Going off-grid used to mean making compromises. But a new technology -- the microgrid -- marries the best of grid-tied and off-grid systems and saves money.

In this Solar Power World article, installer Mark Snyder (Mark Snyder Electric) and Crown Battery’s VP of SLI products, John Connell, cover 4 key steps to get the most out of a microgrid.

Here’s just some of what you’ll discover:

• How to get 25% to 50% more power from the same system on hot and cloudy days

• Why it’s crucial to oversize your battery energy storage system (and one installer’s rule of thumb on how much)

• How microgrids work -- and their key benefits (lower transmission losses are just the start)

• 3 tips to choose the right advanced-technology renewable energy batteries for a microgrid

• The brand-new air-conditioning alternative that can reduce electrical demand by up to 90%