While the grid, for the most part, gives homeowners a reliable source of energy, depending on it entirely can be costly, not to mention all those times when it cuts out completely, leaving you helpless when trying to power your home. With this in mind, it’s little wonder that so many people wanting energy to be more cost-effective and sustainable, are turning to solutions like solar power.

Readily available, clean energy like solar power has never been easier to set up and use in homes, and with panel prices falling year-on-year, and government incentives, there are more reasons than ever before to switch to solar and achieve energy independence at home.

By storing and using clean energy at home, we can make our homes more efficient, be better prepared in the event of natural disasters and other emergency situations, lower our carbon footprints, and drastically cut down on unnecessary costs. And if you can’t afford to make the switch to solar by having panels installed at your home, here are 5 great ways to gain more energy independence:

1. Install a battery backup

No homeowner wants to literally feel powerless when the local grid goes down for some reason, and waiting for repairs to be carried out, often takes longer than anticipated. But, by installing a battery backup system, you can power your essential items no matter what is happening with the grid, and even use it to off-set costs during times when demand is at its peak. With warranties that are typically longer than those of a backup generator, better for the environment, easier to install, and cheaper to run in the long-term, battery backup systems are a great step towards achieving energy independence. 

2.Use solar generators

Portable solar generators can be used to power just about anything that can be plugged into a regular wall outlet, and are a great renewable energy source. From refrigerators and freezers, to power tools, blenders, and medical devices, a solar generator could help you reduce energy usage for your appliances, while being convenient enough to take with you wherever you go.

3.Save energy with a power bank

Not only do power cords and chargers add clutter to a space, but they can also be power-draining. With a power bank, on the other hand, you can charge more than one device at any given time, and even take your energy independence with you wherever you go.  

4.Put together a DIY solar power kit

When you need a source of power outside of the home, in your garage, shed, terrace, or when carrying out any outdoor activities, you could try following the step-by-step instructions online to create your own, DIY solar power kit. 

5.Make your workspace more efficient

With millions more Americans working from home every day, finding ways to make home workspaces more energy efficient, is easier than you might think. For example, you could try setting up a smart energy system or even solar panels, and power stations to give you the energy you need while working inside the home, or even in the yard or shed. 

Escaping from the clutches of the grid is a tempting prospect for many Americans, and with these renewable energy solutions, you can do exactly that!

And for the ultimate energy independent solution, have a solar panel system installed at your home, and you could get payback on your investment in less than a decade. Talk to a local installer for more details on government incentives and tax rebates that may be available to you depending on where you live.