Off the Grid living (related to prepping post)

Caruthers612 · October 24, 2013, 05:34:54 PM

I live in a woodsy area and have often wondered about installing solar or wind power. Trouble is I know nothing about electricity or electronics (or engines or anything else--typical New Yorker). Any o' you varmints installed any o' your own power generating gear, just for normal living I mean, not necessarily for when the SHTF.

West of the Rockies · October 24, 2013, 09:43:48 PM

Just today I spoke with a neighbor who installed quite a solar array on his roof a few years ago. He sends all that energy to the power company (Pacific Gas & Electric here where I live). He ends up with a credit most months and pays nothing for electricity most of the time. HOWEVER, he can't just use the energy his panels create -- that would require VERY expensive batteries in which to store the energy he gets from the sun. At present, these batteries are not cost-effective. So he is not really and truly "off the grid" as he still needs PG&E to send him electricity.

I don't know how wind works as an off-the-grid energy source.

area51drone · October 24, 2013, 09:56:32 PM

I just bought 5 acres with a running water source. I don't know if I have enough head (you can excuse yourself from replying in a lame fashion right now, it is a real term), but I'm going to try to run a hydro electric generator if I can when we build on the property.

I think also that a steam engine generator would be a great thing to own.

ksm32 · October 24, 2013, 10:14:32 PM

I paid off my mortgage this past August. The next step is to install a 4-5 KW wind & Solar system. I live IN THE CITY and I'm doing this within the next year. When the power goes out? I can still do what I do. I don't know why everyone would not want to take control to whatever degree they can with such matters.

@ area51drone!!! you have 5 acres, make it an island. Think about it... just in case the "SHTF" as mentioned. And if it doesn't? it's a pretty good feeling to be set up. Throw your master breaker off for one day...

area51drone · October 24, 2013, 11:43:02 PM

Quote from: ksm32 on October 24, 2013, 10:14:32 PM
@ area51drone!!! you have 5 acres, make it an island. Think about it... just in case the "SHTF" as mentioned. And if it doesn't? it's a pretty good feeling to be set up. Throw your master breaker off for one day...

The truth is, I was planning on building a trailer park on it. I'm looking for a trailer park supervisor if anyone wants to apply.

Kidding aside, believe me, as much as possible it will be an island. We'll have our own well, septic system and electricity (in any way we can). Remember, I'm in Washington, so although solar works somewhat it isn't a great solution. We're also almost completely surrounded by tall trees - there isn't much wind blowing through our land. Hence the steam generator idea. With our crazy laws around here, I'm lucky no one will build downstream from me for a good ways, so I might illegally run piping downstream if that's what it takes to get the hydro power working. Still holding out for Greer's zero point energy though! LOL.. and my motorhome will finally be at my house instead of in storage, so it will always be stocked and ready to go in case I need to bug out in style.

West of the Rockies · October 28, 2013, 01:17:46 PM

Just a suggestion for those of you interested in this topic (off-the-grid lifestyles): Check out Mother Earth News at your local library or quality-magazine dealer. Lots of good info therein!

Cynnie · October 28, 2013, 01:22:29 PM

Now this i like ! ..im not all about hoarding guns and canned goods
But i do like the idea of being self sufficient .
I dont want to live after civilized society turns wrong,

analog kid · October 28, 2013, 01:30:11 PM

These don't pertain to off-the-grid living specifically, but they're good resources.

http://www.reddit.com/r/simpleliving
http://www.reddit.com/r/homestead
http://www.reddit.com/r/selfsufficiency

ACE of CLUBS · October 28, 2013, 02:38:36 PM

Quote from: area51drone on October 24, 2013, 09:56:32 PM....I think also that a steam engine generator would be a great thing to own.

What are you going to fuel the generator with?

West of the Rockies · October 28, 2013, 03:39:44 PM

Quote from: Cynnie on October 28, 2013, 01:22:29 PM
Now this i like ! ..im not all about hoarding guns and canned goods
But i do like the idea of being self sufficient .
I dont want to live after civilized society turns wrong,

I know, right? All those damned zombies showin' up looking for brains?

Seriously, I'm not about having a quiver of sniper rifles, but actually not having to rely on the electric company and Chevron sounds pretty good.

Harmness · October 30, 2013, 04:53:46 PM

I've lived most of my life in remote places. Solar is pretty damn good anymore. It's what I'm on right now. There are no moving parts, so once it's running, there's not much you need to do other than check your batteries once in a while. Someday, I'll probably add a wind generator to keep the batteries charged at night and on cloudy days.

If you have running water like a creek, look into a Pelton Wheel. It's just a generator run by necking down water till it's a pinhole sized stream at really high pressure.

You'll still want a generator for backup and to use machinery or power tools.