PV array with MPPT charge controllers sized to house load and location.

Battery bank designed for DC-bus voltage (24 V, 48 V, 120 V DC, or higher). Lithium batteries recommended for energy density and cycle life.

DC distribution bus and breaker panel: DC-rated wires, connectors, fuses, breakers, and isolation switches. DC circuit protection must be rated for continuous DC arcs.

DC-DC converters to provide standard voltages for devices (5 V, 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 54 V, 120 V DC) as needed.

Inverter(s) only if AC appliances or grid export/import are required.

Monitoring, grounding, surge protection, and safety devices designed for DC systems.

DC-native appliances or retrofits: DC LED lighting, air-source heat pumps with DC compressors, DC refrigerators, DC HVAC controllers, DC EV chargers (or AC charger with inverter).

• Efficiency: Every AC/DC or DC/AC conversion adds loss. Eliminating unnecessary inverters and rectifiers improves system efficiency.

  Cost and availability: DC-native household appliances are now available via the RV supply market. Battery and DC distribution costs vs. savings from reduced inverter hours should be evaluated.

  Maintenance: DC systems require technicians familiar with DC safety and battery care.

• Running a house largely on SOLAR PV-generated DC is technically supportable and more efficient for DC-native loads, by selecting appropriate DC voltages, using DC-rated protection, and using DC built appliances.

  A practical alternative for those who want standard 110V or 240V power is a DC battery bus with selective DC distribution plus an inverter for remaining AC loads;

  Full DC-native houses are best in new-build scenarios where appliance choices and safety are planned from the start. That is what TUFF+ Houses supply.

Audit loads: list appliances, power ratings, duty cycles; separate DC-friendly vs AC-only loads.

Choose DC-bus voltage that minimizes current while remaining safe and supported by equipment (48 V is a common starting point).

Size PV array and battery capacity to meet energy and autonomy goals.

Design DC distribution with DC-rated breakers, wiring, and surge protection.

Select DC-native appliances where cost-effective; use high-efficiency inverters only for unavoidable AC loads.

Install per local code with licensed professionals; include monitoring and maintenance plan.

Off-grid homes: DC battery bus with inverter backup is common to minimize inverter runtime and maximize efficiency.

Net-zero or grid-tied homes: PV with inverter, battery backup, and selective DC distribution for critical loads (lighting, comms, pumps).

Tiny homes, RVs, boats: often run primarily on DC (12–48 V) because loads are smaller and designed for DC.

Remote telecom/industrial sites: use high-voltage DC buses routinely for efficiency.

Electronics and LED lighting often accept DC internally; many devices such as phones and computers already use DC internally after AC-DC conversion.

Resistive loads (electric water heaters, ovens) work on DC but require DC-rated controls.

Motors and compressors: most AC motors need inverters; modern HVAC and refrigeration increasingly use brushless DC motors that can run efficiently on DC via appropriate drives.

Cooking, clothes dryers, and most major appliances are now available in DC – exceptions are more challenging to convert; often easier to keep them AC and use a small inverter or hybrid approach where necessary.

PV array with MPPT charge controllers sized to house load and location.

Battery bank designed for DC-bus voltage (24 V, 48 V, 120 V DC, or higher). Lithium batteries recommended for energy density and cycle life.

DC distribution bus and breaker panel: DC-rated wires, connectors, fuses, breakers, and isolation switches. DC circuit protection must be rated for continuous DC arcs.

DC-DC converters to provide standard voltages for devices (5 V, 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 54 V, 120 V DC) as needed.

Inverter(s) only if AC appliances or grid export/import are required.

Monitoring, grounding, surge protection, and safety devices designed for DC systems.

DC-native appliances or retrofits: DC LED lighting, air-source heat pumps with DC compressors, DC refrigerators, DC HVAC controllers, DC EV chargers (or AC charger with inverter).

DC behaves differently from AC: arcs are harder to quench, polarity needs careful management, and equipment must be DC-rated.

Electrical codes: NEC (US) and national/local codes regulate installation, battery storage, inverter interconnection, and DC bus implementations. Some jurisdictions require licensed electricians and inspections.

Isolation and emergency disconnects are mandatory. Firefighting and first-responder considerations must be addressed.

Low-voltage DC (12 V, 24 V): easy for small loads, high currents for household power — large copper conductors, higher losses; better for lighting, small appliances.

Medium-voltage DC (48–60 V): common compromise — safer (below extra-low/high risk thresholds varies by jurisdiction), lower current, common battery standard.

TUFF+ does not use High-voltage DC (120–400 V+): reduced currents and conductor size, which  requires stricter insulation, safety, and DC-rated equipment; 120–380 VDC bus is used in advanced microgrids and telecom/industry.