Off the grid
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: SW Washington coast
Off the grid
Been thinking and reading for the last dozen years or so about living "off the grid" ... No utility bills ... Minimal fuel costs ... Subsistence farming and hunting ... that sorta thing ... But there are times when you need money for something in town ... How would one work "off the grid" or "under the radar"? ... Preferably legit ... 
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North of Boston MA
Been thinking and reading for the last dozen years or so about living "off the grid" ... No utility bills ... Minimal fuel costs ... Subsistence farming and hunting ... that sorta thing ... But there are times when you need money for something in town ... How would one work "off the grid" or "under the radar"? ... Preferably legit ...
But, the various governments are going to want their share of whatever you have. Property taxes, income taxes, vehicle registrations and so forth would really prevent you from living truly off the grid. Even bartering with other people is supposed to be taxable.
If you were talking just off the energy grid, that is very feasible. Off the grid as in out of society is a lot tougher. I'd still like to try it one day.....
Super Moderator
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From: Maine, Virginia
In my opinion, one would need multiple power sources to accomplish this. Wind alone is unsustainable. Harnessing energy from rolling streams is difficult and collecting solar power is very expensive initially and requires many years to break even.
However, I believe that you had a large enough parcel of land and plenty of cash you could accomplish this. If your running all the typical household goodies such as central and a/c, computers, etc, you may need 25KW-30KW of reliable power.
Tim
However, I believe that you had a large enough parcel of land and plenty of cash you could accomplish this. If your running all the typical household goodies such as central and a/c, computers, etc, you may need 25KW-30KW of reliable power.
Tim
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From: Butler, IN
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: SW Washington coast
Already figured out how much power I need for running the household ... Solar for heat and hot water ... Berm home for a/c ... Solar cell and wind both for electrical ... Solar and wood cooking ... Maybe even wood gas or steam for vehicle ...
Still need salt, flour, sugar and coffee ... Possible barter for those ...
But the government has to have its share ... Tax money ... And the occasional part store run ... Oh yeah ... Primers and powder too ...
Still need salt, flour, sugar and coffee ... Possible barter for those ...
But the government has to have its share ... Tax money ... And the occasional part store run ... Oh yeah ... Primers and powder too ...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
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I remember reading somewhere a homeowner went off the (power) grid (with solar power or whatever it was) and his power company required him to sell them the power he made so they could in turn, resell it back to him. I can't remember the reason, but worth being aware of, and checking into before you go too far.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Midwest
I have heard of the electric company buying the extra power that wasn't used,but I have never heard that the electric company required them to sell it so they could buy it back.
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Post Fiend
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From: The Great North~West!
I always wanted to start one and call it Malfunction Junction!! lol!!
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Southern MD
I remember reading somewhere a homeowner went off the (power) grid (with solar power or whatever it was) and his power company required him to sell them the power he made so they could in turn, resell it back to him. I can't remember the reason, but worth being aware of, and checking into before you go too far.
I agree with cjben.
In this area, you are not required to be connected to the electric company, BUT, if you produce electricity (wind/solar/hydro, etc.) and have excess power, the electric companies MUST buy that electricity FROM YOU. . . IF you offer it to them.
Now, the question is - WHO will pay for your electricity being produced, to get onto the electric company's grid???
You?? Them???
There is where they 'gotcha'! (I've never heard who has to pay for the connections.)
"Going off the grid" sounds nice. Finding enough land to sustain my family and me, well, that's the problem.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
Strikes me ironic that you want to live off the grid, and post your question on an internet forum. I'll bet you've been doing most of your research on the net as well. Are you sure you are ready for this?
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Elder User
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From: SW Washington coast
I see here we have a possible misconception ... By "off the grid" I do not mean doing without ... I mean being as self sufficient as I possibly can ... The less I have to depend on someone else for the better off I will feel ... No one can deny me something if I provide for myself ... I will have running hot water and electricity ... I just paid my electric bill and it was $26.18 ... I would rather spend that on ammo or a nice cigar ...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Southern MD
Ha! $26.18??????
Sorry. I don't mean to laugh, but, when I fill-up one car, it's more than $26.18!!
My electric bill last month was $498.77!!!!!
I WISH my electric bill was $26.18!!!!!!!
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
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From: Whittier, CA
I see here we have a possible misconception ... By "off the grid" I do not mean doing without ... I mean being as self sufficient as I possibly can ... The less I have to depend on someone else for the better off I will feel ... No one can deny me something if I provide for myself ... I will have running hot water and electricity ... I just paid my electric bill and it was $26.18 ... I would rather spend that on ammo or a nice cigar ...
All this kind of reminds me of the book Into the Wild. It was a great read, and a decent movie, but it annoys me that society kind of idolizes that kid for being a rebel. Actually he was a bum and an idiot, and got what he deserved. But he was off the grid, I'll give him that.
