Comparing Locations for Off-Grid Solar
Updated September 22, 2026
A statewide ranking cannot tell you whether a particular site is suitable. Evaluate the address and the season when you need electricity most.
Five factors to compare
- Winter solar resource, shade and panel orientation.
- Daily energy use and the number of cloudy days the battery must cover.
- Temperature limits and weather exposure for your equipment.
- Local permitting, building and electrical requirements.
- Installed cost and the cost of alternatives such as a grid extension.
Annual average peak sun hours are a starting point. A system sized to an annual average may fall short in winter. SolarCalc uses NREL data when available and an estimated fallback otherwise; confirm seasonal performance separately.
Review current incentive guidance without assuming a federal residential credit for a new 2026 installation.