Renewable Energy · 04

Off-grid systems built for independence.

Stand-alone photovoltaic systems with battery storage and backup generator for remote sites, vacation properties, and locations across Puerto Rico and the USVI where utility service isn't available — or where you'd rather not depend on it.

For
Remote sites, vacation homes & full independence
Architecture
PV + battery + auto-start generator
Autonomy
Multi-day, generator-extended
Grid
No utility connection required
Off-Grid · Why JDR

Independence is an engineering problem, not a slogan.

Off-grid sounds appealing — own your power, no monthly bill, no grid outages. But the engineering reality is unforgiving: if your system can't meet load at 3am on the fourth cloudy day of a tropical depression, you have no power. There's no utility safety net to fall back on.

That's why off-grid systems demand more conservative engineering than grid-tied or hybrid setups. We size for worst-case scenarios, build in generator backup as a hard requirement, and engineer the load-management logic to keep critical functions running even when production is poor.

  • Conservative load analysis with realistic worst-case modeling
  • PV array sizing for cloud-cover resilience, not just nameplate
  • Battery sizing for multi-day autonomy
  • Auto-start backup generator with battery recharge logic
  • Load-management circuitry to protect critical functions
  • Fuel storage planning for extended grid-independent operation
  • Off-grid inverter platforms with grid-forming capability
  • Monitoring with remote alerting for unattended sites
  • NEC 710 compliance for stand-alone systems

Done right, an off-grid system is genuinely liberating. Done wrong, it's a constant headache. Our job is to make sure yours is the former.

Typical Applications

Where off-grid makes sense.

01

Remote Properties

Sites where utility extension is impractical or prohibitively expensive — mountain properties, isolated coastal sites, agricultural land, and remote infrastructure facilities.

02

Vacation & Secondary Homes

Properties used intermittently, where consistent occupancy doesn't justify utility service costs. Often combined with smart load management so the system runs efficiently when occupied or unoccupied.

03

Full Independence by Choice

Properties with grid access where the owner wants complete energy independence regardless. Generally more expensive than hybrid, but eliminates utility dependence entirely.

How We Work

Off-grid done conservatively.

Phase 01

Load Discipline

Detailed load audit: what you need, what you'd like, what you'll do without. This is the critical conversation — every kWh of load drives every component of the system. We help separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.

Phase 02

System Design

PV array sized for cloud-cover resilience, battery sized for multi-day autonomy, generator sized to recharge under worst-case conditions, and load management designed to protect critical functions.

Phase 03

Installation

Self-performed install under PE oversight, including fuel storage and generator pad work where applicable. Battery enclosure or room with thermal management for tropical conditions.

Phase 04

Commissioning & Training

Multi-scenario testing: full autonomy mode, generator-recharge mode, low-battery load shedding. Owner training is critical — off-grid systems require informed operation. Remote monitoring setup for unattended sites.

Technical Standards

The codes & standards we engineer to.

Stand-Alone Code
NEC Article 710 (Stand-Alone Systems) — current edition. Specific requirements for off-grid systems including disconnect, labeling, and inverter-output sizing.
Storage
NEC 706, UL 9540, and UL 9540A. LFP chemistry strongly preferred for thermal stability — off-grid systems often live in remote enclosures with limited active cooling.
Inverters
Off-grid or grid-forming hybrid inverters with surge capacity for motor starts. UL 1741 certification required even without grid connection.
Generator
NFPA 110 for standby systems where applicable. Auto-start integration, battery charging through hybrid inverter, and fuel storage per NFPA 30.
PV Array
NEC 690 for the PV portion. Conservative sizing accounting for tropical cloud cover, panel temperature derating, and worst-case production scenarios.
Monitoring
Remote monitoring with alerting is essentially mandatory for unattended sites. We specify monitoring platforms with cellular fallback so visibility doesn't depend on having a working internet connection.
Common Questions

FAQ · Off-Grid Systems

Almost never on a year-one basis. The system cost is significant and the generator + fuel + maintenance add ongoing expenses. Off-grid makes economic sense when utility extension is genuinely impractical (very remote sites), or when the value of independence and resilience justifies the premium for the owner.

For the multi-day cloudy stretches that the Caribbean produces during tropical weather. Sizing a battery for that worst case alone would be prohibitively expensive — adding a generator is far more economical and adds nearly unlimited extension of autonomy through fuel storage. Off-grid without generator backup is realistic only for very small loads or very large budgets.

This is the #1 way owners get into trouble with off-grid systems. Every kWh of added load reduces autonomy. Major additions (new AC unit, electric water heater, EV charger) typically require system expansion. We design with documented headroom and clear load discipline guidance so future decisions are informed.

The system is designed with failure modes considered. Battery failure: generator can run loads directly until repair. Inverter failure: depending on architecture, the system may continue to operate at reduced capacity. Remote monitoring catches issues early. For high-resilience sites we recommend keeping critical spares on-site.

Yes — electrical permits, generator installation permits, and fuel storage permits all apply just as they do for grid-tied systems. The advantage is no utility interconnection paperwork. We handle the regulatory side in-house as part of every project.

Start your off-grid project

Have a site that needs independent power?

Tell us about the site and what you're planning to power. We'll respond within one business day with next steps and an honest assessment of whether off-grid is the right path — or whether a hybrid grid-tied system would serve you better.

  • Conservative load analysis and worst-case sizing
  • Auto-start generator integration as a default
  • Remote monitoring for unattended sites
  • Honest assessment — including when off-grid isn't right

Off-grid inquiry

One business day response.