rrroae
lodge member
Living in the woods = Priceless
Posts: 213
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Post by rrroae on Mar 19, 2007 21:19:59 GMT -4
Found the perfect property a couple years ago that was perfectly set up for "off grid" living. Have a gas well which provides heat, cooking, fridge, lights and hot water. Small solar system gives us any electricity we need and a gravity spring gives us fresh unchlorinated water. Unfortunately, my wife made me get phone service, so we're cheating a little bit (she didn't like my idea of using the mail for correspondence).
Anyone else living free of utility companies or interested in how to do it?
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Post by zodiakgsps on Mar 19, 2007 21:35:04 GMT -4
I'm actually looking for property this year, need to get out of the city a little at least. Interested in the solar system, expensive?? Reliable? Whether I find a place with a gas well or not remains to be seen, let alone a spring.
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rrroae
lodge member
Living in the woods = Priceless
Posts: 213
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Post by rrroae on Mar 19, 2007 21:56:18 GMT -4
The cost of a solar system ranges from $2k for a small cabin system to $40k + for a huge house, using a lot of electricity. Becuase we have a gas well, our system was $3500 which includes: 8 batteries, inverter, solar panels, charge controller, monitor and misc items. I know 4 different people in my area who have similar sized solar systems and all couldn't be happier. We all also like having our homes back in the woods so solar was a better option than grid tie.
When looking at property, keep your eyes out for a good steady running body of water. Doesn't have to be that much water, just enough to turn a small turbine. Turbines are pretty cheap(say around $4-500) and will probably give off 3-4 times more electric than similar priced solar panels.
Any property that has access to free gas is a Godsend. Although figure on about $2k to run lines and set up.
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Post by NE OWL on Mar 27, 2007 23:52:47 GMT -4
Rex is your avatar a pic of your house? Have any close up? One ofthese days I will have me a log home
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rrroae
lodge member
Living in the woods = Priceless
Posts: 213
|
Post by rrroae on Mar 28, 2007 16:13:40 GMT -4
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