The most important solar-powered item you will need to put your hands on will be the solar water heater. The sun is your new best friend.Īnd this is not only because it hits your solar panels or helps you heat up the house in winter. Take a good look at all these things that eat up energy, waste water, or simply block the incoming light- you will be amazed. Going off the grid makes you realize how many things around you are completely unnecessary, and the other way round- things that you thought are junk are in fact extremely useful.

Do not allow large trees in the garden to block the incoming sun.

Consider the suitable home interior and exterior design, including window size, placement, and coverings.

Make use of passive heating, such as placing large glass doors in kitchen to face positive sun direction.

Fit a slow-combustion wood fire in the main living area.This is the most important and challenging point of all, because solar panels alone can hardly ever handle the whole burden. The most important things to know in advance:įind a way to handle these and you will be just fine. Tips on insulation and home designs for heating and cooling are available to you from everywhere.Ģ.Satellite and wireless technology is always there to keep you connected with the world.Compost toilets and compost bins are much more trouble.The market offers large, light and super easy to install water storage tanks.Renewable energy is there for you- solar, wind and/or hydro power, even DIY biogas plants– everything is within your reach.

Here is what modern technology has to offer: Having said that, nowadays there is nothing that can prevent you from having a comfortable yet sustainable and 100% off the grid lifestyle. These include not only the power grid, but also the water supply and community utilities, like garbage collection.Īlso read: This Device Extends Your Phone's Battery Lifespan Like Nothing Else. Going completely off the grid means that you unplug from all the services that your home is connected to. The best people to ask for advice on how to proceed and where to start are those, who have already walked the path and are now enjoying the benefits of a self-sufficient, sustainable living. You have to consider carefully the location of your property, so that you can generate a maximum amount of renewable energy, and you will have to think of how to manage your water, drainage, and food supply, because yes, these are part of the “ going off the grid” deal.

In fact it is a continuous process, and the best thing to do in order to ensure that you do not sacrifice your personal needs, is to do it all gradually and think everything through. To reach that goal, however, you have to keep in mind that you cannot do it overnight.

Going Off Grid by S.J.D. Peterson