In the midst of the hassles of daily modern living, more people have pulled the plug off and plunge into the world of off-the-grid living. It may be a simple living but it has full of challenges once you become independent from utility connections.
But before you make a life-changing decision, you have to set your mind to the difficulties of maintaining a renewable energy source and sustaining an efficient water collection and waste disposal.
1. The Right Mind-Set
Being off-the-grid means you have to utilize renewable energy sources from the sun and wind. Although you're no longer paying monthly bills, you have to understand that there are times when your power supply will dwindle down especially during cloudy, stormy days. There is no such thing as unlimited energy source so you need to conserve by cutting back on energy consumption and having a backup generator.
Here are a couple of off-the-grid tips to conserve precious energy:
- Use one appliance at a time and don't leave unused appliances plugged in.
- Switchable power bars is useful for multiple outlets for eliminating phantom loads.
- Use large appliances on daylight hours so that the sun can top up the battery after you use them.
- Love warm showers? Do that in the afternoon as hot water is abundant from the day's solar heat.
- Don't use electric stove, shift to propane gas stove.
- Open and close windows whenever possible in order to cool the house through nighttime passive ventilation.
- Use LED lighting system and natural lighting to minimize energy consumption.
2. Site-Specific Design
When you go off-the-grid, it is important that your tiny house is energy efficient. This is why your home's architectural design is essential. Directional orientation and design layout affects the chances of getting free light, energy and heat for your home.
Specialized designers have utilized passive heating and cooling to regulate indoor temperature. Supertight building envelope can help manage energy loss especially when temperature difference between the interior and exterior fluctuates. Work with a solar energy contractor in order to plan ahead before you lay your house foundation.
3. Generate Your Own Power
It is obvious that you need to generate your own power once you leave the grid and choose to live away from everyone else.
Check your daily power consumption and work with a professional to figure out how you can generate such power to feed your daily consumption once you go off the grid. Whether you go for solar, wind or a combination of both renewable energy sources, you also have to consider having back up power as well.
4. Water Supply
You also need to collect water because living off the grid would mean no reliable water supply. Identify the nearest water source from river to natural spring. You also need to shell out money for an expensive pumping and filtration system if you consider digging a well.
A cheap option is having a giant water tank but you need to top it up regularly. If it rains a lot in your area, have a rain catchment system.
5. Waste Disposal
When you live in a remote location, you can't just dispose your waste as you see fit. There are sewage regulations that dictates the disposal of waste in a safe manner.
The best way to live without the grid’s sewer system: Installing your own septic and drain field system. This will return all of your waste to the ground, where it will be absorbed as nutrients. It takes space to install, yet once it’s in place, it will get covered up and function out of sight. Another option to consider is a composting toilet. Maintenance is required for both of these systems to keep them functioning.
Throw your organic waste from food scraps to rotten leftovers into a compost heap. Recycle and repurpose items that can be reused.
6. Food Conservation
Now that you're one with nature, why not maximize your food supply by having your own garden with all the needed fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs.
No need to go to the nearest convenience store or neighborhood grocer when you have all of it in your backyard. Learn to preserve food from making pickles to creating jam and marmalade.
Got a rough idea how much it will cost you to live off the grid? Check out this infographic.
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