Most people wrongly believe that they need a massive solar system to live off-grid or for “just in case” the world ends. But that’s not true if you’re careful about what you run and when. If, however, you intend on powering everything you currently use, like the HVAC, clothes dryer, dishwasher, and multiple televisions, then you will need to invest heavily in solar and batteries, or a generator and plenty of fuel.
But, as this person explains in the video below, you don’t have to spend a lot of money if–and this is the important part–you’re careful about the equipment you use. And while they only run small-draw items, particularly lights, laptop, and wi-fi, it works for them.
[Sidebar: They also apparently use a water well hand pump and a dry toilet, so one of the biggest draws on off-grid power, water wells, isn’t a problem either. Truthfully, they’re clearly living a very modest/frugal life, which tends to use far less electricity.]
This is the thinking you need if/when you invest in a small solar setup.
Ask yourself, “What are the most crucial items we absolutely must power?” And if you’re still saying things like, the HVAC and clothes dryer, then the next question you need to ask is: “How can I replace these high-draw power needs with off-grid alternatives?” Clearly, that means investment in items like wood stoves, a little elbow grease to wash the dishes, and a clothesline.
The good news is that these are very do-able (is that even a word?) solutions. Personally, I would need more power than they do, especially to power refrigeration needs, but even this isn’t horribly expensive if you’re willing to do the work yourself.
Watch the video below and see what’s possible for probably around $1000 to build a four-panel, 400-watt system that works even in the winter.
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