How to Live off grid

Off grid is a simple concept to explain, but a rather difficult proposition to undertake. It can be done by any enterprising individual or family with a good supply of persistence. Off Grid means that you are not connected to the power grid and you produce your own power ‘off grid’. We are speaking from experience when we tell you it is difficult as our family made the choice to live off grid some 15 years ago. It has been a wonderful, yet difficult journey.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• off grid solar panels
• wind generator
• micro hydro off grid system
• bio diesel fuel generator

1. Most people choose solar panels as their first choice for living off grid. Solar panels are popular with today’s media but for most families other sources of renewable energy you can produce at home might just be a better option. We speak from experience on this issue, just because it is popular in the media does not mean it would be your best choice. There is-
   • Wind energy for off grid power
   • Water or micro hydro off grid energy
   • Off Grid applications of bio diesel fuel
2. solar off grid image 2 Solar Panels- Off Grid
   I will deal with solar panels first because they are so popular. The price of solar panels has been decreasing steadily for the past few years until last year when a shortage of silicon (a major component) forced prices to level off somewhat. Recent technological breakthroughs point to the fact that solar panels will one day be very affordable and convenient. Right now expect to pay about $3 per watt of power production at a minimum. The nice thing about solar panels is the modular nature of the initial setup. As money and time permit, you can add to your solar panel array to increase power production.
3. build a wind generator off grid Wind Generators-Off Grid
   If you are considering an off grid move a lot of folks are having great success installing a wind generator. If you are at all handy you could consider learning to build a wind generator. It really isn’t that difficult and most of the parts are readily available. Most successful off grid renewable energy installations are a combination of wind and solar, or some other combinations. It makes an unbeatable combination for most locations as wind usually occurs when the sun is not shining- a perfect compliment to your solar panels.
4. micro hydro off grid Micro Hydro- Off Grid
   If you have running water you might consider a micro hydro setup. This is the most efficient way to produce renewable energy right now if you have the power source available, enough elevation drop and enough flow. Water is constant energy producing power 24/7 while wind and solar can be fickle at times.
5. bio diesel fuel off grid Bio Diesel Fuel-Off Grid
   In recent years bio diesel fuel has emerged as a real contender in the renewable energy field. It is made by converting used vegetable oil into a clean burning diesel type fuel. It can be used in any diesel engine with only minor modifications. Free vegetable oil can be obtained at restaurants and you can get set up to burn bio diesel in vehicles and your own home diesel generator- even use it as home heating oil.
6. Many options exist to live off grid.

Tips & Warnings

• take your time and add to your system as you can
• use a variety of renewable energy options for best results
• batteries and renewable energy producing elements can be dangerous, be careful when using this equipment, consult an expert if you need to