Off Grid Living

Off grid living can mean different things to different people. The simple version is living independently from public utility companies and providing your own electricity, but for many it can mean more than this.

Basic Independence

Separating yourself from the power grid cannot happen overnight. There are some decisions you will have to make first, such as what sort of alternative energy you will be relying on to take the place of conventional power. It is also important to work out if it is even feasible for you to consider if it is possible for you to fulfill your household’s energy requirements without the help of public utilities.

Where you live will be a big factor in your decision. The most common choices for renewable power are wind, solar or hydroelectric power, though usually wind power is the most viable and cost effective provided you have plenty of space in which to install it. Any of the three options are viable however, or you can combine all three in order to maximize your potential energy income.

Backing Up

You should always ensure that you have a backup system in place whatever alternative energy you decide to opt for in your quest for off grid living. You can go for a battery powered generator, which is an environmentally friendly option, or you could choose a gas generator. Or, you could simply decide to stay connected to the grid but use the power from your alternative energy sources rather than draw off the grid.

Giving Back

There is one very strong argument for staying connected to the grid while using the power you’re your alternative energy sources, and that is the ability to sell your excess power back to the power company. If your alternative energy sources are providing more electricity than your household needs, you can put this power back into the grid and make a bit of profit from it.

Meeting Your Needs

Before you fully convert to off grid living, it is important to ensure that you can meet your home’s electricity requirements by producing your own electricity. You will need to work out how much energy you actually need, which can take a fair bit of thought and research.

You can also reduce your energy requirements in a number of small, easy ways. For example, don’t leave appliances and chargers plugged in when they are not being used. Try to research the energy efficiency of your appliances, and whenever you need to buy new, opt for the most energy efficient model. Simple techniques like this will make your transition to off grid living much easier.

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