Going off-grid used to mean making compromises. But a new technology -- the microgrid -- marries the best of grid-tied and off-grid systems and saves money.

Your battery's performance and life span can be affected by a number of factors. Following best practices for battery maintenance and avoiding bad habits can ensure a long and useful life for a battery. Battery DOD has a greater impact on a battery than you may think. Here's what you need to know about battery depth of discharge:

Marketing brochures and sales pitches can only tell us so much about a solar energy system company. But a few simple questions can eliminate costly mistakes – and help you discover which battery companies are worth trusting your business to.

In the mid-2000s, only 1 in 10 Afghans had electricity. And Central Afghanistan’s Bamyan province was left with a crippled infrastructure that couldn’t even power schools and hospitals. Now, there’s hope: the 1MW Bamyan Renewable Energy Project (BREP), Central Asia’s largest off-grid power system utilizing renewable energy batteries.

How are long-lasting batteries made? Join Solar Builder for a full factory tour, from raw material processing to battery assembly and shipping.

Maintenance requirements vary by battery technology and may include cleaning battery terminals, checking and adjusting fluid levels, checking cell voltage, and equalizing batteries. Your battery manufacturer will share their recommendations. And with a few simple steps, you can avoid costly battery failures and technician visits -- and make maintenance easy, simple, and fun.