So we've briefly covered some basic ideas about the cost of solar kit installations that tie into the local electric grid and sell unused power to the utility at wholesale prices. They are game changing home modifications, with major long term implications about what it means to own a home. But, maybe you aren't able to spend tens of thousands of dollars all at once, but you still want to get started doing a conversion a little bit at a time. In that case we'll start exploring alternative energy options that are completely separate from the electric grid.

These closed loop systems can be used to power specific devices or a small separate circuit in your household and are far more affordable than traditional grid tie kits. They scale down more easily, and for the DIY enthusiast, these systems are almost all entry level hands on installations. Non-grid tied systems are usually best suited for particular applications like hot water heaters, cell phone/mp3 player recharger's, AC/Heating unit boosters. But with a little ingenuity the systems can be expanded with battery packs and DC/AC inverters to power specific appliances that see infrequent, high wattage short term use, or long term low power use, like microwave ovens, laundry driers, dish washers, blenders, coffee machines, fans, radios, etc... In fact, you can slowly scale up a non-grid tie system until all your household needs are met and the grid is just there for backup.

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