Can I really live off the grid?

Off grid living is as much a mind set as it is a technological achievement.  Efficient use and conservation of energy will directly impact the size, and therefore cost of the system.  Many people associate off-grid living with hardship and doing without, but nothing could be further from the truth.  Today’s low energy appliances, energy efficient lighting systems, and highly efficient heating systems can be combined to offer a standard of living that rivals any grid connected lifestyle.

People choose to live off-grid for many reasons including the desire to live in remote areas, reducing their cost of living, and lowering their environmental impact.  Whatever your reasons are for getting off the grid, it is important that you discuss your project with a renewable energy professional right from the beginning.  RES-TEC will work with your builder or architect to help ensure the coherence of the design, which can help eliminate costly surprises, lower construction costs, and ensure your overall satisfaction.

How does a stand-alone energy system work?

At the heart of any stand-alone energy system is the battery bank, which is used to store and filter peak energy generation and loading.  The size of the battery bank is wholly dependent upon the electrical demands placed on the system and the nature of the renewable energy source available for battery charging. Batteries are generally sized to provide two to three days of reserve energy for periods of low renewable energy, such as cloudy days for a PV system.  Please visit our Batteries Page for more information on batteries.

All stand-alone energy systems will require a means of charging the batteries, usually a solar PV array, wind turbine, micro-hydro turbine, or a combination of these technologies.  A back-up gasoline, diesel, or propane generator will also be required to provide battery charging during those times when the renewable energy resource is not fully meeting usage demands.  In addition to batteries and a charging source, you will need a means of controlling the charging process, inverters to convert the direct current (DC) into the alternating current (AC) required by most household appliances and fixtures, disconnect switches, over-current protection, and AC and DC load centers where most of the wiring connections will be made.  Please visit our Electrical Components page for more information on these balance-of-system components.

What should I consider before going off-grid?

The type and availability of a renewable energy source should be your primary consideration in your decision to live off-grid.  Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems are the primary energy source for most stand-alone energy systems, but for those with an adequate wind or water resource, wind turbines or micro-hydro turbines can be an effective alternative.  It is also common to combine two or more complementary energy sources into a hybrid energy system.  Seasonal brooks and wind are often at their peak during the winter months when available solar energy is lowest.  The addition of an automatic fossil fuel (gas, diesel, propane) generator to a solar or hybrid energy system to supplement nature’s renewable energy sources virtually guarantees  you will always have enough electricity for your off-grid system.

If you are considering solar as your primary energy source you will need a location where the sun shines unobstructed between 9 am and 3 pm all year long.  In addition to solar electricity, RES-TEC can assist you with solar heating systems, solar domestic hot water systems, and technologies that will allow you to take full advantage of the passive energy available in sunshine.

How do I get started?

Simple give us a call or send us an email.  We will schedule a visit to your site to evaluate your energy resource and answer any questions you may have.  We will work with you, the owner, or your general contractor to provide a preliminary proposal including a basic system design and cost estimate.  Our initial evaluation is provided at no cost as a service to our valued customers.  We look forward to hearing from you and to working together to bring more green energy to the Green Mountains!  Contact Us.