How-To Articles

Spiroloc: New Zealand Metal Work, Engineering for Off-Grid Hot Water.

At GridFree, we know that going off-grid doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. And few things are as essential to off-grid living as reliable, efficient hot water. That’s why our GridFree...

Why Choose a Bifacial Solar Panel? (And Why Our 440W Full Black Panel Is a Game-Changer)

Why Choose a Bifacial Solar Panel? (And Why Our 440W Full Black Panel Is a Game-Changer) When it comes to solar power, getting the most out of every ray of...

DIY Solar in NZ: Stay Safe and Compliant

DIY Off-Grid Solar: Dos and Don'ts in New Zealand Embarking on a DIY off-grid solar project in New Zealand can be both rewarding and cost-effective. However, it's crucial to understand...

• basics
• generator

Why do you need a back-up generator for off-grid?

Why Your Off-Grid Solar System Needs a Backup Generator (Meet the Hercules 6000W) Going off-grid with solar doesn’t mean you’re left powerless when the sun isn’t shining. Enter the Hercules...

Why Lithium Batteries Are the Smart Choice for Off-Grid Solar Systems

Why LiFePo4 Batteries Are the Smart Choice for Off-Grid Solar Systems Off-grid solar systems are all about freedom and reliability, but your energy storage can make or break the experience....

• lifestyle
• movable dwellings
• planning: installation
• projects
• solar panels
• solar power

Powering Your Pāpākainga with Off-Grid Solar

"GridFree offers off-grid solar solutions tailored to the unique needs of pāpākainga, enabling whānau to embrace renewable energy, manage costs, and reduce their environmental footprint."

• basics
• inverter

Low-Frequency hybrid Inverter VS High-Frequency hybrid inverter

This Article will help you understand some key differences between an low-frequency offgrid hybrid inverter and a high-frequency offgrid hybrid inverter.  All of our NEW TBB renewable off-grid hybrid inverters...

• quick guide
• type: video

Comprehensive Guide to the E4 TBB Monitoring Unit

By following this guide, you can ensure the smooth operation of your E4 TBB Monitoring Unit and maintain optimal performance for your off-grid solar solution.

• how to
• planning: maintenance/troubleshooting
• solar power
• Solar Water Pump
• type: video

How to replace the screw in your solar screw pump?

The screw or helical rotor is the part of the pump that actually pushes the water. Over time it will eventually wear down and you'll need to replace it.

• glamping
• type: article

Powering Your Off-Grid Glamping Site or Airbnb Cabin with GridFree Solar in Rural New Zealand

With the growing popularity of green and sustainable living, many people with patch of land are looking to set up a glampsite or cabin powered by an off-grid solar kit, like those provided...

Calibrating the pressure switch for your solar water pump

Our systems are designed to be automated with the help of a pressure switch. As you pump water it slowly fills your header tank. Once the tank fills to the top (and assuming you...

• type: article

Beginner's Guide to Off Grid Electricity in New Zealand

Living off-grid in New Zealand means generating your own electricity and becoming self-sufficient. This guide will cover the basics of setting up an off-grid electricity system, including the different types...

• lifestyle
• type: article

Foraging as a Way of Life + Pickled Onionweed Recipe

In my early 20s, while living in the Swiss/Italian Alps I fell headfirst into the wonderful wild world of foraging and folk herbalism. I was instantly drawn to the beautiful,...

• GridFree Connections
• type: video

GF Connections - Interview with Elite Tiny Homes

There's a whole lot more to living off grid than just setting up solar. So today we're starting a new series where we visit other off-grid friendly businesses that you might encounter in your...

• basics
• general
• planning: research and planning
• type: article

Living Off the Grid: 9 Surprises and Misconceptions

Thinking about going off the grid in New Zealand? We had a chat with some off-gridders to hear all about what surprised them most when they moved off grid, and...

• basics
• FAQ
• q+a
• type: article

What is a kilowatt hour?

If you’ve started looking into solar, kilowatt hours (kWh) is a term you’ve probably seen – but what does it mean and how do you use this term to find...

• basics
• planning: installation
• planning: maintenance/troubleshooting
• planning: research and planning
• solar panels
• type: article

Effects of Shadow on Solar Panels

Occasionally customers will call us wondering why they can’t seem to fully charge their batteries despite having plenty of sunshine - more often than not, there’s a shadow being cast...

• general
• type: article

Tips for Conserving Water Off-Grid Over Summer

With a much drier season expected this summer, it’s important to be prepared for the lack of rainfall we’ll have over the next several months, so here are some quick...

• appliances
• basics
• type: article

Best Appliances for Off Grid Living

Going off the grid and trying to work out what the best appliances will be? By choosing the most efficient appliances you can cut down on your electricity use quite...

• tiny house
• tiny living
• type: article

Tips for Going Off Grid in a Tiny House

If you’ve chosen to go tiny in your off-grid journey, we’ve got a couple tips and suggestions to help with the planning! 

• how to
• planning: maintenance/troubleshooting
• planning: purchasing
• sizing
• type: video
• usage

How to choose a backup generator

A generator is a key part of any off grid setup. If you run into a set of rainy days with no solar generation or you just use too much power,...

• type: article

What is Solar Pumping?

Solar water pumps are usually to replace on-demand pumps such as petrol or mains pumps - saving on bills and time.

• batteries
• type: article

How to Look After Off Grid Solar Batteries

Batteries are a key component in all our off grid solar kits. They are also your biggest investment, so it is very important to look after them to maximise their...

• basics
• general
• tiny living
• type: article

5 Things to Consider before Living Off Grid in NZ

Dreaming about escaping the rat race and living off the land? Here are five things to consider before making your big move towards living off grid in NZ.