Off-Grid Power in Vermont | eForce ESS + Envy 12 Home Energy Upgrade
Honoring family legacy with modern, sustainable energy independence
Location: Hartland, Vermont
Clients: Theo & Andrea
Installer Partner: Net Zero Renewable Resources
System Size: 28.8 kWh
System Components: eForce Battery + Envy True 12K Hybrid Inverter
The Need
Nestled in Hartland, Vermont, homeowners Theo and Andrea needed an energy system that could thrive in the state’s harsh winters, where average temperatures routinely fall between 10°F and 34°F. Their home, built by Andrea’s parents in the early 1950s, holds deep family history. But aging utility infrastructure in the region meant frequent grid outages, often lasting days at a time.
As eco-conscious homeowners who already had solar and battery storage on another property, Theo and Andrea knew exactly what they didn’t want:
- A system relying on below-ground carbon fuels
- A solution with limited capacity
- Technology that couldn’t withstand frigid temperatures
- A system that took extensive technical knowledge to run.
Reliability, sustainability, and long-term peace of mind were non-negotiable.
The Solution
Working with installer partner Net Zero Renewable Resources, the couple upgraded their home with a clean, resilient power system built around:
- Fortress Power eForce 28.8 kWh lithium battery system
- Fortress Power Envy True 12K hybrid inverter
- New rooftop solar array installed simultaneously
This all-electric solution gives them the ability to run the home through multi-day outages, protect their essential loads, and power their property year-round without relying on fossil fuels.
Results
For homeowners Theo and Andrea, renewable energy has long been a priority. Already familiar with solar and storage from another property, they approached their Hartland, Vermont home upgrade with careful research and a strong commitment to sustainability. The house, built by Andrea’s parents in the early 1950s, carries meaningful family history, making reliability, comfort, and long-term stability essential.
Andrea explains their decision-making philosophy well:
“None of what we do happens without a lot of research. And he (Theo) definitely sold me on a Fortress Power System. Certainly, peace of mind goes a long way.”
A Decision Rooted in Trust, Sustainability, and Long-Term Support
That peace of mind came from choosing a system backed by U.S.-based customer support, industry-leading long-term warranties, and proven performance in harsh climates. As eco-conscious homeowners, they also sought a solution that aligned with their goal of reducing reliance on below-ground carbon and increasing their energy independence.
Their installer, Net Zero Renewable Resources, brought deep expertise — and personal experience — to the project. Owner Lee Gustafson shared why he confidently recommended Fortress Power.
“I live off the grid, and I have Fortress Power batteries in my basement. So that’s what I live on every day.”
Once installed, the system quickly demonstrated its value. In a region where outages are common, Theo described how their home now moves through winter blackouts with ease.
“When the general grid goes down, which it does regularly around here, we have gotten by in the dead of winter, when it’s super cold, for three days without any hitch.”
The couple also benefited from Vermont’s forward-thinking energy incentives. Their installation qualifies for Green Mountain Power’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, which offers generous upfront incentives for homeowners who install eligible battery storage systems. For Theo and Andrea, this made their investment not just sustainable and reliable, but financially rewarding as well.
Distributor partner Greentech Renewables sees this combination of value and performance as a major reason Fortress Power stands out. As Phil Sanchez explained, “The energy storage space is constantly evolving. Customers want to see a higher capacity at a lower cost. And Fortress checks both of those boxes.”
Today, Theo and Andrea enjoy a resilient, clean energy system that reflects their values, protects their family home, and ensures comfort during Vermont’s toughest conditions. With trusted support, strong warranties, and access to utility incentives, their Fortress Power system is built to serve them for decades, keeping their home secure, sustainable, and powered by the sun.
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