To live off the grid essentially means having a self-sustaining domicile that is independent of outside influence. Free of government dependence and the associated costs, the prospect of living off the grid has become ever more enticing to citizens of all countries.
Providing the necessary utilities to survive, which include water and electricity, is a billion dollar industry. Consequently, there should be no surprise why “preppers” and “survivalists” have had a consistently poor portrayal in our corporate run media. Becoming energy independent, in truth, has nothing to do with preparing for doomsday or a zombie apocalypse.
Energy independence is not as difficult or costly as some might have you believe. Solar Panel prices have dropped 60 percent since 2011, and that trend shows no sign of ceasing. A 24 volt system – more than enough to power your home – typically sells for about 14 thousand dollars. The one time investment will put an end to that shocking, rapidly increasing electric bill we all receive each and every month.
If you live near a creek, we would recommend a micro hydro power turbine, a device that will use transform the water current into usable energy. A small turbine might be as cheap as 6 thousand dollar.
No one can survive without water, but do you even want the water coming from your tap? With increasing amounts of antibiotics, antidepressants, fluoride, and many more toxins found in water supplies throughout the world, a well reserve is becoming the best option for you and your family. The well and septic tank combo will typically sell for around ten thousand dollars. That is a small price to pay to actually know what you’re drinking, not to mention never having another water bill. 15 percent of Americans already use a well for drinking water.
In regards to heating, we would recommend a wood stove. At only 3 or 4 thousand dollars, this tried and true method of heating will dramatically reduce your winter time spending. The best part of the wood stove is that refueling it just means finding a dry log!
Living off-grid full time is not easy, and such a life does require a substantial start-up cost and a lot of hard work. With that said, the benefits are wonderful. Full financial freedom might be your primary motivation, but money is only a small part of off grid living. In a world that grows more complex and sinful every day, escaping the pressure and noise will make you and your family appreciate what’s truly important in life again.
A well and septic are great, provided you’re allowed to have one. A town near us recently outlawed septic systems through much of the town because they brought in city sewer from the adjacent large city. As you say, governments don’t want you to be independent of them, but rather, very dependent.
A wood stove is great. We use ours for primary heat. It takes quite a few ‘dry logs’, however. We burn three cord or so each winter. Living off-grid means doing the work instead of paying a utility company to do it for you. Be prepared to work.
As for solar, a very useful first step is to reduce your “need” for electricity as much as possible first. Trying to power a typical suburban lifestyle by solar would be very expensive. Scale back. Need less. It’s a lot easier to let go of the grid if you’re not holding onto it in a white-knuckle grip with both hands.
Sadly, living off-grid may not be an achievable goal for those that live in the city. For instance, the city will not approve of a septic system to be used instead of their sewage distribution system that they overpaid for.
And your neighbors may not approve of the fact there is a leach field that can migrate onto their property. And most homes in the city are packed together with properties adjacent to one another.
As for solar, good luck but homeowner associations and city officials will cite these as “eyesores” and will require hookup to the grid. Only out in the country do you have half a chance of being off-grid.
I would love to do this. It is extremely difficult to do as you get older. To get solar panels is one thing, but to keep enough wood on hand to stay warm in the winter is very difficult in some areas. A well is easy, but it can have some of the same contamination that public water has and disease. If you plan to try living off the grid, you need to do your homework. It is not easy.
Yes to living off grid. Please consider being an energy angel ( http://ssenergysystems.com/energyangels.html )
As my local utility (PPLelectric) is threatening to cut off my power by the end of this month (March, 2019) please consider me first in line. If not me at least do someone I have a 200 watt solar operating now with a 400 watt windmill in the wings. There is enough credit available (I think) in my home depot account to get an emergency generator.
Minimal residential systems start around $12,000, my house would need an $18,000 system. I despise the public utilities who operate as a greedy profit making system. They are especially despicable when they cut off elderly women and put their lives at risk (PECO is especially happy to do that.) (PPL also does it).