How to Go Off the Grid: 5 Easy Steps to Take

 

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Over 1.7 billion people from all over the world are living off-grid. Some have chosen to go off the grid and live a sustainable lifestyle. Others don’t have access to these utilities and must live off the grid.

If you are thinking about going off the grid, read on for the five steps you will need to take.

What is Off-Grid Living?

When you go off the grid, you no longer rely on anybody else for your utilities. This means you provide your electricity, water, and gas. Some folks supply their own food as well.

1. Make a Plan

Before you get started, you need to make a plan. An off-grid lifestyle will save you money in the long run, but the initial costs can add up. Set your budget before you begin.

Decide everything you want to do to be self-sufficient. This will include planning a garden and picking out solar panels. You may also need to buy new energy-saving appliances.

Handle small projects by yourself but plan for professional help along the way.

2. Choose Your Location

If you do not live in a place suitable for off-grid living, you may need to find a new location. Be sure where you choose has a lot of sunlight available year-round. You also will need to have enough space for a septic tank and well.

3. Install Solar Panels

No matter where you live, solar panels are the best way to get energy when you go off-grid. Americans use, on average, around 11,000 kilowatt-hours per year. Imagine being able to cut that down by using the sun’s energy!

You can install solar panels yourself or hire a professional to help. It may be beneficial to find solar providers near you since this will be your home’s main power source. You want to make sure it gets done right.

Remember that you need to have appliances that are energy efficient. Older appliances are not made to run off the grid. Find appliances, water heaters, and HVAC units that are a good fit for solar power.

4. Plant a Garden

When you think of off-grid living, you may think about electricity and other utilities. To be off-grid, you will need a source of food. It will save you money and lessen the environmental impact of commercial farming.

Start by talking to your local garden center about the types of foods that grow best in your area. Discuss with neighbors what they grow and ask for tips. If this is your first time gardening, start small, so it is not overwhelming.

Plan your harvest schedule and how you plan to use the things you grow. Will you eat the food fresh or preserve it for later?

5. Find a Water Source

To be off-grid, you will need to plan for a water source. You can dig a well if you have the space available. The initial cost can be high, but you won’t have to rely on the city’s water supply anymore.

In addition to a well, you can collect rainwater. It will allow you to have a backup supply of water. You can store rainwater in tanks above or below ground.

Ready to Go Off The Grid?

We hope these first steps have given you a better idea of what it takes to go off the grid. Following this guide will help you achieve a sustainable lifestyle!

If you found this helpful, read more in the lifestyle section of our site!