Getting Off the Power Grid
Living in the boondocks or just beyond the reach of power lines is easily manageable with alternate energy sources and has wonderful advantages in them. First, you live life while helping save the earth all at the same time. Second, and probably the most important reason, is that getting off the power grid means tangible cost savings. No mounting electricity bills to pay. Here are some ways on how to live off the grid without having to relocate you and your family somewhere outside the reach of civilization.
Solar panels as your roofing
Well, not literally. Just install enough panels to be able to generate enough energy that you need for your everyday living. Invest in those mini panels that specifically charge laptops and mobile phones or just about any electronic gadget you may own. For water heaters, go solar powered heaters too. Install those solar light bulbs. These are really light fixtures with their own power source.
A piece of Holland anyone?
Holland has been famous for its windmills even before the term alternative energy was coined. Alongside with your solar panels, install some mini wind turbines to act as backup power generator just in case the sun is in hiding.
Go the extra mile, stay off the sewage system too
Going completely off the grid means you will not be using your town or city’s sewage system. This is done by building a septic tank that will store your water waste. Bacteria present in your waste water will take care of separating the liquid part from the solid part. The liquid part will be distributed over a vast area of what is called as distribution field and the ground will act as a natural filter before the water reaches underground water tables. The solid portions will remain in the tank and will have to be taken out by professionals at least once a year. For your water supply, have tanks or even a cistern built for your use.
Natural ways to satisfy your home’s cooling and heating needs
Build your home in such a way that it is as energy efficient as possible. It is insulated enough during cold weather so as not to spend too much on heating. And can be opened up to let natural breezes flow through during the warmer periods to save on cooling costs. A technique used by those who live off the grid is known as thermal siphoning. No fancy equipment needed here, just your windows and knowing which ones and when to open them. Specifically, lower windows on the side of the house receiving the wind flow are opened and higher windows away from the direction of the wind are also opened. Physics will do all the work for you. This will let the cool air to flow in and the warmer air to flow out. It is grade school knowledge that cooler air is heavier than warmer air.
Getting off the power grid also means you will have to be more conscious with the amount of energy you use on a daily basis. Although you have your solar panels and wind turbines up and running, there will be times that neither sun nor wind will be present. It is but common sense to step up your game plan when it comes to being energy efficient. You are doing these things to save anyway.
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Tags: backup power generator, insulated, off the grid, panels, solar, solar lignt bulbs, thermal siphoning, turbines, windmill
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