Optimizing Solar Panels
It happens every year--actually twice every year. The track of the sun through the sky changes drastically and rapidly. In the spring, the sun is rising higher in the sky each day, and that means we can do our bi-annual adjustment of the solar panels to get the maximum amount of power possible. During the…
Off Grid Air Conditioning
Having grown up in the south, I have a unique appreciation for air conditioning that can only come from experience. After working outdoors all day every summer in the humid heat, you learn to appreciate that cool air when trying to sleep at night. Maybe that’s why I now live in a climate where we…
How To Prepare Your Home To Go Off Grid
You may be wondering how feasible it is for a home that is currently hooked up to the power lines to go off the grid. In many ways, it’s probably easier than you think. However, there are a few items we should look at more closely. In this article, I’ll walk you through the basics…
Unclean Power - Don't Make This Mistake
Let me preface this by saying that any off grid system can produce power that is just as “clean” if not “cleaner” than what you get from the power company–IF you choose the right inverter. That’s why I’m letting you know about the ‘unclean power’ option so you don’t make the mistake we made. Background…
The best kept off grid secret
In my years of experience living off the grid (since the late '90s), I have found batteries to be the most expensive and troublesome component of a renewable energy system over the long run. With that in mind, I knew there must be a better solution than the standard "go-to" batteries such as Trojan L-16's…
Going Off Grid One Step At A Time: Step 1
While the number one rule for going off grid on a budget is always to become more energy efficient, it is also helpful to take a step-by-step approach. Renewable energy can be as expensive or low-cost as needed. The sky is the limit, unless your budget is. And for many who want to become “unplugged”,…
Off Grid Internet in the Boondocks?
Yes, I know...on being "Unplugged!" from the grid and now we are talking about connecting to the internet. What's up with that? I can't speak for you, but our intention in becoming unplugged has never been to disconnect from society. Our goal has been to slow down and restore the important things in life and…
Off Grid Hydro Power 101
Micro-hydroelectric generators are yet another method of producing electricity off the grid. If you are blessed with a suitable creek, hydro is definitely something you should look into. This is particularly true if your area of the country experiences long periods of very cloudy weather (thereby making solar more expensive and more difficult to use…
Off Grid Hot Water in the Summer
My favorite method of heating a pressurized household water system is by using a wonderful Amish made wood cook stove. They are simply wonderful and provide a completely independent means of heating water all winter, as well as much of the spring and fall. The problem for us has been what to do in the…
Fine tuning battery charge settings
One spring, several years ago, we were going to be away from home for a few months on a seminar trip. In preparation for the trip, I pondered how best to prepare my battery bank for such a long period away from my watchful eye. I had good reason for giving this some thought, as…