In the past, a relatively small number of individuals
chose to go off grid so that they could take advantage of the nation’s
countryside, with its inexpensive and plentiful land. Many of these
individuals also tend to engage more natural diets and grow their own
food. They may make use of vegetable gardens, methods of canning fruits
vegetables or they may maintain their own dairy farms and livestock.
Small solar and wind systems were used to generate power. The states of
California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Vermont and Maine have a
history of providing opportunities to go off grid. These areas have
traditionally provided off grid land at affordable rates. An off grid
lot may be acquired for as much as 1/3 of the cost of a standard lot in
some locations. People now live off grid in almost every state.
Many people connected to grid systems are going partially off grid by
adding solar and wind systems to their grid-connected homes. In many
instances, it is not feasible for people to separate from grid water and
sewer systems. It may not be feasible to build an outhouse in New York
City or to collect water in an apartment building, but high utility
rates, the cost of connecting to public utilities and pollution concerns
combined with overtaxed grids that have created blackouts have forced
many people off utility grids.
In order to remove yourself from the grid, you must be willing to commit
to a change in lifestyle. You must decide whether you want to go off
grid for all existing grid systems or only a subset of the existing grid
systems. In most instances you will need to find a home or build your
home in a location that will permit you to go off grid. The chosen
location must allow for alternative methods of supplying your home with
water, sewer and power systems. Some communities may object to any
perceived negative effects on animal life, destruction to habitat or
damage to scenery and recreation resulting from structures used to
provide off grid services. Even though these types of effects are
minimal relative to environmental and other hazards associated with the
alternative, persons considering going off grid are advised to
investigate local and state laws as well as public opinion regarding the
development of such structures in a chosen community.
Water and Sewer
To eliminate the cost and expense of connecting to and utilizing public
water systems, you may want to seek a location that is close to a
natural water source. Well water or water from open bodies of water,
such as streams, lakes and oceans, will allow you to implement your own
method of water supply. Otherwise, you will need to implement a system
to collect and store rainwater. To avoid having to connect to grid sewer
and septic systems, you may choose to install an outhouse or a
composting toilet.
Power
You must be willing to implement a clean energy system, such as a wind
or solar system. These power systems include relatively new technologies
that have less environmental impact than traditional fossil fuel
systems. Wind and solar-based systems provide intermittent output,
available only during parts of the day or season. The ability to
maintain reliable electricity is sometimes unpredictable. You may need a
backup source of energy, such as a propane generator.
Solar panels and wind turbines may be configured with a battery bank
system to store generated power. Technology provides for batteries to be
configured to last for several days in the absence of sun and wind. An
inverter is used to convert the DC current produced by these systems to
the AC current necessary for home use. However, if you are not able to
acquire sufficient capacity from a battery bank then a backup generator
may be necessary. Energy efficient appliances, insulation and
conservation are also necessary to achieve efficiency.
Costs
The cost of implementing off grid systems can be quite costly, but some
or all of the cost may be recovered in several ways. The reduction or
elimination of monthly payments to grid systems provides a long-term
cost savings.
A number of states have established "net metering" laws, which permit
customers to sell the power they generate off grid, but don’t use, to
utility companies at retail rates. The federal government, states and
utilities offer incentives for the purchase and installation of
renewable energy and energy efficient equipment that will reduce the
cost of going off grid The Federal Database of State Incentives for
Renewable and Efficiency (DSIRE) indicates that states offer the
following incentives:
- Leasing/Lease Purchase Programs that provide customers
who are located in remote locations with the opportunity to lease
technologies, such as solar panels, from the utility. In many
instances, customers are given the option to purchase the technology
after a specified timeframe.
- Loan Programs that provide for residential, commercial,
industrial, transportation, public, and nonprofit sectors to finance
energy efficient equipment or equipment used to produce renewable
energy. Low interest or no-interest financing is available for terms
of 7 to 10 years or it may be determined on an individual basis.
- Personal Income Tax Incentives may be offered as either
credits or deductions to income taxes for the purchase and
installation of energy efficient or renewable energy equipment.
Eligible technologies may include solar and photovoltaic energy
systems, geothermal energy, wind energy, biomass, hydroelectric and
alternative fuel technologies.
- Production Incentives that provide cash payments that
are based on performance rather than the amount of capital
investment. Cash payments are provided for electricity production
based on a $/kWh basis or based on the volume of renewable fuels
produced on a $/gallon basis.
- Property Tax Incentives that provide exemptions,
exclusions or credits for the purchase and installation of energy
efficient or renewable energy devices. In some states, the local
taxing authority is responsible to provide the property tax
incentive.
- Rebate Programs are provided by states, local
municipalities and utility companies to promote the installation of
energy efficient or renewable energy equipment. Most rebate programs
are provided by state agencies or municipally owned utilities to
support solar water heating and/or photovoltaic systems. Rebates may
be provided to residents, businesses, industry, institutions and
government agencies. Rebates range from $300 to over $1 million.
- Sales Tax Incentives typically provide an exemption from the state sales tax for the cost of energy efficient or renewable energy equipment.