Off grid - can it be done?

[English teacher]

Has anyone investigated the possibilities of going "off-grid" for power / water supplies? I'd be most interested in hearing about how it was done, what the costs were to put alternative systems in place, and whether the costs could be amortised in the long-term.

I have a small area of land and a house in a protected area. (I don't know if I could put solar panels on my roof, for example,) What are the options of having renewable sources of electricity and water? Is solar really the way to go, or are there cheaper and more efficient ways of generating electricity?

In short, I'm looking for economical and environmentally-friendly ways of being more self-sufficient, and would really appreciate opinions and experience.

Thank you!

[NickZ]

All the government aid is for grid tied solar systems. So the whole setup would be expensive. It gets even more expensive since you need to provide your own backup. So enough batteries and more solar panels to manage the worst of the winter. Plus you'd likely want a small backup generator to boot. Grid tie avoids all these extra costs plus gets you the government and enele help.

Wind is much cheaper. Still need the batteries etc.

In general if you can grid connect you should from a cost view point.

[myabruzzohome]

A fascinating site is journey to forever which is a US charity but has some amazing links/feacts about living off the grid!
This link shows how to make many different type of stoves from recycled materials.
Wings -The Home Made Stove Archives - Index of Contents

Living off the grid does seem to require a certain amount of 'roughing it!' Either that or you need lots of money to buy in the technology to power all the gadgets devices you use now and support the lifestyle you enjoy.

cheap 'roughning it' solutions are;

compost loo built in garden.No need for plumbing.
solar shower housed outside iusing coiled hosepipe on roof to provide hot water
'solar oven' made from aluminium steel.cook outdoors
Solar panels to charge batteries for computer/tv etc
solar lighting
So it can be done but it depends on what sort of lifstyle you are wanting and your own level of hardiness!

[NickZ]

Originally Posted by myabruzzohome

Living off the grid does seem to require a certain amount of 'roughing it!'

The cheapest power you can buy is the power you don't use. You end up cutting all the power use you can. Be it low power bulbs. To high efficency appliances. To more natural lighting. You name it.