Dealing With Power Off Grid

Not using conventional power has been a freeing experience to my wife and I. We have been amazed at how little power we actually need and use. We have always read on solar panel websites,

"You'll never get enough panels to support what you will want to run."

We can say that we are using next to nothing and loving it. Every time we add something to help with power, lighting, or any good gadget it is just an amazing bonus, but not a crutch.

With that being said I did want to share how we harness power for the few gadgets and needs we have for power to maybe help you get some ideas.

1. Automobile - We use our car (with an inverter) to power and charge our computers, cell phones, and dvd player. We also use it to charge the cordless drill and for the coffee grinder or other small items like this etc.

2. Handtools - For most things that require power we have replaced with hand power or plan to in the future. Blenders, ice cream makers, and even popcorn makers are all great off grid products that are fairly cheap. We have gotten a popcorn popper and use it over the fire. Our son absolutely loves popcorn and enjoyes it more than anything.

3. Solar Panels - Solar panels are in our future although we have never used them. We own some solar panels, but we haven't gotten them set up. They have huge upsides and downsides mainly that they are expensive and well big.

4. Alternative Power - Things like the power dome ex, batteries, propane, alchohol, and on and on. The power dome ex has the following things built into it.

600 cranking amp auto jump starter
260 PSI high power motor air compressor
400 watt AC power inverter, high intensity LED light
Built-in AM/FM radio with iPod™ input
2 AC Outlets and 1 DC outlets

It is basically an awesome car jumper. I love mine, but have run into problems with charging it, but plan to try charging it with the car while driving.

5. Going Without - The biggest thing in regards to power is learning to go without. Like I said earlier we are shocked with how little power we need and use.

There are other ways of getting power through wind, water, bicycles, etc and we may do some of all of those, but no immediate future plans are in the mix.

We do plan on cooking with a wood stove at the new property frequently, but can't do that in the city. We also have a fire at least 3 nights a week and cook around the fire and enjoy each other around the fire.

We are not only free from the system of a power company, but also from that bill. We can now invest over $100 a month into other things rather than power. We truly feel more free than we ever have.

Not all people need to give up all power, but try some of the things we have or other ideas you find online just to reduce your electric bill or to feel the satisfaction of doing something from your own hands. It really does connect you with something simpler and something special.

The Bantam Voice
"Freed People, Free People"