How Much Does An Off-grid Solar System Cost in 2023?

Continue reading to find out how much an off-grid solar system will cost, as well as how to price out and choose the best system for you.

Before you make the move to go entirely off-grid, you should know that the investment can be considerable. It will take some time for an off-grid solar system to pay for itself. You may be curious about how much an off-grid solar system costs. An off-grid solar system would cost between $30,392 – $48,048.

Knowing how to go off-grid, what you’ll need to do, and how much it might cost you are all determined by having this information. To find out everything you need to know about the price of an off-grid solar system, keep reading.

Further Reading: How Does the Off-grid Solar System Work?

How Much Does An Off-grid Solar System Cost in 2023?

Most off-grid solar system 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.

There are several different types of off-grid solar systems that you can take into account when estimating the cost of one. Each has unique features and functionality, and this can inform the price you’ll pay. The more popular off-grid solar systems are discussed below.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are obviously necessary for a solar system to function. The cost of solar panels will depend on how many you get, what type, and how you mount them. Except for homes with a lot of lands to install a ground-mounted system, most homes will choose a roof-mounted solar system. Solar panels will typically cost $2,76 per watt.

• Average Cost: $5,000 – $30,000

Charge Controllers

The electric current addition to or withdrawal from electric batteries is regulated by charge controllers. The type/power rating of these devices generally determines the price. We recommend installing MPPT charge controllers, Victron is a fantastic brand.

• Average Cost: $50 – $1000

Hybrid Inverter

Inverters are pretty much the life force behind your off-grid solar system. Without them, your setup won’t work. In essence, they convert the DC electricity in your batteries into usable AC electricity so you can use it to run your home’s appliances.

• Average cost: $3000 – $13,000

Battery Bank

Possibly the most expensive part of your entire off-grid solar system setup. An off-grid solar system’s battery banks are one of its distinguishing features. They allow your home to be powered during periods of overcast conditions or at night time. In particular, lithium-ion technology is still quite expensive.

• Average cost: $10,000 – $30,000

Most of the major parts of an off-grid solar system have been discussed. There are, of course, a few additional minor components that will raise your cost. Since they all largely depend on the particular setup, we have decided to ignore them.

Factors That Affect the Cost of An Off-Grid Solar Power System

Why do these components come with such a broad price range? A system that produces more solar energy will typically cost more than one that produces less. Your overall cost will vary depending on the off-grid solar system’s size, quality, materials, design, and other elements.

System Size and Capacity

More batteries and solar panels will cost more if you’re purchasing high-quality components. A solar energy system with a 5 kWh capacity might be sufficient to power your small home.

Most homes today need at least 10 kWh to completely go off the grid. The number of solar panels and their capacity will depend on the size of your home and how much energy it uses.

Quality and Efficiency of Components

The efficiency of different solar power systems varies. Most photovoltaic panels currently have an efficiency of 15-20%. The 400W rigid solar panels from EcoFlow have an efficiency rating of up to 23% and are ideal for permanent off-grid constructions.

Even 15% efficiency is sufficient for an array to fully power a home off-grid due to the sun’s abundance of energy. However, you can produce more power using fewer panels and a higher efficiency rating.

Even though higher-quality panels, solar batteries, and other system components may cost more upfront, you might only need a smaller number of them to reach the required capacity. Off-grid solar power systems from reputable manufacturers will typically last longer, reducing your costs over the long term.

Location and Installation Costs

You’ll require fewer solar panels to satisfy your needs if you reside in an area with year-round sunshine as opposed to someone who does not. Depending on where you live, even the cost of the individual components can vary.

Your overall costs may be impacted by the labor costs involved in installing your system. Even though some systems permit self-installation, you may want to hire professional installers. Don’t forget to include installation costs in your budget projections.

Maintenance and Upkeep

An off-grid solar energy system comes with substantial up-front costs. However, a system that uses lithium-ion or LFP battery technology should have very little, if any, maintenance costs.

Rigid solar panels of high quality typically have a lifespan of 25 years or longer and only occasionally need to be cleaned. You can always hire a professional to inspect and clean the panels if you have a rooftop installation and don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Alternative Energy Sources

If you want to stay off the grid and live in an area that doesn’t get enough sunlight, you’ll need to install an alternative energy source in addition to your installation. Wind turbines and standby generators are the two main categories of alternative energy sources.

Alternative Energy Source	Average Cost
Wind Turbine	$5,000 – $11,000
Back-Up Generator	$10,000 – $20,000

Wind Turbine

A hybrid system that helps guarantee you always have power is made up of a wind turbine, an off-grid solar array, and a battery bank. Wind turbines cost between $5,000 to $11,000. It is significant to note that certain areas are prohibited from having wind turbines due to zoning regulations. If you’re unsure whether your area permits wind turbines, check with your local authorities.

Back-Up Generator

Off-grid homes, in contrast to homes connected to the grid, have no way to generate electricity when the sun isn’t shining. The installation of backup generators alongside solar systems is common among off-grid homeowners. Despite their high initial costs, generators offer security and backup power in emergency 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.

Solar Tax Credits

Installing a solar energy system costs several thousand dollars. That’s why the federal government enacted the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2006. With the help of this credit, you can deduct a portion of your solar expenses from your taxes at any time.

In the tax year that your solar panels were installed, you may be eligible for the ITC. Taxpayers who installed solar energy systems in 2021 received a 26% tax credit. In 2022 and 2023, the credit will be 22%.

Conclusion: the Cost of An Off-grid Solar System

Off-grid solar energy systems enable you to run your home entirely on clean energy. 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.

You might be able to live in more remote, natural settings thanks to an off-grid solar system that isn’t dependent on the electricity grid. The overall cost of your household’s purchases would be decreased by this on its own. Perhaps this serves as a motivation to justify the high cost of an off-grid solar system.

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