Living off the grid could be a rewarding lifestyle which millions of Americans would enjoy,but its not easy. There are various challenges you need to take into account. Below are 5 challenges to the system to go off grid.
LAND
Wouldn’t it be great if you could choose a spot anywhere and just go and live there? Cities have begun making that difficult. In some municipalities, it’s illegal to inhabit a dwelling without being hooked up to the municipal power system. Other cities only allow off-grid power sources to supplement power, but not to replace electricity. The best solution is to find land outside the city limits so you can which will help you meet your planned needs for growing food or raising animals. Many people enjoy this type of lifestyle with a full garden and small animals, like chickens or rabbits. Others need more acreage because they grow grains or raise livestock.
ACCESS TO WATER
Regardless of where you choose to live, you must have access to an abundant source of fresh water. Ideally, surface water from a lake, river or creek is available. While many people successfully live off the grid with a well that draws water from an underground aquifer, this a disadvantage because it takes a lot of power to pump the water. If you have water on (or under) your land, your household will have the right to use it for personal consumption. Need water for their livestock to drink and to irrigate crops. These water rights may or may not be yours. So when looking at the perfect piece of land to build the homestead, get legal help to ensure that you’ll have rights to all of the water that will be needed.
POWER
Some off grid enthusiasts live without electricity. They get water from a nearby lake or stream, and heat and cook with firewood. If that’s your plan, then you don’t need to worry about an off-the-grid power system.
But most people want to generate their own power. This may be for comfort (like air conditioning on a hot day or running a washing machine) or necessity. For example, if you grow large fields of grains in the southwest, you’ll likely need power to pump water from its source to the fields.
Today, there are several great technologies for generating power. In many parts of the country, solar power with battery storage is a sound and reliable choice. Or maybe you live in the plains states and harness the power of wind. Or perhaps you live on a creek that provides hydropower. Regardless of the choice, the challenge with generating your own power is knowing how to maintain and repair the system. You need to be ready and able to make repairs if needed.Food
FOOD
People live off-grid because they so desire. This means that most prefer to supply as much of their own food as possible. So before choosing the perfect property, think about how the homestead will provide food. Off Gridders do very well with a good garden and small animals for meat like chickens or rabbits. Others have larger operations with fields of grain and livestock, with enough food left over for bartering.
NEIGHBORS
Usually off gridders are not fond of having neighbors. It costs to be isolated, so like-minded neighbors are key to a successful homestead. Like-minded neighbors — those who share your respect for hard work and a peaceful and quiet lifestyle — can be a benefit.
All humans have different set skills. Having a neighbor specialize in equipment repair can diagnose and repair your wind power system. Or maybe a neighbor has a green thumb and always has fresh produce to barter for some of your rabbit meat. Or maybe a neighbor served in the military and helps the surrounding area set up a security perimeter. Finally, perhaps one of them is gifted with animal care, and can help diagnose disease or treat injuries that livestock may get.
Living off grid is a great but not easy. You should look into the challenges you will be facing. The right land, with water and the natural resources for power generation and food production, and the presence (or absence) of nearby like-minded people, are all things to carefully consider.
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