Is Living Off the Grid Really Doable?

We’ve all seen the ads — beautiful, cheap land for sale. Wouldn’t it be great, we think, to get away from it all and relax in our own cabin in the forest, undisturbed by modern life?

There’s just one hitch. There are generally no modern conveniences either. No phone, sewage, water or electricity for miles and miles.

Until recently, building in such remote areas was often expensive at the very least, or downright impossible. Today however, more and more Americans are building off the grid lifestyles or vacation escapes.

A key factor in this shift has been the development of cost-effective off-the grid power generation systems such as solar technology, wind power and even propane. These systems are not new, but rather today’s companies have developed better ways in which to harness and store the energy they create.

But how do these systems work, and are they consistently reliable?

Capturing the Sun’s Energy
At the simplest level, solar energy systems are comprised of cells that are generally placed on rooftops. These cells collect solar energy and convert it into electricity, which is then stored in water tanks or batteries for later use.

The Power of Wind
Power generated by harnessing wind is one of the world’s cleanest power sources. “By connecting a spinning rotor (an assembly of blades attached to a hub) to an electric generator, modern wind turbines convert wind energy, which turns the rotor, into electrical energy.” Throughout the world, Denmark, Germany, China and India have invested in wind power to supplement their traditional power sources. And, in the United States, there are several large wind farms. The biggest of which is Altamont Pass, currently operating 6,000 rotors, in California.

Propane
Propane is a clean burning gas that is generally stored in a tank outside of the home and piped inside. Today, propane can be used to power just about any household appliance, from heating and lighting to drying and cooking.

So if you have one of these ads tucked away somewhere in the what-if pile on your desk, maybe it’s time to call back that realtor!

According to Bergey.com, off the grid power systems generally cost between $5,000 and $50,000, depending on their size and complexity. Given that solar and wind generation systems are dependent on the whims of Mother Nature, a redundant or secondary energy source is generally recommended. Once a consistent power system is established, it then becomes relatively simple to install a well and septic system to provide water and waste disposal.

So now that the dream can be a reality, what’s next? Head to your nearest bookstore for a cup of coffee and spend the next several hours pouring over books of log cabins. Then dream about snoozing in the hammock that will be hanging from the back our your new porch!