Before you can live off the grid, you will need to understand the costs associated with home ownership and what items you really need. You should understand vampire loads – how much electricity is consumed by appliances you leave off but that are still connected. You should also try to buy less items and sell or give away any you no longer use. Saving six months of your income will help you a lot if you decide to live off the grid.
Basic necessities
Before you can go live off-grid, you must have the basic necessities you will need. These include animals to hunt and crops to grow. You should also have first aid tools, because you can’t rely on the health care system. Even if you do get sick, you can take care of yourself until you get to a doctor. Besides, you’ll need a lot of food, water, and other necessities.
Home ownership costs
Compared to conventional homes, off-grid homes can be significantly less expensive. Depending on the size of your parcel and the features you want, you can expect to pay anywhere from £20,000 to £100,000 for your off-grid homestead. The main upfront costs will be your home and land, which are cheap in most states, but can cost a fortune in certain regions. The savings you’ll receive will likely be greater than the initial cost of living off-grid, and your savings will be greater than ever.
Food sources
The best food sources for living off the grid aren’t always the most traditional ones. Large animals, such as cows, don’t always make the best survival foods. Besides, these animals can be very difficult to take with you when bugging out. Instead, many survivalists choose to raise backyard chickens. These small creatures are easy to pack, and they also provide a steady source of protein and healthy fats.
Solar power system
Depending on your location, a solar power system for living off the grid can range from small to large. The size of your system should be proportionate to your total power needs. For example, you should size the solar panel array for off-grid living based on the times of the day when the sun is at its lowest. This way, you will be able to maximize the use of solar energy throughout the year.
Water source
If you’re planning to go off the grid, the first step is finding a water source. There are many options for off-grid water, from rainwater to groundwater. Rainwater is a great option because it is a free resource that does not require purification. In fact, rainwater can be collected almost anywhere, and it is pure and free of harmful pathogens. The trick is to find a way to collect this water and install a distribution and treatment system.
Internet access
If you’re considering going off grid, there are many ways to get internet access. However, not all locations have access to the internet. For example, some areas are too remote to get cell service or internet access. One of the solutions for this problem is satellite Internet. Companies like HughesNet provide inexpensive high-speed Internet, and some even bundle their service with satellite television. With plans of 50 GB per month, HughesNet also comes with a Gen5 system that guarantees 3 MBPS download and 25 MBPS upload.