How-To Articles

Going off-grid? Learn more with our off grid resources specially for New Zealand - videos and blog posts that talk through your solar power FAQs, installation questions, and more about our off-grid solar power kits too.

Discover what others before you have learned about going off-grid, including their best tips for getting started, and general frequently asked questions we receive. It takes a village and we’re glad you’re part of the GridFree community.

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PLANNING STAGE

One thing customers are never told when getting a quote for off-grid solar?

What they can do to lower the cost. We believe this is a massive disservice to a customer.

Why are Off-Grid Quotes so High?

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What is a kilowatt hour?
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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 the right solar solution? This article will br...
What are the best methods to heat water off-grid?
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What are the best methods to heat water off-grid?
Electric hot water cylinders use a LOT of power, so it's best to heat water off grid with an instant gas hot water camping shower, a woodburner and wetback, or evacuated tube solar hot water for ...
What's the difference between a Standard and a Hybrid solar kit?
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What's the difference between a Standard and a Hybrid solar kit?
Looking at our solar kits but not sure whether to go with a Standard or Hybrid kit? Here's a rundown of the key differences in function, contents, and recommended uses.
Should I get a generator or a bigger kit? Or both?
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Should I get a generator or a bigger kit? Or both?
When planning out your off-grid power needs, it's important to consider how your power needs, usage, and generation will change across the year. Specifically, it's important to consider what these ...
Is off-grid solar right for me?
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Is off-grid solar right for me?
If you're asking whether an off grid solar system is the right choice for your lifestyle, the first thing to understand is the difference between off-grid and grid-tied solar.
Solar Power FAQS: How do I Know What Size Solar System I need?
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Solar Power FAQS: How do I Know What Size Solar System I need?
You can estimate your power usage with an online load calculator, or do the estimate manually: calculate watt hours by using each appliance’s power rating, multiplied by the time (hours) it will b...
Q+A: What Does Grid Free Mean and How to Go off the Grid with Solar
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Q+A: What Does Grid Free Mean and How to Go off the Grid with Solar
Taking short breaks from the city on the weekends, escaping the city rent trap, or starting to build a life on family land—when it comes to answering the question "what does grid free mean", it dep...
Q+A: All about Batteries: What is the Best Deep Cycle Battery for Solar?
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Q+A: All about Batteries: What is the Best Deep Cycle Battery for Solar?
What is the best battery for off-grid solar? Wondering what is the best battery for off-grid solar? Our standard 200Ah Gel Deep Cycle Battery is a workhorse that is popular with our customers and ...
Q+A: How Much Does an Off Grid Solar Setup with NZ Solar Panels Cost? Plus Saving Tips
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Q+A: How Much Does an Off Grid Solar Setup with NZ Solar Panels Cost? Plus Saving Tips
From a holistic point of view, the costs of an off grid solar setup in NZ (solar panels, batteries, and everything else you need) really comes down to the type of life you want to live. It can vary...
Going Off-Grid Q+A: Getting the Internet Off Grid
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Going Off-Grid Q+A: Getting the Internet Off Grid
Going off-grid does not at all mean going without internet - as seen with our founder, Craig who frequently does Zoom calls from his off-grid cabin! There are a few options people use to get the in...
Q+A: What do the maintenance costs look like after the initial off grid solar setup?
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Q+A: What do the maintenance costs look like after the initial off grid solar setup?
When using a completely off grid solar system, you’ll find there’s not a huge amount of maintenance costs tied into NZ solar panels for your off grid solar setup. Six months down the line, what wil...
Q+A: In a Complete Off Grid Solar System with Batteries, How Many Batteries Do I Need to Go Off the Grid?
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Q+A: In a Complete Off Grid Solar System with Batteries, How Many Batteries Do I Need to Go Off the Grid?
How many batteries do I need to go off-grid in New Zealand? Start by asking what you plan to run, not how many batteries you need to go off the grid. The standard three bedroom household will like...

More Off Grid Resources

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