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124. Solar, Batteries, and Electrification Can Make Grid Power Optional

September 8, 2026 · 43 min

Show notes

Solar and battery electrification has become remarkably affordable and compelling recently, and can easily replace utility service.

This episode of the Tech Field Day podcast features delegates Andy Banta and Paul Braren discussing their own implementation of solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and EV charging.

There are many reasons to switch away from grid power: Environmentalism, independence, frugality, and a serious nerd-factor. Many of us got involved with this trend with energy-efficient electric appliances and electric vehicles.

Then we adopted batteries and inverters to provide backup power in the event of an emergency. These pair nicely with large rooftop solar panel installation, allowing the whole system to function autonomously.

Hosts:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tom Hollingsworth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Event Lead for Tech Field Day

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alastair Cooke⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Event Lead at Tech Field Day

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stephen Foskett⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, President and Organizer of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech Field Day⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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