Installing a solar system to power your home or business and going completely off-grid means you will not have a connection to the local power network.

It may be a good option for people where the cost to connect to the local network is excessive or if you simply do not want a connection to the network. This option can be more costly because you will require a battery system so the power generated by the solar panels during the day can be stored and then used when the sun is not shining.

The battery should have significant excess generation capacity in case there are long periods without enough sunlight (ie. long periods of cloudy weather). You may also have a back-up generator.

You may consider other energy sources, like gas, for cooking or water heating. It is a good idea to factor in the cost of these when considering your options.