Off-grid planning tools

Calculators and worksheets that turn a rough idea into numbers and questions you can take to a designer, contractor or county office.

Every tool shows its formulas and assumptions. The results are first-pass estimates for planning conversations, not engineering designs or approvals. Pair them with your state guide to see which agencies will review the systems you size here.

Calculators and interactive tools

Off-grid solar calculator
Build a load list, then estimate daily energy, battery capacity and array size with every assumption visible.
Rainwater harvesting calculator
Compare roof yield with household demand using your state’s average rainfall, and size storage for dry spells.
Compare all 50 states
Sort states by land value, property tax, rainfall, building-code coverage and rainwater rules.
Project planner
Describe the home, occupancy and systems you intend to use and get a brief to take to designers.
Buyer checklist
Work through 55 checks before closing on rural land. Progress is saved in your browser.

Downloadable worksheets

Blank templates without formulas, designed to be filled in alongside the practical guides. Open the CSV files in any spreadsheet program.