In this modern age, it can sometimes feel as though it would be impossible to leave everything behind and live more self-sufficient and self-fulfilled. Our gadgets, technology, food, water and energy supplies have all contributed towards an existence that is reliant upon these things every day and night; without them, we would more likely struggle to live our lives in a way that we believe is comfortable.
There is however, ways of regaining our independence from the modern world around us without compromising our quality of life – going off-grid is one of them. Replacing your energy and water supplies from the main grid for renewable alternatives, offers a sustainable alternative to our lifestyle where everything we need is available to us 24/7. Together with specialists in LPG canisters, Flogas, we take you through exactly how living off-grid can be easier than you think.
Seeking alternative Power
Once you’ve removed yourself from the grid, you’ll need to find another energy supply to power your home. One alternative could be solar energy, which is a reliable form of power that can produce around 3,400kWh of free electricity.
If you have children, then a 3kW to 4kW solar panel will produce the required amount of energy for a family home, whereas a 2KW to 3kW solar will produce energy for smaller homes with less people living in them. Overall, a 3KW will cost around £5,000 – £6,000 and will be a valued investment based on the amount of free electricity you will procure during its lifetime.
Also, you could consider installing a backup power supply in the form of generator or gas cylinder; this can be utilised on cloudy days or if your solar panel stop working for any reason. Or even, domestic wind turbines can also be installed that produce 5kW to 6kW of energy; you will also be paid for any energy that you don’t use which is sent back to the grid.
Other considerations
When relying on your energy supplies, that are external to the grid, it’s important to only use the energy you need.
To keep energy costs low and to live with your own budget, LED bulbs should be used to replace incandescent bulbs – helping to reduce the electricity costs by 75%; aim to get rid of any electrical appliances that you don’t need, and make sure that all electrical appliances are turned off at the mains one they have been used.
Drainage
If you decide to live off-grid you would also need to source your own water supply if you’re not already near a clean, natural source of water. You can install a Well, that cost anything between £10,000 – £20,000, and this is dependent upon how deep the well is dug, and whether the well will be used as a source of drinking water or for other domestic purposes.
You will also need to install a septic tank in the absence of a sewage system, and this sewage tank will need to be emptied periodically by a vacuum truck so that it is disposed of safely. As well as this, a greywater system should also be installed; by treating water used in dishwashing, sinks, showers and baths, this water can be used again. This will also benefit the lifespan of your well, as you can reuse water that has already been cleaned and brought to the surface.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Even though, there are practical changes that you can make to your life, such as finding an alternative energy source, making changes to your lifestyle is also important to consider.
Reducing waste
All the energy, food and water that you use should be monitored and maintained at a consistent level; if you begin to slip, then your reliance on these things may reach unsustainable levels, which could impact your ability to live off-grid. There are many ways to keep on top of waste, and these include:
- Take short showers
- Use artificial lighting only when it’s completely dark
- Turn off lights when you exit a room
- Make compost with food leftovers that would create a rich soil for growing fruit and vegetables.
- You could attend workshops that allow you to learn more about how to repair any damages to the home, or how to cultivate land for agricultural practices.
- Consider hunting and fishing for fresh food, which would help reduce your reliance upon supermarkets that you would usually have to drive to.
There are other ways to live off grid too, and you will make many mistakes along the way, but becoming self-sufficient my just be the key to unlock your potential and happiness.