grid solar installations fall into the $32,500 to $69,500 range, but many factors can impact your total costs. A small, 2-kilowatt system installed in a very sunny climate can cost as little as $18,000, while a large, 20-kilowatt installation can set you back as much as $100,000.
Off-Grid Solar System Cost Estimator By Size
The cost of your solar array relates to size, and the size of your array is determined by the number of kilowatts (kW) your system needs to produce to cover your home’s energy demands.
Climate also plays a large role in determining your off-grid solar needs. Most homes require 7 kW to 10 kW systems to cover energy demands in most climates. However, homes with slightly less than average energy use and living in a sunny climate may require a smaller system between 5 kW to 7 kW. Smaller arrays below 5 kW are best for small installations, including RVs and one-room cabins, while arrays over 15 kW power large homes and farms.
Take a look at some common sizes and their average costs:
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The size of your solar panel system is not the only factor to keep in mind. System type and individual components also affect your total costs.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Solar upgrades, including off-grid solar systems and battery storage banks, are eligible for a government tax credit. The program runs from 2022 to 2035.
Solar systems installed between 2022 to 2032 are eligible for a 30% credit. Systems installed in 2033 are only eligible for a 26% credit, and those installed in 2034 will receive a 22% credit. There is no maximum amount a homeowner can claim.
Expenses include:
- Solar panels and solar shingles
- Contractor labor costs, including permitting fees and inspection costs
- Balancing equipment, including wiring, mounting equipment, and inverters
- Energy storage devices with a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt-hours or greater
- Sales tax on expenses
Many states also have policies governing renewable energy, offering their own incentives and rebates. The federal tax credit expires in 2035 unless it receives a congressional extension.
| Year | 2022 – 2032 | 2033 | 2034 |
| Tax Credit | 30% | 26% | 22% |
Off-Grid Solar System Cost Estimator by Type
All off-grid solar systems provide clean energy for your home and cover your home’s energy demands when there is no sunlight to produce new energy. While all systems have the same end goal, there are several different types with unique features to fit your home’s needs.
Let’s look at the types of off-grid solar systems:
- DC Solar System
- Mixed DC/AC Solar System
- AC Solar System
- AC Solar System With Wind
- AC Solar System With Backup Generator
DC Solar System
Direct Current (DC) solar systems are the cheapest option and work best for small installations in RVs or cabins. You can expect to spend between $6,000 to $10,000 for a DC system. These systems do not include a battery bank or inverter. Instead, they operate on sunny days and power only important appliances and basic functions.
Mixed DC/AC Solar System
Mixed alternating current (AC) and direct current systems operate in the same way as small-scale DC systems, except mixed systems have a battery system to store excess energy. The price depends on the size of your system, but you can expect to spend between $10,500 to $52,500. These systems are best suited to small off-grid installations.
AC Solar System
Both off-grid and grid-attached installations can use AC systems. It is one of the most popular options that includes solar panels, an inverter, and a battery storage system. AC systems cost between $31,500 to $65,000, depending on your energy needs.
AC Solar System With Wind
Many remote areas don’t get adequate sunshine year-round. Combining an AC system with wind turbine backup is a popular option in these regions. Combined wind and solar systems cost between $21,000 to $85,000.
AC Solar System With Backup Generator
An AC system with a backup generator is the most complete and redundant system for off-grid use. These systems handle your home’s energy use and operate in emergency situations. The cost of an off-grid AC system with a generator falls between $42,000 to $75,000.
Off-Grid Solar System Cost Estimator by Component
Off-grid solar systems comprise three basic components. A simple way to estimate the cost of your new system is based on the combined price of each component.
Solar Panels
Your solar panel array captures solar energy for off-grid power use. Most installations require 20 to 25 solar panels. On average, solar panels cost $2.76 per watt, and each panel produces around 250 to 400 watts. You can expect to spend between $7,500 to $24,000 on solar panels.
Inverter
Your off-grid solar system’s inverter converts the DC energy from your solar panels into AC power for your home. You can expect to spend between $4,350 to $11,350 on an inverter.
Solar Battery System
Aside from a pure DC solar system, most off-grid installations require a battery bank. Battery storage systems have high upfront costs, but they store collected solar energy, so you can power your home when your solar panels cannot produce energy or during a power outage. These advanced solar battery systems typically cost between $4,000 to $19,350, depending on battery chemistry.
Lithium-Ion vs. Lead Acid
Most residential solar systems use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, the same technology found in smartphones. Some installations, especially smaller solar systems like those found in an RV or cabin, use cheaper lead-acid batteries.
