When one speaks about clean alternative energy, and the prospect of living off the grid, many people instantly feel that they would have to give up most of their modern amenities in order to live in such a fashion.
Many more people actually think this is an endeavor solely for granola-loving hippies, whose modest ways coincide with fewer technologies (Such as TVs, ACs, Home Theatres, Laptops, and the like).
The truth is, living off the grid is a possibility open to anyone.
Granted, you will need a larger investment if you are powering three chest freezers and a slew of high-energy appliances. But even this would simply indicate that you need a larger system.
The increased demand for renewable energy technology has led to the development of more efficient (and easy to use) components, which make off-grid living a reasonable option for anyone who is willing to be mindful of their energy consumption.
Using renewable energy sources to produce electricity is a fairly simple process. You need a power source (sun, wind or water) from which you will harness a low voltage direct current (DC). That DC energy is then converted, using a solar power inverter (or “inverter” for short), into usable house current (Alternating Current, or AC).
Excess current generated by your system is stored in backup battery banks, where it can later be retrieved during times of higher demand, or at times when the direct energy source becomes unavailable.
Living off the grid, with clean and renewable power resources, is almost completely automated as well.
Almost no special attention will be needed, other than the maintenance of your batteries, and of course monitoring your energy use, to make sure that your demand doesn’t exceed your supply.
The key to success in off-grid living is ensuring you size your system to meet the demand of your energy needs.
Living off the grid can be an exhilarating experience. The feeling of energy-independence is like no other, and you can be proud of your efforts to combat global pollution. Best of all, you may never have to worry about a power outage again.
It is important to conduct your research to determine which alternative energy sources will work best for you, in your particular geographical area.
But it is will definitely be worthwhile to learn how to live off the grid and feel the rush of freedom it can give.
You can find excellent step-by-step guidance, how-to videos, manuals, and diagrams, which will teach you exactly what you need to do in order to set your home up for off-grid living. Some of these manuals will even advise you on which type of alternative energy solution is best for your geographical location and circumstances.
One of the most popular of these guides is Home Made Energy, which includes specific instructions on what is best to build, based on your geographical location and the size of your house, step-by-step diagrams on how to create wind and power systems with very little effort, videos, and more.
Setting up your own DIY Solar and Wind Power systems at home gives you a great advantage over hiring a commercial installation. The first advantage is the cost – you can save thousands of dollars and possibly get an even better system. Another advantage is that you will have the full know how and understanding of how your home solar power system has been set up and how it works. If you need to expand it or make changes in the future, you won’t have to call in an installation crew or pay a professional company.
Please visit Home Made Energy to find further information on how to install a home solar and wind power system which can provide enough power to get you living off the grid.
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What sort of investment would you be looking at for an average household? I don’t really use any appliances. I have a laptop which is on 24/7, fridge-freezer, hot water and a washing machine.
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@ David. Well, if you buy a ready-made complete solar power system you are probably looking at thousands of dollars to start. But the do-it-yourself methods are said to be much cheaper and reportedly can be set up for as little as $200 to start out. It depends on many factors however – including your geographical location, the wattage you use, what you will be able to find in your area, and even the laws and regulations in your region.
If you are seriously considering setting up a solar or wind power guide at home, I highly suggest you get one of the guidebooks available on the subject. They will give you a lot more specifics and information. Even the websites themselves have some useful and interesting information. I suggest you have a look at Home Made Energy and Earth for Energy. Please let me know if this helps!
Anna-
For your readers that are interested in living off the grid but also want to keep the appliances they are accustomed to using, I would recommend compact appliances as a possible alternative to simply building a larger solar system.
Products such as compact ice makers, mini fridges, & counter top dishwashers can be substituted for high-energy models. Aside from offering energy savings, these units cost considerably less to purchase. Models such as these are a common solution for the recreational vehicle market where many RV owners use solar power to augment their battery & fossil-fuels.
P.S. Thanks for the video links and please keep the tips for living off the grid coming!
@ Aaron – that’s very useful information, thank you for adding it to the blog! I agree that these could be great solutions for RV’s and for energy efficiency in general. I’m sure the information will be helpful to readers and I always appreciate getting feedback and comments like this.