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Homeowner shares their DIY off-grid setup that exploited a regulation loophole: 'The power is out for everyone but me'

"That's a good idea."

One homeowner took to Reddit to show how proud they were of their off-grid setup.

Photo Credit: Reddit

Installing solar panels for your home can have many benefits, including one you may not even be thinking about: energy resilience. One homeowner took to Reddit to show how proud they were of their off-grid setup. 

The OP posted an image of their solar panels on a recycled camper trailer. Their house is historical, so they weren't able to modify it for the installation. The only downside, they said, was that the batteries were exposed. 

One homeowner took to Reddit to show how proud they were of their off-grid setup.
Photo Credit: Reddit

Many people install solar panels to save money. For example, you can save about $3,000 a year on your energy bills, depending on your system and the size of your house. That's reason enough to make the upgrade.

However, as more power outages happen, going solar can be a good way to keep your lights on during blackouts. 


Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.

To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.

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As the OP said, "The power is out for everyone but me." 

If you're ready to explore solar power, EnergySage is an excellent place to start with its handy tools for comparing installation quotes. 

To go off-grid and have power when no one else does, as this homeowner did, it's ideal to pair your solar setup with a battery backup, which allows you to store energy. In addition to providing insurance for when there is a power outage, a backup system can be used when energy prices are expensive. 

EnergySage can not only help you understand your options, but it can also help you save up to $10,000 on a solar system. The company even has a mapping tool that lets you see solar prices in each state and available incentives. This way, you don't miss out on any savings.

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Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number

Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.

To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.

If you're eyeing a battery so you can go off the grid, EnergySage also provides information on those. 

Your setup doesn't have to be like this homeowner's DIY version. However, the OP inspired some Redditors. 

Which of these savings plans for rooftop solar panels would be most appealing for you?

Save $1,000 this year 💸

Save less this year but $20k in 10 years 💰

Save less in 10 years but $80k in 20 years 🤑

Couldn't pay me to go solar 😒

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"I'm real close to doing this for a workshop/office," one user said.

Another commented: "That's a good idea. I have a small spot in the mountains in a little HOA (not real restrictive luckily). I could easily do one of those really small enclosed trailers and have a little office setup in it."

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