OUR PROJECTS

Remote Rental Property: From Fuel-Guzzling to Smart, Quiet Power

Faced with an unreliable, fuel-hungry generator setup at a remote rental property, the overseas owner needed a smarter, low-maintenance power solution that wouldn’t require tenants to worry about it. We delivered a staged off-grid upgrade that dramatically reduced generator use, improved system reliability, and enabled full remote monitoring

Location: Remote rental property

Client Type: Overseas property owner (USA-based)

System Type: Generator-based with limited solar exposure

Key Objectives:

Stage One: Reduce manual generator use and automate operation
Stage Two: Increase solar input to further reduce fuel consumption

The Challenge

This remote rental property was entirely dependent on a manual-start generator, which resulted in high fuel consumption, frequent maintenance, and unreliable power—an especially difficult setup for tenants. With the owner living overseas, ease of management and peace of mind were key. Off-Grid Energy was recommended to assess and deliver a smarter, more sustainable solution.

Our Solution

We approached this in two phases, adapting to the property's limitations and evolving needs.

Stage One:

Replaced the generator
Installed a small 1.8 kW solar array to keep a modest 24V battery bank topped up
Added a new inverter with remote monitoring and automation, enabling generator start/stop based on system demand

Stage Two:

Identified further shading challenges on site
Installed a second solar array positioned to harness late-day sun
Integrated DC-coupled solar input to complement the AC system

The combination of AC and DC coupling, bi-directional inverter control, and intelligent monitoring created a highly responsive system tailored to the property’s limited solar window and remote management needs.

The Outcome

The transition has been transformational.

Generator use: Drastically reduced in Stage One, virtually eliminated after Stage Two
Reliability: Tenants now enjoy dependable power without needing to manage the system
Monitoring: The owner has full remote visibility and automated alerts (e.g. generator low on fuel)
Peace of Mind: Both the landlord and tenants benefit from a quiet, low-maintenance setup

Key Takeaways

Adaptability is key: Even properties with poor solar potential can dramatically improve reliability and efficiency with a staged approach
Quality pays off: High-quality components and smart system design mean less stress for remote landlords and happier tenants
Planning for growth: A thoughtful first stage can pave the way for future upgrades when site or usage changes

“I dare say that no two off-grid, remote location home energy installations are the same. Paul is knowledgeable and a problem-solver, which makes him perfectly suited for this work. We had a challenging site in terms of terrain and sun, coupled with sporadic usage and the desire to monitor it from overseas. Paul made it happen.

I used to worry when we had a guest checking in, and monitor the software daily to watch for the batteries dipping below safety thresholds (when the generator should have kicked in), but now I usually just check once or twice a week. True freedom...

Paul was really thoughtful throughout the process, over the 7 years that we have known him, really....All has been a blessing. I like my refrigerated items kept cold, the ability to wash my clothes, a hot shower and knowing that our guests can enjoy the same."