Miss Ann L. grew up in Ridgecrest, a high-desert town in California’s Mojave Desert, where summer temperatures often soar to 115°F. Having lived her whole life in this harsh climate, she understood the challenges of staying comfortable without relying on the grid.

When she purchased her new home—already equipped with a DIY solar array installed by the previous owner, an engineer—she faced a clear challenge ahead that seemed nearly impossible: finding the best air conditioner system to create a sustainable, fully off-grid home that could withstand extreme heat.

This is the story of how Miss Ann turned her dream of off-grid desert living into a comfortable reality.

Ann's Off-Grid Cooling Challenge

• The Location: A custom-built, off-grid home in the Mojave Desert.
• The Problem: Extreme 115°F summer heat is turning her home into an oven.
• The Constraint: The cooling system had to run entirely on a limited solar panel and battery system.
• The Solution: Two Della 12,000 BTU ductless mini-split systems.
• The Result: A consistently cool and comfortable solar-powered home with a "zero electricity bill."

The Real Test of Off-Grid Living with AC

For off-grid homeowners, every watt of power matters. Conventional air conditioners are notorious energy hogs that can drain battery banks within hours, making them virtually incompatible with solar panels. Most air conditioners offer either power or efficiency, but not both. So what were her options? Ann needed an answer fast.

Moreover, Ann needed more than just basic cooling. She wanted a reliable system she could set and forget, one that could run 24/7 without constant monitoring. Wireless features and a sleek design were also important to her.

Why Della Works Best for Off-Grid Life

Ann's decision came down to trust. She already had experience with mini split systems in her previous condo, where they had worked extremely well. But just in case, she turned to a trusted friend, a longtime solar power advocate who had helped others find affordable and efficient off-grid solutions.

After researching options, her friend recommended the Della mini split system for its efficiency, price, and DIY-friendly design. He had already installed Della units for several people and shared success stories, including one friend who no longer needed to rely on a fireplace for heat during cold mornings thanks to her mini split heat pump.

That trust paid off. Della’s unique combination of efficiency, power, and control made it the perfect fit for her needs and space.

Key Della Features for Ann's Success

Ann's story highlights three core strengths of the Della mini-split system for off-grid or energy-conscious living:

1. Extreme Energy Efficiency: The system's low power consumption allows it to run on limited solar and battery power without draining the system.
2. Powerful Cooling Performance: It successfully cools a home to a comfortable 75°F even when it's a blistering 115°F outside.
3. Smart, Remote Control: The ability to control and schedule each unit via a smartphone app is crucial for managing power usage in an off-grid environment.

Ann's story proves that Della can conquer the most extreme challenges. While you may not be living in the Mojave Desert, her success shows just how powerful and efficient these systems are for any home.

Get the System Proven in the Extreme

Ann used the Della 12,000 BTU model to master 115°F heat using only solar power. Imagine the energy savings and powerful comfort it can bring to your home, whether you're cooling a stubborn sunroom, a workshop, or simply looking to slash your electricity bill.

From Getting By to Living Well with Della’s Mini Split

In the end, Ann leaped and installed two Della mini-splits, one in her living room, another in her master bedroom. The installation itself tells a story about desert community life. Her electrician friend handled the entire setup in exchange for nothing more than a steak dinner.

During installation, he spotted a problem with the included copper tubing. It didn't meet his professional standards, so he replaced it with higher-quality lines. This attention to detail matters when you're living off-grid. You need everything done right the first time.

The AC Transformation

The change in Ann's daily life was immediate. Before Della, she relied on a wood-burning fireplace for warmth. That meant starting fires every cold morning and feeding them throughout the day.

Now the mini-splits handle everything. No more hauling wood. No more ash cleanup. Just steady, reliable heat at the touch of a button.

Living with the Mini Split System

Ann appreciates how well the wall-mounted units work, but she's honest about aesthetics. "If I could do it again, I'd choose ceiling cassette models," she says. They mount flush for a cleaner look.

(Editor's Note: In 2025, Della has launched a complete line of ceiling cassette models, available for both single-zone and multi-zone systems to provide that same seamless, flush-mounted look.)

As a technical writer, Ann shared her ideas about which details need improvement:

• The app needs a filter cleaning reminder based on actual runtime.
• The "turn off beep" button doesn't work.
• Don’t include features in the app that are not ready for full use

Despite these small critiques, her verdict remains clear: "Della is a high-quality product with a good price. I would recommend it to friends building their own homes."

Time For a Smarter Way to Cool Your Space

Ann's story shows that even the most challenging environments can be made comfortable with the right solution. Her Della mini-splits conquered 115°F desert heat using only solar power.

Whether you have a stubborn sunroom, a sweltering workshop, or an entire off-grid home, Della systems deliver the efficient comfort control you need to enjoy your entire space year-round.

Take a look at Della’s collection and experience the future of AC comfort.

Get dialed in.