How-To Articles

Plug-in Solar May Be Coming to New Zealand. Here's What You Need to Know.

For years, plug-in solar has been transforming the way people generate electricity across Europe. Instead of installing a traditional rooftop solar system, homeowners and renters can simply plug a small...

The End of the Biggest Barrier to Solar in NZ?

The government newly proposed Home Energy Fund in June 2026 could change everything for Kiwi homeowners. For years, we've heard the same question from homeowners considering solar: "I'd love solar... but I...

How to Size Your Off-Grid Solar Package for Your Home

The truth is, sizing your off-grid solar package isn’t about the size of your home or how many bedrooms you have. It’s all about how much energy you use and how...

How to choose an off-grid solar package for your 3-bedroom home

Choosing how to size your off-grid solar package for your 3-bedroom home is easy with GridFree! We try to take the guess work out as much as possible for our...

How to choose an off-grid solar package for your 4-bedroom home

Choosing how to size your off-grid solar package for your 4-bedroom home is easy with GridFree! We try to take the guess work out as much as possible for our...

10 things to do to prepare for living off the grid (2025)

Are you dreaming of a life off the grid, where you can embrace self-sufficiency and reconnect with nature? If so, it's essential to know how to prepare for off-grid living....

How to Make the Most of Your Solar Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries have come a long way in the past few years. Prices have dropped significantly, making them more accessible than ever, and when you consider their performance and lifespan,...

Crafty Gatherer: Handcrafted Tools for a Resilient, Off-Grid Life

There’s a lot more to living GridFree than just solar power. While solar is at the heart of independence, off-grid living also means growing food, managing waste, and using tools that...

5 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! 

Uncovering the ins and outs of Off-Grid Wastewater with Caleb from WaterFlow, NZ

When you’re planning an off-grid lifestyle, one of the biggest challenges is something many people don’t think about straight away: what to do with wastewater. From toilets to showers and...

• basics
• cost
• cost of living
• how to
• lifestyle
• planning: research and planning
• self sufficiency
• solar panels
• solar power
• type: article

Going Off-Grid: A Response to the Ongoing Cost of Living Crisis in New Zealand

With power prices in New Zealand rising faster than inflation and some rural households facing connection costs typically starting from 20K and in some cases, going above 6 digits, more...

TBB Nova App Setup Tutorial

Step-by-Step for GridFree Solar Systems The TBB Nova app is a powerful tool that puts control and visibility of your solar system right in your hands. Whether you're using a Solar...

Top 9 things to Consider Before Running a Holiday Rental in NZ

"With New Zealanders increasingly seeking weekend escapes and international visitors returning in greater numbers, setting up an Airbnb or short-term holiday rental on your land can become a rewarding way...

Smart Load Management with TBB Hybrid Inverters: How to Use the Smart Port for Off-Grid Living

If you’re living off-grid, or planning to, managing your power wisely is just as important as generating it. That’s why all of our new TBB hybrid inverters and inverter/chargers (like...

Inside Spiroloc: NZ Metalwork & Off-Grid Hot Water Innovation

This month, our team visited Spiroloc in Christchurch: a proudly local, family-run manufacturer that became popular over the past years in our off-grid community, for creating robust, innovative off-grid water...

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 sunlight is key. That's where bifacial solar panels come in, offering a smart, efficient way to...

DIY Solar in NZ: Stay Safe and Compliant

Embarking on a DIY off-grid solar project in New Zealand can be both rewarding and cost-effective. However, it's crucial to understand the dos and don'ts to ensure safety and compliance...

• basics
• generator

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

Going off-grid with solar doesn’t mean you’re left powerless when the sun isn’t shining.

Why Lithium 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...

• 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...