Solar, Batteries, and Electrification Can Make Grid Power Optional
Tech Field Day, Tuesday, September 8th, 2026
A Tech Field Day podcast episode on how affordable solar, batteries and electrification can make utility grid power optional.
This Tech Field Day podcast episode features delegates Andy Banta and Paul Braren discussing their own home deployments of solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and EV charging.
They argue solar and battery electrification has become affordable enough to replace utility service. Motivations include environmentalism, independence, frugality and technical interest.
Many started with efficient electric appliances and EVs, then added batteries and inverters for backup, which pair with rooftop solar to let the whole system run autonomously.