Building Your Own Off-The-Grid System
Getting off the grid completely is one of the most liberating things you can do with your land. If you construct your own off-grid system, you may rest assured that no storm or power outage will ever again disrupt your life.
While it may seem daunting at first, learning the skills and information necessary for off-grid life is actually quite simple. Putting up solar panels and other equipment that requires electrical knowledge is beyond the scope of this article, but we’re certain that after reading it you’ll realize that creating an off-grid system is well within the ability of most individuals.
Whether you live in a remote log cabin in the woods or a little backyard cottage far from the bustle of city life, being off the grid will provide you with new freedoms and options. Being prepared for the possibility that you may one day need to be completely independent of public services like water and electricity, even if you have no current intentions to do so, is always a good idea. All right, let’s get this party started!
Consider the Reasons
Before we get into the specifics of how to build your own off-grid system, let’s talk about why you might want to do this in the first place.
- Self-Reliance: When you’re connected to the grid, you depend on utility companies to keep the power flowing. A grid-tied system is a risk for everyone, the power workers and you.
You never know when a storm might knock the lines down, or someone might hack the grid, causing a blackout throughout the city. Being off the grid gives you control. You can generate your own power and store it for later use. - Lower Cost: In the long run, self-sufficient living comes out much cheaper. You’ll never have to worry about power outages or rising prices for electricity from the grid. If you live somewhere that has access to cheap power, you may still find it more financially advantageous to generate your own electricity.
- Environmentally Friendly: Grid-tied systems use a lot of energy, and they produce a large amount of pollution. If you’re off the grid, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
Your Own Solar Power System
Let’s start with the most obvious element of an off-grid system: solar power.
Solar power has come a long way since the 60s, when people were only just beginning to discover its potential. Now, solar panels are more efficient than ever before, and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs.
New technology like the solar shingles from Tesla have made solar power a more attractive option for homeowners. These shingles will look just like regular shingles, but they will produce clean, renewable energy for your home.
With these shingles, you don’t have to worry about mounting panels on your roof because they are actually integrated into the roof itself. Of course solar panels can be installed on roofs or land that gets a lot of sun, and they feed energy into inverters that convert the direct current (DC) produced by the panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used by household appliances.
Water Storage and Filtration
Water is one of the most vital aspects of self-sufficient living. If a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other emergency ever cuts off your water supply, you will find yourself in a very dire situation.
Water storage containers are where you will store your water in times of plenty. When water is released from the containers, it goes through a filtration system that removes impurities and makes it safe to drink.
When selecting a filtration system, look for one that uses activated carbon or modern ion exchange resins. These systems remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other harmful substances from the water.
If you live in a climate where you get a lot of rainfall, harvesting rainwater is another essential part of off-grid living. Rainwater is free and safe to drink as long as you filter it first. If you already have a water system in place, you may want to invest in a rainwater harvesting system. This will allow you to collect water and store it for later use.
Rainwater Harvesting System
If you live in a region that gets a lot of rainfall, you can use this to your advantage and create a rainwater harvesting system.
This involves diverting the rainwater from your roof into a storage container, where it can be used for things like watering your garden or flushing your toilets. This is a great way to reduce your water usage and cut costs.
If you live in a high-rainfall area, you can set up a rainwater harvesting system in as little as a few hours. You can purchase a pre-made system or build your own. Depending on the size of your roof, you might be able to collect enough rainwater to completely eliminate your water bills.
Another advantage of this system is that it will reduce the amount of runoff going into rivers and streams. This runoff can be harmful to the environment, causing algae blooms, fish die-offs, and an unpleasant smell.
Going To Waste – Composting Toilet
Since you will be producing your own waste, you’ll need a place to put it. A composting toilet will turn your waste into compost and keep it out of the way until it is fully decomposed.
Even though composting toilets are called toilets, they do not use water. Instead, they rely on a system of air flow, temperature, and humidity to break down the waste.
Composting toilets are relatively easy to maintain, and some of them look just like regular toilets. If you plan to use one of these toilets, be sure to select one that is approved by your state. Some composting toilets are connected to a tank, which holds the compost until it is ready to be used as fertilizer.
You can also use the composting process to create fertilizer for your garden, and then use the fertilizer to create a self-sustaining system that requires no water or upkeep.
Conclusion
Building your own off-grid system is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and become more self-sufficient. Since you will be generating your own power and collecting your own water and fertilizer, you’ll be fully prepared in case a natural disaster ever hits your area.
You can also use this system to reduce your energy costs. Keep in mind that this is a long-term investment, and it will take some time to set up. Once you are finished, however, you’ll have a fully-functioning system that will save you money and let you live off the grid.
