I am brand new here, and do not have any solar, nor off grid equipment yet. I am unhappy with the P.U.D., and desire to "cut the cord". I expect it to cost money, but I am a little bit bull headed, and I want to be off the grid. I live in Oregon, and have excellent southern exposure, with plenty of room for a solar array. I think my main needs from battery power will be refrigeration, lighting, and electronic entertainment (computer, tv, cell phone).
I am trying to cram info into my brain, but it is taking more time and effort than I expected. My first question is how to provide myself with refrigerator and freezer without the grid. I see a couple brands of appliances designed for off grid, which run on DC, but I also see that I could use an inverter and keep the same appliances I already have. Is there a good reason to purchase the purpose built off grid appliances (refrigerator, and freezer) ? I do have a great generator to use as back up, and for occasional large loads like laundry. I will be looking into propane tankless water heater, and propane off grid range/oven to back up a wood cookstove. I am in a "modern" on grid home with wood and electric heat, so I can make the transition in steps.
Thank you for your time and patience.
I am trying to cram info into my brain, but it is taking more time and effort than I expected. My first question is how to provide myself with refrigerator and freezer without the grid. I see a couple brands of appliances designed for off grid, which run on DC, but I also see that I could use an inverter and keep the same appliances I already have. Is there a good reason to purchase the purpose built off grid appliances (refrigerator, and freezer) ? I do have a great generator to use as back up, and for occasional large loads like laundry. I will be looking into propane tankless water heater, and propane off grid range/oven to back up a wood cookstove. I am in a "modern" on grid home with wood and electric heat, so I can make the transition in steps.
Thank you for your time and patience.