Off-Grid Solar Gear That Survived
My Testing

Visit my Channel

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse

I load-test, cycle-test and abuse every product on this list. If it fails, it gets pulled. Tell me what you’re powering and I’ll show you exactly what to buy.

Free · No email required · Updated October 2026

1.14M

YouTube Subscribers

400+

Products Tested to Failure

10+

Years Living Off-Grid

What Are You Powering?

Van or RV

Mobile, 12V, tight on space and weight

Boat

Marine-rated, waterproof, heated cells

Cabin or Shed

Small off-grid build, 12V or 48V

Whole House

Off-grid or grid-tied with backup

Browse by Component

Every component ranked and recommended by real-world performance.

Batteries

Best Value

12V UL Certified

Certified to UL1973. Consistent quality, audited over time.

From $899

Best Value

12V Budget

Cheaper per amp-hour. Reliable today, no long-term guarantee.

From $299

Permit-legal

48V UL Certified

Required if you are permitting your system or tying to the grid.

From $1,850

48V Budget

Great build quality, but off-grid use only — not permit-legal.

From $1,199

Battery Capacity Testers

After a few years, you need to test the capacity of your system.

From $35

Inverters

12V Off-Grid

RVs, boats, vans and small cabins. 1,000–3,000W.

From $429

48V Off-Grid

Run a whole house off-grid. 6,000–12,000W.

From $1,299

48V Hybrid

Grid-tied plus battery backup. Certified for interconnection.

From $1,699

Will's Own Build

High-Voltage Residential

Highest efficiency. This is what I run in my own home.

From $2,400

3-Phase Commercial

Take an entire warehouse off-grid. Effectively unlimited capacity.

Quote

Solar Panels

Mobile Panels

Lightweight and low-profile for RVs, vans and trailers.

From $109

Standard Panels

Best cost per watt for homes, ground mounts and carports.

From $0.28/W

Solar Mounting

Ground Mount

Fast to assemble, engineered and legal for permitted installs.

From $130

Roof Mounted

Low-profile systems engineered for secure, long-lasting roof installations.

From $160

Solar Carports

Dual-purpose structures that provide shade while generating clean energy.

From $100

Plug-N-Play Solar Generators

Beginner Pick

Anker Solar Generators

Build a system in minutes! Beginner friendly and reliable.

From $430

Jackery HomePower

This is the only Jackery that I like. The output for the size and price is fantastic.

From $1,709

Don't Want to Piece it Together?

These are complete, wire-by-wire builds I’ve assembled and tested myself. Every fuse, lug and breaker is specified, so nothing shows up missing on install day.

Hand-Truck 48V System

Hand-Truck 48V System ~$2,400

Off-Grid Home Blueprint

Full 48V house system ~$9,800

Code-Compliant 48V System

Permit & inspection ready ~$13,500

The Small Parts People Forget

Affiliate links below — I may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

Signature Solar

Signature Solar Hybrid Inverters, Solar Panel Deals, Mini Splits and More! If you want $50 off, please use my affiliate link below and coupon code

Copied!

Best Solar Bundles

These systems are cream of the crop. High voltage/ High performance/ Commercial and at incredibly low prices

Current Connected

Best Prices for EG4, Victron, Midnite and so much more! Fast shipping and highest rated customer service

DIY Solar  Power Forum

Join thousands of DIY solar enthusiasts to discuss system design, equipment, troubleshooting, and real-world installations. Get trusted advice, share your projects, and learn from one of the largest off-grid communities online.

My Latest Videos

Visit my Channel

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse