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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Q+A: Is going off the grid legal?
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Q+A: Is going off the grid legal?
Going off the grid? If you’re wondering if off grid living is legal, the answer is simple - yes. In New Zealand, where GridFree is based, you’re not required to be connected to utilities, whether y...
Why is my inverter shutting off due to "battery low voltage"?
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Why is my inverter shutting off due to "battery low voltage"?
Both our standard inverter and hybrid inverter/chargers have low voltage protections. In a hybrid inverter, you may get warning about "battery low voltage" or "battery over-discharge", and in a sta...
Why Aren't Lithium-Iron Batteries Standard?
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Why Aren't Lithium-Iron Batteries Standard?
Without question, lithium-iron batteries present some distinct advantages that other types of batteries don’t offer - but we still have lead acid batteries as the default in our kits. 
What is the Best Inverter for Off-Grid Solar?
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What is the Best Inverter for Off-Grid Solar?
The inverter is one of the four essential components in an off-grid solar system. The sole purpose of an inverter is to convert the Direct Current (DC) power that comes from your solar panels and b...
PWM vs MPPT Charge Controllers: Which one should you choose?
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PWM vs MPPT Charge Controllers: Which one should you choose?
A charge controller is an essential component of every off-grid Solar system, as it protects the battery from overcharging and optimises the energy coming from the solar panels. Because it provides...
Why are Off-Grid Solar Quotes So High? (and Why They Don't Need to Be)
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Why are Off-Grid Solar Quotes So High? (and Why They Don't Need to Be)
Off-grid solar quotes are so high because they’re designed to work on even the lowest sunlight hour days. But they don’t need to be. A simple change in your habits to conserve energy for just a fe...
Roof Mounts vs Ground Mounts for Off Grid Solar
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Roof Mounts vs Ground Mounts for Off Grid Solar
We have a lot of customers asking for our advice when it comes to choosing between a roof mount or a ground mount for their off-grid solar setup, so in this article we will explain the differences...
What Battery Is Best For Off-Grid Solar?
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What Battery Is Best For Off-Grid Solar?
There are a lot of battery options on the market now for off-grid solar. It can be confusing about what options are best, especially with new technology being offered and confusing marketing tactics.

More Off Grid Resources

Join our GridFree NZ community on Facebook to connect with others looking to venture or live off-grid, just like you.

Check out GridFree customer installation stories to see how other people went solar.

Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more how-to videos and installs behind-the-scenes.

Have a question you didn’t see addressed above? Contact us.