Living off the grid has many advantages. It significantly reduces the pressure on fossil fuel use, and thus reduces the environmental impact that most people have on the planet. Here are a few simple alternative energy sources for off the grid living if you choose to do so.
Most Americans will see their energy bills rise as the hot summer gets here with the increase in the use of air conditioning and other kinds of utilities. Cooling our homes or businesses require energy, and as a result of your energy consumption also impacts the environment in your local area, and as a result of the planet as an extension of that. By living off the grid, you may be able to save money and reduce environmental impacts at the same time which may make your life more simple and economical.
Alternative Energy Sources For Off-The-Grid Living:
To live completely off the grid and benefit from it, you will need a reliable and steady source of energy that doesn’t impact the environment. Alternative energy sources such as wind turbines, solar panels, and many others have become more efficient over the years and are now hold more promise as an energy source for the future.
With the latest innovations, alternative energy sources not only produce energy continuously, but they also store energy when you’re not using it which can make your energy consumption more efficient.
1. Solar Energy:
Solar Energy is probably the most efficient way to produce electricity off the grid. If you live in an area where you get plenty of sunlight, it might be an ideal method for you. Solar panels and inverters can produce and save a lot of energy for you to use. Solar panels are relatively easy to install, and they don’t have any moving parts. However, solar panels can be expensive to install and setup, but, it can be a good investment in the long run so this is definitely a method to consider.
2. Wind Power:
Contact your local weather authorities to find out whether your area is good for generating energy from the wind. If you know how much average wind your area receives, you will be able to calculate how much power you can expect to generate from your system. You may be able to generate 400 watts of power with a four-foot turbine and run a few appliances. A 900-watt turbine will have to be at least seven foot. If you have bigger area and money, you may consider putting up a bigger turbine and generate more electricity for all your needs, but make sure you research well so you ca set up the right kind of system that will be most beneficial. (What size wind turbine do I need? – Windpower Engineering)
3. Water Current:
Hydro electricity is also a great way to generate electricity, which is probably one of the less popular methods of off-grid electricity. Micro-hydro electricity uses water current from a stream or a source of running water to turn turbines and produce electricity. It’s a very cost-effective way of generating electricity, so if you live near a steam or any kind of running water source, you may consider installing a hydroelectricity producing device and generate electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week which can save you lots of money in the long term.
Try to apply some of these methods to generate electricity. Even if you don’t plan to live completely off the grid, you can still plan to partially power your hour house or business with some of these off the grid methods and save money and energy.
P.S: To find out more about Green Ecolonomic Living, visit our EAT Community sites. You’ll find hours of instructional videos and information to help you improve your life!
Source: Institute of Ecolonomic
