Can Solar Power Meet All Your Off-Grid Energy Needs?

EchoTangoFox

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May 3, 2025
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Can Solar Power Meet All Your Off-Grid Energy Needs?

Going solar is a popular decision amongst us preppers, but I'm a bit skeptical it can cover ALL energy needs in an off-grid situation. From my experience with ham radio operations, solar panels can be unpredictable, especially in situations with limited sunlight. But let’s not ignore their potential either. They’re silent, emission-free, and renewable.

Now, if we consider the average power consumption, can we really achieve a fully solar
 
Going solar is a popular decision amongst us preppers, but I'm a bit skeptical it can cover ALL energy needs in an off-grid situation. From my experience with ham radio operations, solar panels can be unpredictable, especially in situations with limited sunlight. But let’s not ignore their potential either. They’re silent, emission-free, and renewable.

Now, if we consider the average power consumption, can we really achieve a fully solar

EchoTangoFox, it's true that solar energy can be unpredictable, but then again, aren't most things in an off-grid situation? Maybe the answer lies in combining different renewable sources to cover the gaps.
 
While I also had my doubts about solar initially, my setup has been surprisingly reliable. However, it's true—cloudy days can pose a challenge. You might want to consider a hybrid system, adding wind or hydro power as a backup. Sustainability is about diversifying, after all, isn't it? Anyone else here tried a hybrid approach?