Ways to Generate Electricity Off Grid
Compare solar, wind, micro-hydro, fuel generators and human-powered generation for off-grid use.
Solar photovoltaic
Solar modules convert light to electricity with no moving parts. Output depends on solar resource, orientation, shading and system size.
Wind
Small wind can work in genuinely windy sites with appropriate tower height and siting, but poor locations can produce disappointing energy.
Micro-hydro
Where legal and where reliable flowing water with usable head exists, micro-hydro can provide steady generation. Site suitability is highly specific.
Fuel generator
A generator is dispatchable and useful as backup, but it depends on fuel logistics, maintenance and safe exhaust management.
Human power
Pedal or hand generation is valuable for small loads and education, but human power is limited and unsuitable for typical household energy demand.