Off the Grid Power

Off the grid power is growing in popularity around the world. Environmentally conscious people and those interested in energy independence are turning to alternative energies. There are some issues that limit many people from adopting new energy sources despite people's interest in energy independence and managing their energy expenses.

The things keeping more people from going off the grid and criticizing alternative energies include consistent energy production and the limitations of energy storage during times when your power source is not available. The expense of initial installation and the savings associated with alternative energy sources are also very confusing for many. We will explore solutions to energy storage, power management and the advances in this area to allow more people to consider getting off the grid.

A major criticism of off the grid power is how to get power when your power source isn’t available. The sun doesn’t shine at night and the wind doesn’t blow constantly. So how do you get power during these times if you’re not connected to the local power grid?

Battery Growth

Battery technology has limitations in storage capacity and longevity thereby requiring a bank of batteries to provide energy during cloudy or windless days. A bank of batteries takes up space, is expensive and requires monitoring. Most people don't want to worry about managing their energy production, it's yet another chore. Battery storage limitations has held back alternative energy and vehicles from becoming mainstream. This limitation has provided a lucrative business opportunity to the company or companies that can provide long-term reliable solutions.

Scientists and researchers all over the world are developing storage solutions. MIT Energy Initiative is working on a fuel cell - using the sun's energy to split water into gasses to be later recombined in a fuel cell creating carbon free electricity. This promising research could be available for mainstream use in 10 years. A number of companies and universities are close to providing a solution, but if you are interested in going off the grid now, you need to maximize your investment.

Power Management

Home Power Management Systems are worthwhile even if you are not interested in alternative energy or off the grid power. These devices monitor your electric use in real time - you know how and where you are using energy. Some devices manage two or more sources of energy so you use the cheapest energy at the right time, ideal for alternative energy sources whether connected to the grid or not. Combine this system with your off the grid power to maximize the power you generate and store and make generating and managing you power effortless.

The second big concern for people getting off the grid is the expense of purchasing and installing a system. Picking the best energy solution depends on where you live and getting off the grid could require more than one system. For instance, in the Midwest geothermal is a good option because we use heat for the long winters and AC for the hot and humid summers - a geothermal heat pump can solve those issues and give us hot water, but we still need electricity for lights and appliances, so either solar or wind would have to be added in order to go off the grid. To help you decide which technology is best for your area, check out our Wind Energy, Solar Energy and Geothermal Energy sections.

Where to Start

A good place to start is with your current energy bill, how much energy do you use? Your maximum number is what you will need to produce. A comprehensive home energy audit will help you identify which areas of you home are in need of improvement and could save you thousands as you move forward in going off the grid. Hiring an alternative energy consultant to help you choose and install the most effective alternative energy system is worth the cost.

This is an investment that requires a long-term view. Incentives and rebates can offset your expense significantly, in some areas as much as 70% of your cost can be offset. The savings once the systems is installed add up each month not to mention the advantage of energy independence. As the price of energy increases your budget will not be impacted and during power outages, you and your family are comfortable and safe.

To leave Off the Grid Power and return to Energy Independence, click here.