For more than 40 years, Backwoods Solar has sold customized renewable energy equipment. We sell: solar panels (also called solar modules), wind turbines, micro-hydro turbines, all balance of system components, custom-built solar panel system kits and custom-designed solar power system plans. We know the solar energy components we sell because we live with these solar products in our homes.
Firsthand experience gives us the unique ability to personalize whatever renewable energy system you need. We pride ourselves on our custom-built residential off-grid solar kits and tailor-made grid-tie solar kits, solar-direct water pumping systems, small off-grid cabin systems, RV systems, as well as commercial grid-tie systems.
We do not believe in selling pre-packaged solar equipment kits because each situation is different. We do believe in fully exploring and researching the needs associated with your solar power project; helping you understand what solar electricity products you need; and then putting together a one-of-a-kind solar energy system that is ideal for your property.
Firsthand experience gives us the unique ability to personalize whatever renewable energy system you need. We pride ourselves on our custom-built residential off-grid solar kits and tailor-made grid-tie solar kits, solar-direct water pumping systems, small off-grid cabin systems, RV systems, as well as commercial grid-tie systems.
We do not believe in selling pre-packaged solar equipment kits because each situation is different. We do believe in fully exploring and researching the needs associated with your solar power project; helping you understand what solar electricity products you need; and then putting together a one-of-a-kind solar energy system that is ideal for your property.
Services
Steve and Elizabeth Willey started BACKWOODS SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS as a home-based business in 1976, after successfully pioneering the use of photovoltaics for their own mountain home, two miles from utility lines. They happily helped their neighbors get solar panels for homes that needed off-grid power and wanted to help others too.
The Backwoods Solar Planning Guide & Catalog is not only a comprehensive guide to our products and services, it's a handy reference tool and an incredible resource for anyone interested in off-grid home solar, micro-hydro, and wind power systems. You'll find detailed product information, as well as design, technical planning, educational and reference information for all your questions about renewable off-grid power systems and solar energy.
We love to help people learn about off-grid living and educate them about off-grid power systems, solar panels and how it all works together to power your home or business. These articles answer some of the more common questions we receive so it's a great place to start or refresh your knowledge. If you have any other questions or if you're ready to get started on a system quote, please give us a call 208-263-4290.
Off-Grid Solar Array Sizing Once you've determined your daily energy consumption in watt-hours, follow the advice offered below. There are many methods used. Off-Grid Battery Sizing Worksheet We suggest a battery bank sized to provide enough energy for three days of energy consumption without any. Off-Grid Load Calculation Worksheet Start by finding how many watts each appliance will consume.
Once you've determined your daily energy consumption in watt-hours, follow the advice offered below. There are many methods used for calculating your system's solar array size. This insures that the system will give the power needed on the lowest sun production day and any other day will exceed this output.
Reviews (8)
Kestrel Craft
Nov 16, 2021
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10 Years of working with these guys, and they are knowledgeable, service oriented, reliable, professional, and all around great to work with. Tech advice and help with DIY is excellent. With them on the phone I installed my own 7kw off grid system, repaired an inverter, mastered charging, and well, just can't say enough good things about them all.
Brett Travelling Troll
Sep 30, 2021
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Lynn Aldridge
Sep 15, 2021
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I live in a camper, which replaced the old motorhome I've been in for the last 7 years. I moved my solar panels to the new rig, but decided to upgrade to a lithium battery (from the old AGM's) because my new rig is tiny and I don't have room or weight capacity for the old batteries (6 batteries, 400 lbs vs. 1 lithium battery, 100 lb.). Backwoods Solar has been around for at least 20 years here in northern Idaho...20 years ago I spoke with them about putting solar on my house (I couldn't afford it at the time, so nothing came of that), so I called them to consult about components. They advised me
Jeff Ivy
Feb 14, 2021
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J.-Gnome At Home
Sep 10, 2020
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Great prices if you are capable of connecting this stuff yourself. Better off going to a company that will install the product as this one does not and will not help you find someone who does. I'm disabled and have a limited income. So took a LONG TIME TO SAVE!!!! To help eleveate bills. Well, putting the panels on the roof was one thing. But from there even with the confusing as wire diagram. We can't do the rest. Spent $6,000 on batteries alone. They have sat for 6 months cause I can't get the help needed. From local certified electricians, to local handimen. Have contacted everyone in a 60 miles
Howard Laeson
Aug 18, 2020
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The people that backwoods solar electric have been wonderful to us.they've been very informative have offered to help with any advice needed once we get ready to set things up. They took the time to figure out what package was best for my wife and I. So far we really like the people there and look forward to getting this hooked up and maybe coming back for another one.
Gabby Betz
Jul 23, 2014
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I have been dealing with Backwoods Solar since going off-grid in 1995. I can not imagine having gone off-grid without their help. There expertise and knowledge probably saved me thousands of dollars over the years. Having an expert you can call and ask questions was so helpful when I was starting out. I will still occasionally call them for helpful hints even after all these years. They are always helpful. I can not say enough kind words about my Backwoods Solar experience.
I can't help but comment on Ki Pi's review listed as the first review on this forum. This review is so far removed from my
I can't help but comment on Ki Pi's review listed as the first review on this forum. This review is so far removed from my
Ki Pi
Sep 22, 2013
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Backwoods Solar seemed nice at first 6 months ago when I asked for a quote for an off grid system to supply 54 Kw continous draw 24 hrs a day and was quoted a price of $40,000. BUT this week when contacted via their "Contact Us" form providing requirements for a system requiring nearly 80% less power draw . I was told "These conversations usually go better by phone. I replied and respectfully requested all correspondence for this particular system be via email because we are building an aquaponics farm and my phone time was limited at best because of my need to contact (and I listed the agencies
