Automated Smart Off Grid

It is true battery storage is one of the most costly parts of an off grid system, but automating based on the available power is an easy step to drastically reduce the need for energy storage. Automation can be as simple as using the load function on your charge controller or as complex as building algorithms with as many inputs and outputs provided. Inputs can be temperatures, voltages, current and even real time grid data. Outputs can vary from open a window, turn on a fan, or increase or decrease thermostat temperatures. Smart home HVAC devices can very easily be programmed to mimic your IR remote and send signals to mini split head units. Smart water heater thermostats can easily increase water temperature and with the addition of a mixing thermostat your 80 gallon water heater becomes a 14kWh thermal battery.