Frequently Asked Questions

The Off Grid Outpost is an independent solar consumer advocacy platform. We help homeowners understand what solar should actually cost, audit installer quotes, design systems with wholesale equipment, and connect you with licensed electricians for labor-only installation. We are not an installer and we do not sell leads.

We earn affiliate commissions (5-9%) when you purchase equipment through our partner links (Signature Solar, EcoFlow, Current Connected). We also offer PE-stamped permit packages starting at $299. We never take installer kickbacks or sell your information.

Most homeowners save 40-60% compared to turnkey installer quotes. For a 10kW system, that typically means $10,000-$20,000 in savings. The savings come from eliminating installer markup (30-50% of a typical quote), sales commissions, and overhead.

Not exactly. We call it "semi-DIY", you source your own equipment at wholesale prices, get a professional PE-stamped plan set, and hire a licensed electrician for the electrical work. You can do the mechanical mounting yourself or hire help. The key difference from full DIY: you always have a licensed electrician for the critical electrical connections.

We recommend Signature Solar for inverters and batteries (especially EG4 products), Current Connected for premium panels (Silfab, REC), and EcoFlow for portable battery solutions. These are our affiliate partners, but we recommend them because they consistently offer the best prices and customer service.

For panels: Silfab (FEOC-compliant, US-made), Canadian Solar (budget), and REC Alpha (premium). For inverters: EG4 18kPV (best value hybrid) and Sol-Ark 15K (premium). For batteries: EG4 LL-S and PowerPro (best $/kWh) or Tesla Powerwall 3 (premium).

FEOC stands for Foreign Entity of Concern. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, equipment manufactured by certain foreign entities may not qualify for tax credits. FEOC-compliant panels (like Silfab) are manufactured domestically and fully eligible for any available credits.

Section 25D (the homeowner solar tax credit) expired January 1, 2026. Homeowners who purchased and installed systems before that date received the 30% credit. Section 48E (30%) is still available through December 2027, but only for third-party ownership (TPO/lease/PPA) arrangements, not for homeowner-purchased systems.

Absolutely. Equipment prices have dropped 40-60% since 2020. A semi-DIY 10kW system costs $12,000-$19,000 today, less than what the same system cost even WITH the tax credit three years ago. The math still works, especially with rising utility rates.

After designing your system, you need a PE-stamped plan set (we offer this for $299-$499 through our GreenLancer partnership). Submit the plans to your local building department for a permit. After installation, schedule an inspection. Once approved, apply to your utility for interconnection. Total timeline: 4-8 weeks.

Yes, in all states we serve. The final electrical connection to your main panel and the utility grid must be performed by a licensed electrician. We help you find qualified labor-only electricians in your area through our installer network.

With a PE-stamped plan set and a licensed electrician doing the electrical work, inspection failures are rare. If something does come up, it is usually a minor correction. Our permit packages include guidance on common inspection requirements.