Off Grid Living News

Building an Off Grid Home. What are the Major Concerns?

off grid land and shelter off grid living Nov 10, 2020

More and more people these days are thinking about living off the grid. If you are one of those, you have do doubt spent some time day dreaming about having the perfect piece of property with a cabin in the middle of the forest. Other than finding land to purchase for the homestead, perhaps the next biggest decision is what type of off grid home to build. There are a number of things that will effect this decision. Consequently, before reaching for your tools or your wallet, consider the following factors before building your off grid home.

Important Considerations Before Building an Off Grid Home

AVAILABLE FINANCES

If you have plenty of money available, then perhaps your options for building an off grid home are limitless. Paying cash for something may not be a problem. This is of course the best way to make sure you have limited debt or you stay completely out of debt. However, the average person cannot pay cash for a home....

10 Ways to Test Drive the Off Grid Life Before You Commit

off grid living personal lifestyle Nov 10, 2020

Just like anything else, many people talk about the off grid life and being self sufficient but never actually do anything about it. Perhaps this is related to fearfulness or lack of knowledge. Most likely it is also related to not knowing where to start and the uncertainty of whether or not it is the right decision.

Growing up with two working farms in the family certainly taught me a lot about self sufficiency. I truly was not something we talked about. It was simply the way we lived. Despite my childhood experiences, nothing really prepared me for living completely off the grid. I committed to the idea and just did it without any forethought or planning. This is more that most people would do. So, if you are uncertain about this lifestyle then you should appreciate this discussion about ways to test drive the off grid life before you commit.

Living off the grid and being self sufficient is certainly a deviation from mainstream society....

The People Who Live Off the Grid

off grid living personal lifestyle Nov 10, 2020

In other posts I have talked briefly about finding other people that live off the grid and forming friendships with them. Interactions with these folks can be helpful in order to get an idea if off grid living is really for you and your family. But, you may be asking “Who are the people that live off the grid?”

I have also discussed looking at your personal relationships and making certain that your partner is in agreement about living off the grid. This type of lifestyle is not for everyone so you absolutely need to be in agreement concerning this matter. Make sure that everyone involved truly wants to live off the grid.

That being said, let’s take a look at the type of people who actually live off the grid.

The People Who Live Off the Grid

Many people who live off the grid tend to like their privacy. This of course makes it difficult to gather a lot of information concerning specific demographics. However, by doing...

Living Off the Grid: What Does It Mean?

off grid living personal lifestyle Nov 09, 2020

Living off the grid seems to be something that I hear a lot about these days. Apparently it is gaining momentum. The number of people living off the grid is increasing. Additionally, the number of people that want to be living off the grid seems to be growing as well.

But everyone seems to have their own impression of what that is and what it means. This is even noticeable in threads of conversation in social media groups. It is obvious that everyone interested in living off the grid has their own opinion.

So, what does it mean to live off the grid. Let’s start by defining, in the context of our modern culture, what is meant by “the grid”.

What is “the grid”?

Start by thinking in general terms about the definition of a grid. Now I realize that can mean many different thing in relation to science, mathematics, utilities, or social structure. But, what I am referring to in...

What Makes a Good Solar Site

off grid living off grid power solar energy Nov 09, 2020

Despite the many advantages of solar energy, first and foremost, the initial question to be answered is whether solar is truly practical for your particular situation. If you decide it is a practical choice, the second question is whether or not your site is suitable for solar energy production. Consequently, you need to know what makes a good solar site.

Solar energy is quite versatile. Panels can in fact be installed practically anywhere. However, the simple fact is that some situations are more practical than others and some sites are more suitable than others. Consequently, before deciding to invest in this type of renewable energy, these two questions must be answered.

Why Location Makes a Difference

The location of the installation directly affects the total sun hours. This is the amount of time the panels are exposed to sun light. Total sun hours directly affects energy production. The amount of energy production directly effects cost savings...

23 Reasons to Choose Solar Power

off grid living off grid power solar energy Nov 09, 2020

Deciding whether or not to invest in renewable energy can be challenging and even overwhelming. Often the up-front capital investment is intimidating. Additionally, most organizations are just interested in selling you an expensive package. It can also be challenging to find someone willing to simply give you the straight facts. But as you will see, there are numerous reasons to choose solar power.

Solar power and the related technologies have proven efficiencies. Using solar power also has tremendous environmental benefits. You will often see a return on your investment in a short period of time.

This informational article will explain some of the tremendous benefits of renewable energy. In particular I will discuss the 23 reasons to choose solar power.

Perhaps I will even convince you to take the next step and go solar.

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT SOLAR POWER?

-Covering only 4% of the world’s desert areas with photovoltaic could supply enough electricity for the...

The Best Reasons to Live Off the Grid

off grid living personal lifestyle Nov 08, 2020

Ask 20 different people why they chose to live off the grid and mostly likely you will get 20 different answers. This is because living off the grid means different things to different people. The reasons people choose to live off the grid are as varied as the people that make this choice. In many ways, your rationale and your personal goals for choosing this option will be a deciding factor in the type of off-grid lifestyle you develop.

Although some of the best experiences in life are the result of a spontaneous decision, the choice to live off the grid should not be one of those times. This lifestyle should not be approached with a cavalier attitude. In this particular situation, that kind of quick decision making has the potential of producing a lot of hardship and frustration. However, with a little forethought and planning, living off the grid is something anyone can achieve.

There are many, many reasons to live off the grid. The following discussion is by no means an...

How to Improve Your Off Grid Skills

essential skills off grid living Nov 05, 2020

Living off grid requires dedication, commitment, and a considerable amount of knowledge and skill. Most people do not acquire those skills over night. Therefore, if this is concerning, continue reading and learn how to improve your off grid skills.

Most people I’ve met that live a self sufficient lifestyle are motivated, flexible, self-starters. They are hardy do-it-yourself types, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. Furthermore, those that avidly work toward self sufficiency realize that it is almost impossible to know everything. It takes some time to acquire the needed off grid skills and knowledge. Most folks learn by doing. Creativity and ingenuity become your best friends.

Being able to manage your own resources and provide most of your daily needs requires a considerable amount of skill and knowledge. I know this can be intimidating but you need to start somewhere.

WHAT TYPES OF OFF GRID SKILLS ARE NECESSARY?

There seems...

The Off Grid Mindset

off grid living personal lifestyle Nov 05, 2020

Just mentioning the possibility of voluntarily living off grid is almost guaranteed to bring blank stares and questions regarding your sanity. The reason for this reaction is that most people have a lack of understanding about being off grid. Such a thought conjures up visions of being thrown back into the dark ages with little or no conveniences, bathing in a cold stream, perhaps using animal skins for clothing, using an outhouse (or not), and living by candle light. However, with modern technology, the reality of living off grid is actually quite different.

Choosing such a lifestyle does not necessitate being a Luddite. Modern-day folks that live off grid often have a lifestyle that is a marriage between “old -fashioned” country skills and modern technology. They are often creative thinkers that manage to recreate many of the modern conveniences associated with city life. Their only real limitations are based on climate, regional conditions, available...

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Patrick

Sustainable Living Expert

Author

Having grown up with 2 working farms in the family, I was active outside from a young age. I have lived off the grid for over 20 years and still going strong. I would love to teach you the skills of sustainable living and all else that is needed for you to be secure in managing your own resources.

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