So, what is off grid living?

Before you jump headfirst into an off-grid living situation please take a look at what it really means.

Living off-grid means that you are not connected to the public utility grid for electricity, water, or other services. It requires careful planning and consideration of several factors to ensure a sustainable and comfortable lifestyle. Here are some things to consider when living off-grid:

Energy generation: You will need to generate your own power through renewable sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or hydroelectricity. You need to consider the initial installation cost, maintenance, and efficiency of these sources to meet your energy needs.

Currently I use Solar (which is great through Spring, Summer and most of autumn). My backup generator gets used far too often in Winter.

Water supply: You will need to have a reliable source of water. You can collect rainwater, drill a well, or use a nearby stream or lake. You need to ensure the water is clean and potable, and you have a way to filter it.

I personally wish I lived next to a decent sized stream that would provide the water I need. However, I use water tanks and every so often need to pay for a truck to come and deliver more of this precious resource to me.

Waste management: You will need to manage your waste efficiently, including human waste, greywater, and solid waste. You can use composting toilets, greywater systems, and recycling and composting techniques.

I us a Bambooloo composting toilet., however there are a lot of fresh solutions that I would also consider if starting again from scratch.

Food production: You may need to grow your own food or raise livestock to sustain yourself. You will need to have a good understanding of farming techniques, including soil management, crop rotation, and pest control.

I am learning as I go having fun and really enjoying growing and eating my own produce. No livestock yet.

Heating and cooling: You will need to consider the climate in your area and have a plan for heating and cooling your living space. You may need to use passive solar design, wood stoves, or other alternative heating methods.

Unfortunately, I live to a big hill which hides the sun from my home for nearly three months of the year. Location is important and due to my need for power to work I will be adding a wind turbine to supplement my solar very shortly. My wood burner is very necessary for Autumn and Winter due to my house location. However, I love the warmth and comfort a wood burner provides.

Internet and communication: You will need to have reliable communication channels and internet access for work or emergency situations. You may need to consider satellite internet, ham radios, or other options.

Thank goodness for Starlink as both Vodafone and Spark could not provide internet services for my location. I do get good Spark cell phone reception which is a bonus.

Transportation: Living off-grid often requires more self-sufficient transportation methods. You may need a four-wheel drive vehicle, bicycles, or other modes of transportation to get around.

I own a Toyota Hilux 4WD - necessary to get to where I live and to help bring in larger supplies e.g. building material etc.

Financial planning: Living off-grid often involves a significant upfront investment in equipment and infrastructure. You will need to have a realistic budget and a plan for ongoing maintenance and expenses.

Yep, my budget has grown but luckily the savings I am making by being off-grid are helping to fund a better off-grid setup for the future.

Summary

Overall, living off-grid requires careful planning, self-sufficiency, and a commitment to sustainable living. It is essential to research and prepare for all aspects of off grid living to ensure a successful and fulfilling lifestyle.

Off grid living is getting more popular which means more products being brough out all the time, so my strong advice is do your research, research, and more research.

A great resource for those in New Zealand looking at the Off-Grid lifestyle is THE OFF-GRID COLLECTIVE

Ends

PS I live off-grid and love it. Fair warning - it has cost me more than I originally thought, and I am still adding to my requirements. Will write about my new Wind Turbine when it final arrives and I get to use it for a few months. I do love growing my own vegetables and the new skills living this way forces you to develop.

Tony Cutting
for Kiwi Tiny Home