Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

OffGridCalc ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at https://offgridsolarcalc.com/ and use our solar and energy calculator tool.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website. By accessing and using OffGridCalc, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you use the OffGridCalc solar calculator, you may voluntarily provide us with the following types of information:

• Location Data: Your city, state, and country for accurate solar irradiance calculations
• Home Information: Home size and energy usage preferences to calculate system sizing
• Appliance Selection: Information about appliances you intend to power
• System Preferences: Battery autonomy days and panel efficiency preferences
• Contact Information: Email address (optional) if you choose to contact us or subscribe

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you interact with our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, pages visited, and time/date of access
• Device Information: Device type, screen resolution, and browser language
• Usage Information: How you interact with our calculator, features used, and time spent on the site
• Cookies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience

2.3 Third-Party Data

We use the following third-party services to enhance our calculator:

• Nominatim (OpenStreetMap): For geocoding location data
• PVGIS (EU Science Hub): For accurate solar irradiance data
• Google Services: For analytics and AdSense (cookies and tracking)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and improve the solar calculator functionality
• To calculate accurate solar panel sizing and system recommendations
• To understand how users interact with our website
• To optimize website performance and user experience
• To display personalized content and advertisements (through Google AdSense)
• To comply with legal obligations
• To detect and prevent fraudulent activity

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage: OffGridCalc uses browser local storage and session storage to save your calculator inputs. This data is stored exclusively on your device and is never transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly choose to contact us or share results.

4.2 Security Measures: We implement industry-standard security measures including HTTPS encryption, secure server configurations, and regular security audits to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

4.3 Data Retention: Information stored locally on your browser persists until you clear your browser cache. We do not retain calculation data on our servers unless you explicitly provide it to us.

5. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or transfer your personally identifiable information to third parties. However, we may disclose information in the following situations:

• Legal Requirements: When required by law or legal process
• Service Providers: To third-party vendors who assist in operating our website (Google Analytics, AdSense, hosting providers)
• API Partners: Location and solar data is shared with Nominatim and PVGIS solely for calculator functionality
• Business Transfers: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

6. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 How We Use Cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and calculator features
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics cookies to understand user behavior and website performance
• Advertising Cookies: Google AdSense cookies to deliver personalized advertisements

7.2 Cookie Management: Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

8. GDPR and International Privacy

For European Union Residents: If you are located in the EU, you have the following rights under GDPR:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us at contact@offgridsolarcalc.com.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the revised Privacy Policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, our privacy practices, or your privacy rights, please contact us at:

Email: contact@offgridsolarcalc.com
Website: https://offgridsolarcalc.com/
Mailing Address: Please use the contact form on our website