I’ve been investigating off grid options for a while. I definitely want to go solar for power with maybe wind backup. Many companies want $30,000 or more for a whole house system. That is totally out of my price range. My window AC units at home are not working very well at all so I have turned them off. I’m actually enjoying it. The house gets hot so we go outside. There is almost always a nice breeze since we are just over 1100 feet elevation and at the foot of a mountain. It usually gets to the mid 80s and sometimes the low 90s, so we are not baking. The kids are spending more time outside and less time shut up in their rooms on electronic devices. I am really enjoying it and it reminds me of my childhood with no AC and we played outside all day. If we get hot we get in the small pool to cool off. We walk to the park and spend the day some days. The park has a splash pad so we stay cool.
I decided to investigate smaller solar options to use at the park and outside. I found this one on Amazon.
I found a small one that I just purchased. It is supposed to run a mini frig, which I purchased for $79.99 on Amazon, a laptop, and charge several devices. It is a Powkey Solar Generator with Panel,200W Portable Power Station with Solar Panel 40W, 110V Pure Sine Wave DC/USB/AC Outlet Electric Generator Battery Backup for Outdoor Camping Emergency Home.
I may take this to the park with us when we go so I can work on my laptop. I can also take my Rural Internet modem with me. Rural Internet connects to cell towers so you can take it with you.
I have a solar charger already that works great for devices. It was about $29 on Amazon. This is the charger BLAVOR 10W Portable Solar Charger(5V/2A Max), Small Foldable Solar Panel with USB-C USB-A Outputs Compatible with Cell Phone Tablet, IPX4 Waterproof for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking
The min refrigerator that I purchased is a KRIB BLING Mini Fridge With Freezer, Compact Refrigerator With 2 Doors,7- Level Adjustable Thermostat, Removable Glass Shelves For Bedroom, Office, Kitchen, Apartment, Dorm, 3.5 Cu. Ft Silver. It works great. It doesn’t store a lot but works outside. I put the kids’ drinks in an ice chest on the porch. No running in and out all day
I have set up a outdoor kitchen on my front porch since it is so hot in my kitchen. I have a 3 burner propane stove top that I purchased a couple of years ago. It works great and allows me to cook outside. It is a SONRET 3 Burner Propane Stove – 30″ Black Tempered Glass Counter Top Stove Gas Camping Stove with Stainless Steel Base 3 Burner Gas Stove Top for Cooking Range Gas kitchen Stove, with Hose & Regulator
I have found several whole house systems on Amazon that are not very expensive. I’m going to do some more research but hope to purchase one when I move. Here are the ones I am considering
After solar, I will look at getting a well dug and possibly a septic tank put in depending where the house is located. If I am in town, I may not be allowed to dig a well and put in a septic system. We shall see. I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
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