Overall, there are few notable differences between lead-acid and Li-ion batteries. The crucial differences are lithium batteries are lower maintenance but more expensive to purchase and install.
| Solar Battery Type | Average Cost Before Incentives*materials only |
| Lead Acid | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Lithium-Ion | $12,000 – $19,500 |
Charge Controller
Charge controllers are an integral part of your off-grid system. They protect your solar batteries by regulating the flow of energy produced by your solar panels so your batteries do not overload. Each battery requires its own charge controller, and you can expect to spend between $525 to $735 per controller.
Labor Cost to Install Off-Grid Solar
Labor costs to install off-grid solar panels are relatively low compared to on-grid installation costs, making up only 10% of your total cost. These costs vary depending on your location, project size, and mounting type. Ground-mount installations are typically less expensive than roof-mounted solar panels.
You can expect to spend around $7,500 on labor for a typical 10-kW system.
| Off-Grid Solar System Size | Average Labor Cost |
| 5 kW | $3,750 |
| 10 kW | $7,500 |
| 15 kW | $9,250 |
| 20 kW | $11,000 |
Related Services
Lower electric bills are not the only perk to installing an off-grid solar system. Your home will no longer rely on a grid connection and instead will be entirely self-sufficient. However, some regions need an additional source of clean energy to ensure the home always has power.
Alternative Energy Sources
If you live in a region that doesn’t receive adequate sunlight, you will need to accompany your installation with an alternative energy source to remain off-grid. The two main types of alternative energy sources are wind turbines and backup generators.
| Alternative Energy Source | Average Cost |
| Wind Turbine | $5,000 – $11,000 |
| Back-Up Generator | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Wind Turbine
A wind turbine works with your off-grid solar array and battery storage bank to create a hybrid system that helps ensure you always maintain power. Wind turbines cost between $5,000 to $11,000. It is important to note that zoning restrictions prohibit wind turbines in some areas. Check with your local governing bodies to determine if your region allows wind turbines.
Back-Up Generator
Unlike a grid-tied home, off-grid homes have no way of producing electricity when there is no sunshine. Many off-grid homeowners install backup generators with their solar systems. Generators have high upfront costs, but they provide peace of mind and emergency power for extreme situations.
Typically, backup generators are gas-powered and recharge your battery bank when your solar panels cannot produce energy. These costly systems will set you back between $10,000 to $20,000.
Cost of Off-Grid Solar Power Systems By Location
Off-grid solar installation varies widely based on location and the cost of living. Labor and materials cost significantly more in metro areas. Additionally, mild climates with longer roofing seasons have lower overall prices compared to regions with heavy snow and ice where the roofing season is shorter.
There is no way to know exactly what your solar installation will cost without receiving free quotes from professional contractors in your area to compare.
On-Grid Solar System vs. Off-Grid Solar System
Most residential solar installations connect to the grid. Homeowners install solar energy systems to reduce their traditional electricity usage and monthly utility bills. Their homes still draw power from the grid in times of little to no sunlight.
Off-grid systems are completely independent of the national grid. Without a combination of batteries, wind turbines, or generators, these homes have no source of power during low sun hours. Contractors size off-grid systems to meet the extreme maximum energy demands of a home.
Overall, off-grid systems are larger and more expensive, but they offer living flexibility, while connected homes are less expensive and provide peace of mind.
| Solar System Type | Average Cost Before Incentives*includes labor and materials |
| On-Grid | $15,000 – $26,000 |
| Off-Grid | $32,500 – $69,500 |
FAQ About Off-Grid Solar Systems
Off-grid solar panels maintain maximum output and efficiency for 25 to 30 years. Longevity depends on the brand, and providers offer their own warranties.
Be sure to check with your solar manufacturer to understand your warranty.
No. Solar systems are an advanced technology and require professional installation and wiring. Improper installation could void the manufacturer’s warranty and lead to leaks, mold, and water damage.
Yes, with enough solar panels and a battery storage system, you can power your home completely with solar energy.
The typical on-grid solar installation requires one to two batteries. Off-grid solar systems require between eight to12 batteries to maintain complete independence and prepare for emergencies.
Find a Off-Grid Solar Expert Near You
Off-grid solar systems produce clean energy for your home, allowing you to be completely independent. It is a great time to install a solar energy system while the federal tax credit is at 30%. Before this credit, you can expect to spend between $32,500 to $69,500, or a national average of $51,000, for off-grid solar panel installation.
If you are ready to reduce your reliance on utility companies, RoofGnome connects you to the best solar roofing professionals in your area to learn about your options.
Main Image Credit: John Englart / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
