Have you guys seen this channel? It is relatively new in our area. Its 24 hrs of programs about environmentalist groups, people, and people living off the grid etc.

It has shows about alternative energy etc..

Its really messed up. I watched a program called off the grid about a family who moved to the boonies (litterally) and built a log cabin that was completely off the grid. And they dragged their kids along for the ride.

I don't think I can give up modern technology. I wonder what these people do for medicine?

To each his own.

It's a free country and if they're happy, I'm happy for them.

quote:

Originally posted by floersh:

I don't think I can give up modern technology. I wonder what these people do for medicine?

I know several people with houses that are "off the grid"... that have independent power generation through solar and wind, along with wells, cisterns, and water reclamation.

They didn't give up any modern technology. they still have plenty of computers and electronics.

Some of them get checks from the power company for feeding excess electricity back into the grid.

quote:

Originally posted by rcjarrell:

quote:

Originally posted by floersh:

I don't think I can give up modern technology. I wonder what these people do for medicine?

I know several people with houses that are "off the grid"... that have independent power generation through solar and wind, along with wells, cisterns, and water reclamation.

They didn't give up any modern technology. they still have plenty of computers and electronics.

Some of them get checks from the power company for feeding excess electricity back into the grid.

These people are OFF the grid. They aren't feeding anything to the grid. The grid isn't anywhere within 100 miles of where they live.

Now they did use wind/solar.. But the thing that got me is their toilet. Nothing more than a bucket that they haul their own waste to a composte heap that they then use for planting their garden.

I'm sorry. I like my toilet..

They have dug a well and built a rain harvesting system for water.

They may have water and electricity but there are no internet service providers in their area. And they get no cell phone signal nor have any telephone service.

I guess they could put up a satellite dish for somethings. They didn't but I suppose they could.

I live in an area where, just across the canyon, everyone there lives off the grid. "The grid" hasn't made it over to that side of the canyon yet. This isn't in some "out of the way" place, but is less than an hour from both San Jose and San Francisco.

I live in an area where there is no cellular phone coverage, high speed internet or cable television. We either deal with dial up or satellite (mine gets installed Thursday I hope)

It isn’t difficult or inconvenient to do. The startup cost for solar is a little restrictive, but my friend who installed it up near Sacramento saw her meter reverse immediately.

You can purchase composting toilets that produce compost that can be used in your garden (although I would avoid food plants).


Oh, and I LOVE the new Planet Green channel. Awesome!

quote:

Originally posted by SeaWitch1220:
The startup cost for solar is a little restrictive, but my friend who installed it up near Sacramento saw her meter reverse immediately.

I don't know about that. I was doing some pricing the other day. Now I guess I use a bit more electricity per month than most. But to produce in the neighborhood of 500kWh per month here in Georgia was going to cost in the $17k arena. Not including installation. And yes I know I am evil. But I use between 1000 and 1600 kWh per month depending on which month. So this measly 500kWh wouldn't even come close to getting me off the grid.

Now with all the state taxes and surcharges electricity costs just under 11 cents per kWh. So in essance I would save $55/month on my electric bill as long as the price from the grid remains this low. Thats $660 a year. At that rate it would take me just under 26 years to earn my investment back. And that assumes I have $17k in cash to put down rather than taking out some sort of interest bearing loan.

I'd say solar is a bit more than simply restrictive in its startup cost.

Now wind. Assuming you can build the tower in your area. That is a bit more cost effective. Roughly 10 years to get back on top and significantly smaller up front cost, reducing the need for a loan.