Helpful Stuff
Here are some great resources we have found to be useful.
We will keep adding over time, so come on back.
Instructional Videos at bottom of page
Load Calculator aka "homework"
Here is a handy tool we developed for calculating how much power you will need. We use the results to size your system.
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Rolls Battery Maintenance Log
Using a Hydrometer
Checking the specific gravity of your batteries is an important part of maintaining a healthy battery bank, and of keeping your warranty active.
Renewable Energy Handbook
There are many books out there to choose from. We found this one helpful when we first started our off-grid adventure.
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Battery Handling, Maintenance, and Test Procedures
Peruse this handout for some helpful info. It is put out by Crown Batteries, which isn't a brand we carry, but good information regardless.
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Burns Lake Diesel
Looking for a versatile, honest mechanic with reasonable rates?
Look no further than Burns Lake Diesel.
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Rolls Battery Manual
Rolls batteries are Canadian made and superb quality. They are what we use in our systems, including our own home.
Here is their comprehensive manual.
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HandyBob's Blog
HandyBob has been instrumental in our success with living off-grid. He and his wife started boon-docking in 2000, and now are living off-grid on a farm.
If you can handle his spicy, opinionated style, he has loads of helpful info!
Rotation of Your Batteries
An old-time off-gridder told us years ago to rotate our batteries. Here's how, and why.
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The Sustainability Fact Book
Here is an interesting read looking at the sustainability of Lead-Acid batteries vs. Lithium. It is put out by a company that sells lead-acid, but is a thought-provoking read.
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Backroads Map Books
This isn't technically a solar resource, but we have used these map books extensively on our off-road adventures and want to pass along!
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