Terri Ramsey Beavers It used to seem crazy to want to live away from the convenience and modern conveniences of living on the grid. These days it doesn’t seem so crazy when you consider how many problems there are with blackouts and undrinkable water when you live in civilization. Living off the grid is a good way to be resilient during these tough times and still have the modern conveniences you would want.
It isn’t exactly easy to get started, however. There are a lot of challenges to overcome before you can be truly comfortable. This means that you have to know what you’re getting into. In this article, we will go over some of the essentials you need to live off the grid.
1 – An off-road car
Living off the grid usually means that you are going to have a property that is not close to nearby properties. It can involve having to travel over some rough roads and possibly without asphalt. Getting to your property will be a challenge if you don’t have the right car.
It is a good idea to get yourself a car that is reliable and able to handle some rough terrain. If you have a regular sedan then think about going trading it in at the new Land Rover dealership in Goodyear and getting a vehicle that is built for driving in rough conditions.
When it rains or snows then you will need to be able to get in and out of your property safely. There are stories of people who live off-grid and get stuck in their homes during inclement weather. This can be a problem if you end up with a health issue.
2 – Solar power
The area you choose needs to be one that has good sunlight and no trees or mountains blocking it. Pick a south-facing house where you can install panels on the roof and have access to the sun for the majority of the day.
Batteries are also important so that you can store the energy that you create. At night or when there is a lot of cloud cover, you will be without electricity if you don’t have batteries that collect the excess energy the panels create.
3 – Access to clean water
Before you settle on a property to buy, make sure it has a well or the ability to drill one so you can have access to clean water for drinking and other domestic uses. Water is getting scarce these days and it is important to make sure you always have access. Being off the grid doesn’t just involve electricity it also means you won’t have access to city or county water.
You should also be collecting rainwater for things like irrigating a garden so you aren’t using your well too much as they can also dry up during a drought. Not only that but using a well involves a pump so your batteries will get drained every time you turn on the tap. The less well water you use, then the more energy you save.