Most houses have too much HVAC, too little airflow, and a power system sized by guesswork.

I design and build off-grid homes, wells and power systems in the desert Southwest. Here I write down what works, what didn't, and how to size yours.

Alan Knudson · Sunhomes · solar for 40+ homes, 9 off-grid houses, 5 off-grid water systems

Latest articles

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Solar and battery

What matters in an off-grid power system

Template draft. Structure and placement only; the words are placeholders for Alan to replace or delete.

Topics

HVAC design

Comfort comes from airflow, not tonnage. How to size, duct and control heating and cooling in a house.

Solar and battery

Sizing solar and storage for off-grid and on-grid homes, farms and businesses.

Backup power

Generators, inverter-chargers and dual-fuel heat pumps. What actually keeps a house running.

Home automation

Running a house and its power system remotely so it takes care of itself.

House design

Designing the house so the power and HVAC can be small. Lessons from houses that could not go off-grid.

Houses and systems

All projects

Short Creek, Arizona Strip

The Courthouse site: a 40 HP well and a rec center on solar alone

Draft stub for the first project write-up. Facts from Alan; body to be written.

From people we built for

“SunHomes out-bid the competition plus their price included the back-up batteries. I'm making all my own electricity. My neighbors have had a few power outages this summer. Not me.”Joe C.

“Given the challenges presented by COVID the entire team did an outstanding job sizing, prepping and installing the system. Since installation the system has worked flawlessly.”thunderaz121

“Sun Homes was professional, organized and timely in helping with our project. I would highly recommend them as a company.”stvsanders

Want this done right on your house?

Start wherever you are. Each step stands on its own.

$150 / hourTalk it through with AlanSolar and battery sizing, HVAC, backup power, automation. Anywhere in the US, by video call.Design packageAlan designs the systemA complete design your builder or electrician can build from.BuildAlan builds itUtah, Southern Nevada and Northern Arizona, as sub or GC, when schedule and fit allow.

If I can't build yours because of location, schedule or a conflict, I consult on your project with your builder instead. Most people start with an hour.