Off-Grid

The bottom line: What might it take in equipment, materials and technology to attain a completely independent, sustainable off-grid life?

The purpose herein is an attempt to quantify the needs and associated costs of garnering a life of freedom. The subject area of this material is vast: Not only is it necessary to come to grips with construction technologies but also concepts relating to the acquisition and management of energy and water in a sustainable, independent manner.

I have attempted, likely with many shortcomings, to cover a range of topics and technologies which might permit one not just to go "off-grid", but to completely disappear from the utilities radar - barring an optional satellite internet connection and the occasional purchase of fuel for vehicles and forestry equipment.

The topics span considerations about location; water requirements and management including recycling, purification and black-water management; forestry requirements; thermal and electrical power sources and management; building materials and, ultimately, cost estimates for residential (35 US$ per square foot), utility (39 US$ per square foot) and storage (21 US$ per square foot) areas totaling some 9,885 square feet.