I'm looking for advice on how to set up a portable solar power solution for an off-grid 800 sqft house I'm planning to build on my property in Colorado. I won't be living there full-time, just during the late spring, summer, and early fall, but I'm worried about theft since there's a lot of crime in the area. Does anyone know of a reliable portable solar power system that I can easily take with me, or how to secure a solar setup so it's less tempting to thieves?
3 Answers
For a portable setup, check out solar generators that come with built-in batteries and inverters. They usually include foldable solar panels that you can set up when you're out there. Brands like Anker, Jackery, and EcoFlow have combo units that are fantastic for off-grid living while still being super portable. You just have to plug them into the solar panels when you're using them!
Realistically, trying to make an entire solar system portable for a full house can be tough. A compact system might involve several solar panels—each can weigh quite a bit! My Oupes Mega 2 system can handle a good bit of solar input and it's pretty flexible; I set it up for camping and it works great. Just make sure to calculate how much power you need to run your place.
I've heard that solar panels aren't usually targeted for theft, so mounting your system securely might help. You could consider a semi-portable option, like the Eco-Worthy SL3500, which allows you to bring the batteries in when you're not using them. That way, you're not leaving high-value components behind. Plus, maybe add some cameras to deter any potential thieves.