Bob, an electronics aficionado from California, has enjoyed the world of electronics using ham radio and being involved in computer networking software and hardware. He worked in the hospitality management industry. Given his love for electronics and knowledge obtained over the years, he designed and installed his first home solar system that paid him back in just over three years thanks to the early credit incentives available in California at the time.

Living off grid presents several challenges even for those that make pre-calculations for every possible need when you’re in a remote area. Whether it’s determining a water source, developing emergency plans or deciding on a power source - most come with their own unique problem to solve and everyone’s situation is different.

Tom and wife, Debbie live on 25 acres of alfalfa farm in Northern Utah. Joining them are four dogs and twenty-three cats. Yes, you read that correctly. Both Tom and Debbie grew up on small family farms, she in Indiana and he in New Jersey. Tom joined the US Navy in 1971 where he spent six years as a computer repairman on the USS Long Beach CGN-9 which was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser which is now decommissioned and scrapped. Tom learned invaluable skills such as programming and electrical engineering while floating around the Indian Ocean...

Mike and his wife are in their late 20s and have lived in Flagstaff for nearly 10 years. Flagstaff is the largest northern-most city in Arizona. It’s not the typical Arizona landscape you immediately envision. Full of ponderosas and aspen trees, Flagstaff is an outdoor haven for adventure seekers or those trying to get away from the rat race. It’s a short drive up from the Phoenix metro area and is popular weekend destination for those that are weary of the summer heat. 

Larry is a retired US Navy aircraft mechanic. He and his wife currently own a boat transport company and have been mulling retirement in recent years. Settling down in a quiet place is the dream of many retirees. They had the same dream which prompted them to buy property in Northern California. Like many vacant properties, there are obstacles to overcome. Grid power can expensive if there isn’t a transformer nearby – in this case, it was 2000 feet from Larry’s property. 

Scott and Susan have been adventurers together since 1978 when they married at age 20. Much of their adventure came in the form of sailing. Living in the Pacific Northwest for many years gave them the opportunity to sail the Pacific Ocean as far as Maui and up to Alaska. After retiring from Microsoft and spending the bulk of their time on the west coast, they found themselves wanting to explore places east of Seattle which led them to moving their adventures from sea to land. Their first step was finding a vehicle that could get the job done.

Greg was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Engineering and Science. He’s currently an Electrical Engineer and leads a small team of engineers while mentoring and coaching young go-getters. Recently, in his spare time, he’s spent many hours researching solar power. Being involved in the electrical field automatically gives him leveraged insight into solar electric technology.

We have a variety of people that reach out to us needing a solar power system. Their applications may vary drastically, but the common denominator of needing an independent power source remains the constant when it comes to deciding on solar power. This week’s customer story is no different, but the motivating reason for needing to be off-grid is much different. 

David, a business owner in the masonry industry likes to take a break from the daily grind. Getting out on the open road and piloting his RV is the best kind of therapy for the California resident. Traveling the USA in an RV is the best way to the see the country, especially if it’s energy independent.

Steven, a full-time RVer has lived on the road for 3 years now. He works as an IT consultant and has enjoyed the opportunity to work while he travels if there’s an internet connection. This trend has increased in popularity over the past few years due to the ability to work remotely. It’s as simple has having a combination of LTE and campground Wi-Fi.

Lloyd, a retired aerospace purchasing agent travels with his wife and dog in a 30 ft travel trailer. They travel part-time but usually stay on the road for months at the time. Lloyd is a DIY like many others doing his own mods and maintenance on the travel trailer. For them, traveling on the road has become a way of life that required learning how to adapt, especially when it comes to a reliable power source.

Nathan has lived in Colorado for 45 years for the simple reason of wanting snow and sun all in one day. Being a photographer, he couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful place to live. Choosing a lifestyle that thrived on renewable energy was important to Nathan because of his belief that it is a responsible way to live.

This week’s customer story features Mike, a retired software developer, that lives near Questa, New Mexico with his wife who is a retired accountant. Like many others in recent years, they have chosen the path of living in a completely off-grid home called the Q-House because of its proximity to Questa, New Mexico.

Comfortable off-grid living is achieved by many, thanks to solar electric technology. Joel and Amy who reside in Northern Arizona, not only live comfortably using solar power but they thrive by raising their own food, pumping their own water and sustaining a homestead that provides organic food to their very own customers. Without solar power, it would have been nearly impossible to realize their dreams of being self-sufficient.

This week’s customer story features Lyndon from Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Northern Saskatchewan is a sparsely populated area covering the northern half of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

Arizona is home to many attractive off-grid properties that are located in remote areas of the state. Some of the most beautiful places in Arizona are those properties that do not have access to grid power and are located down several miles of dirt roads. 

Robin from Creativity RV – you may have heard of her. If not, she has a large following on YouTube that chronicles her life living on the road. Following in the footsteps of many others before her, Robin grew weary of living the corporate life to pay for a huge mortgage while life passes by. She was in the corporate world for over 20 years before deciding to take the dive into nomad living.

Tom is a retired airline pilot and enjoys doing lots of hands on activities - more specifically, solar power. In 2011 Tom installed 80 ground-based solar panels on his home. When he isn’t at home, he tows a 12’ motorcycle trailer behind his 34’ motorhome.

Our latest customer story shifts to Colorado. Tom, who spent 4 years in the US Air Force and worked in the airline industry for 32 years, moved to Colorado in 2005 along with his wife to build their own log home.

Getting away from the complexity of the traditional American Dream and trying a different approach at life is the desire of many. Trends indicate that Americans are transitioning into smaller homes or taking their life on the road. A couple from Austin TX is living their new dream traveling the USA with no regrets. James and Kelly sold their home in Austin to live on the road in their 39’ fifth wheel. Both being able to work remotely gives them the perfect opportunity to travel the country with their three border collies. Their passion is exploring nature and trail running in new locations along their travels.