Living off the Grid
September 15, 2009 · Print This Article
When we think of the term off the grid, we generally think of systems that provide electricity. However, many of these systems can do much more than that. For example, solar collectors can be used to heat water, which could be be transferred into heating your structure.
Wind power could be used to pump water. They also could be combined with other sources such as propane or wood to power a refrigerator or furnace.
You need to figure out which source of power is best for you or what combination will generate the most electricity for you.
Lets look at a basic set up and what you will need.
- A Generation Source: You will need either solar-electric panels or wind generators or maybe a combination of the two. Another idea could be water power. Your plan is to generate electricity.
- Energy Storage System: The most common way is deep cycle or golf cart batteries, which you connect to your system. The batteries store the energy you create for when there is no sun or wind to sustain your needs.
- Inverter: This is a devise that converts the 12, 24, or 36 volt DC coming from the batteries we discussed above so that they are usable with 110 or 120 AC needed with most standard appliances.
- Backup Generator: When natural conditions such as wind or sun fail you, you need a back up system to generate and charge your batteries. A generator of some type is needed for this. Some options include propane, diesel, or gas. These you would want to run during daylight hours so the noise does not bother your neighbors.
- Interface Connector: This devise is used so that you can be connected or disconnected with the grid. A lot of utilities will let you put the power you generate back onto the grid and thus reducing your grid costs.
It is recommended that you get work with professionals to get the best setup for your home. They can advise you on the best components and the correct amount you will need to meet your needs. So get to know your local alternate energy experts.
Often buying a complete system will save you money versus buying each part individually. Keep that in mind as you research your off grid needs.
By Kent Griswold (Tiny House Blog)
Ok - These homes are great. Especially the ones with wheels. Problem: I’ve seen it posted here lots of times. Where can you put them???
I believe these would be allowed in a beautiful year round RV park created just for them. If this park works - move on to the next. In each park there could be solar, air power, alternative energy used. It could be a “mini-example” of what we could do with the real earth. We could have communal gardens, etc. It would be great!
What are your thoughts on this idea? Are there any states that would be interested in this?
Email me at maryccharest@optonline.net if this idea appeals to you.
M
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2009 9:41 am:
I like the way you think, Mary. Mostly’ cause it’s exactly the way I think. I’ve been dreaming about the community you describe for years. I imagine it isn’t far off now.
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Mary C. Charest reply on September 25th, 2009 5:18 am:
Well, let me know when the first RV park is in operation and where you decide to put it. I can’t imagine you not being allowed to do this - there are undesirable year round trailer parks all over the place - or maybe a summer park could be purchased and converted into a year round communal “Tiny town” with only Tumbleweed designed homes allowed.
M
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Good article.
What about water-harvesting?
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Dan L reply on September 19th, 2009 7:04 pm:
There are three aspects to using water from the sky:
collection and storage, and delivery.
Make sure that your roofing is certified for safe potable water
collection. Some roofs have anti-lichen and moss agents in them
that you would not want to drink.
Make sure that you have a lid on your barrel to store your water,
and that it has an insect and frog proof barrier on the vent.
Rainwater stays safe to drink only as long as there is very little
organic matter in it, and organic matter will seek it out.
There is a little plumbing and pumping to get water from your
barrel into the house plumbing system. It’s not rocket science,
but it does have to be done right to keep your barrel
uncontaminated.
There are more details, of course, but this is the main outline.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2009 9:43 am:
I don’t know why this doesn’t become an integral part of all built environments. It certainly is in my plans for a community.
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Mary - check out the Tiny House Village project: http://tinyhousevillage.com
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