If you are considering the off-grid lifestyle, you first need to fully understand your own power use habits, as well as exactly how an off-grid system works. To live off-grid you will likely need to make adjustments to when and how you use electricity so you can live within the limitations of your system’s design, and to keep the system cost reasonable. This doesn’t necessarily imply doing without, but rather a shift to a more conscientious use of electricity.
When designing an off-grid system it is critical that electricity consumption be determined for everything in your home or business, and to calculate for those cold, dark winter days and nights when energy consumption is at its peak and power production is at its minimum. Main Street Solar recommends taking energy conservation measures first, such as installing fluorescent or LED lighting and energy efficient appliances, before investing in an off-the-grid system. (Please go to our Energy Efficiency section for more detailed information on this subject.)
We also recommend that before you choose an off-grid lifestyle you talk with a few folks who are already doing it. This will give you practical information that you may not come across in your other research. We can also get you in touch with others living off-the-grid, and you may also be able to find some folks through local organizations that support renewable energy and green living.
Another great resource for seeing off-grid or on-grid solar systems that are actually in use is to attend the National Solar Tour in your area. The Solar Tour is organized by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and its member groups, such as Solar Virginia. The main tour is held the first Saturday of October all across the country, but in some areas tours are held at different times of the year. The Solar Tour is designed so that people just like you can visit homes and businesses in your area where renewable energy and other green living products and practices are in place. It is a wonderful opportunity to talk with end-users about the ins and outs, ups and downs, and all arounds of what they’re doing. For more information about the National Solar Tour please give us a call, or visit the ASES website at www.ases.org.
