Off-Grid Energy System Calculator
2026 · Plug-in solar is legalizing now
Just want to shave your electric bill — no battery, no electrician? Size a plug-in / balcony solar kit instead of running the full off-grid wizard.
01 — Rig
This sets sensible defaults for space, budget, and mounting — you can override anything later. If you've got grid access on site, we'll also flag whether a plug-in balcony solar kit is worth stacking on top of your off-grid setup.
Prioritizes portability — usually an all-in-one solar generator or a small monocrystalline array paired with a compact lithium bank. (voltage & mounting below are set from this — change them anytime.)
Battery chemistry
| Chemistry | Maintenance & safety | Lifespan & power use | Cost & weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium (LiFePO4)90% usable · 3000+ cycles | Zero maintenance · built-in BMS chip protects against damage | Thousands of cycles · use ~90% of stored power without harm | Most upfront cost, but lightest and lowest cost over time |
| AGM Lead-Acid50% usable · 500 cycles | Sealed — no water needed · resists vibration well | Longer life than flooded · slightly more usable capacity | Mid cost · still heavy |
| Flooded Lead-Acid50% usable · lowest cost | Needs regular water refills · vents gas · can spill if tipped | ~300–500 cycles · use only half before recharge | Cheapest to buy up front · very heavy |
Lithium (LiFePO4) is the default for a reason — its 90% usable capacity and multi-thousand-cycle life mean a far smaller bank than lead-acid for the same runtime. Lead-acid still wins on upfront cost for occasional-use rigs.
System voltage
Auto-suggested from your loadout once you add devices (12V under 1,000W · 24V 1,000–3,000W · 48V above) — pick one manually to lock it in.
Estimates for planning purposes only. Verify against manufacturer specs and local code before purchase or install.