From the blog · 20 articles
Notes on off-grid power
Working through solar, batteries, water, and preparedness — one specific question at a time.
2026
How Long Will a 100Ah Battery Last? Runtime Calculator & Guide
Calculate exactly how long a 100Ah battery will run your devices. Includes runtime tables, real examples, and our free calculator.
Solar & Battery14 minLiFePO4 vs AGM for Solar Storage: Complete Comparison (2026)
LiFePO4 costs 3x more upfront but delivers 2x the usable energy and 10x the cycle life. See the real cost-per-cycle math and which battery wins for your setup.
Solar & Battery14 minBleach to Water Ratio: The Definitive Purification Chart
Add 8 drops of 6% bleach per gallon of clear water. See the complete bleach to water ratio chart from 1 quart to 55 gallons, for both clear and cloudy water.
Water Storage12 minLiFePO4 Voltage Chart: How to Read State of Charge Accurately
A 12V LiFePO4 battery reads 13.4V at 90% and 13.0V at 30%. See the complete voltage-to-SoC chart for 12V, 24V, and 48V batteries.
Solar & Battery13 minStarlink Mini Power Consumption: Real-World Wattage Data
Starlink Mini uses 20-40W depending on activity. See real power draw by mode, how it compares to other dishes, and how to cut wattage for off-grid setups.
Solar & Battery11 minSolar Power for CPAP Machines: Nightly Battery Sizing
A CPAP uses 25-60W per night. See battery sizing tables by model, runtime by battery size, and how many solar panels to recharge daily.
Solar & Battery8 minSeries vs Parallel Battery Wiring: When to Use Each
Series doubles voltage, parallel doubles capacity - but total energy stays the same. See the decision chart, wiring math, and common mistakes to avoid.
Solar & Battery8 minChest Freezer vs Upright: Off-Grid Power Comparison
A chest freezer uses 30-50W average vs 60-100W for an upright. See wattage by size, battery runtime tables, and why chest freezers win for off-grid.
Power & Electrical8 min
2025
Charging LiFePO4 Batteries in Freezing Temperatures
LiFePO4 batteries suffer permanent damage when charged below 32°F. See the temperature chart, damage thresholds, and 3 cold-weather solutions with costs.
Solar & Battery8 minWhat Size Inverter for a Submersible Well Pump?
A 1HP well pump needs a 4,000W+ inverter (or 2,000W with a soft start). See the sizing table for 1/2 HP to 2 HP pumps with surge ratings.
Power & Electrical8 minThe Ultimate Guide to Powering Starlink Off-Grid
Power Starlink off-grid with solar + battery. See complete system builds at 3 price points, Mini vs Standard comparison, and regional solar sizing.
Solar & Battery11 minHow Long Will a 100Ah Battery Last for Starlink Mini?
A 100Ah LiFePO4 battery runs Starlink Mini for 30-42 hours. See runtime tables for every battery size, plus solar sizing to run Starlink 24/7.
Solar & Battery8 minEmergency Water Storage for a Family of 4: How Much You Really Need
A family of 4 needs 56 gallons minimum for 2 weeks. See the complete water storage chart by duration, plus container options and treatment.
Water Storage8 minWill a 100Ah Battery Run a Fridge? The Runtime Truth
A 100Ah LiFePO4 battery runs a 12V camping fridge for 3+ days or a residential fridge for 8-10 hours. See runtime tables for every fridge type.
Solar & Battery9 minHow Many Solar Panels for a 1HP Well Pump?
A 1HP well pump needs 6-10 solar panels (400W each) depending on depth and method. See sizing tables for direct solar vs battery backup systems.
Solar & Battery8 minLiFePO4 vs Lead Acid Battery: Which Is Better for Off-Grid?
Compare LiFePO4 and lead acid batteries for solar and off-grid use. Real numbers on cost, lifespan, weight, and performance.
Solar & Battery9 minWhat Can a 1500 Watt Inverter Run? Complete Appliance Guide
See exactly what appliances a 1500W inverter can power. Includes wattage charts, surge requirements, and battery sizing tips.
Power & Electrical7 minHow Much Water Per Day for Survival? Emergency Water Storage Guide
Learn how much water to store per person per day for emergencies. Includes storage tips, calculation formulas, and our free water calculator.
Water Storage8 minHow Many Solar Panels to Charge a 100Ah Battery? Calculator & Guide
Find the right solar panel size to charge your 100Ah battery. Includes sizing charts, charge time formulas, and our free calculator.
Solar & Battery8 min