There are many reasons why people choose to live the off the grid. Perhaps they live in a rural area and aren't close to city services. Others just prefer to be as self-sufficient as possible, and others are hoping to lower their overall carbon footprint. While there are many great reasons to go off the grid, it does cost money to set up your energy systems.
One of the easiest and most affordable components of going off the grid is setting up propane as your main heat source. Your first step is to find a propane delivery service and look into propane tanks for sale. Propane tank prices vary based upon the size and whether or not you purchase a refurbished propane tank for sale or a new propane tank for sale. Some companies, such as Thrifty Propane, will provide you with a free tank if you pre-buy a bulk amount of propane.
It is important to note that while propane prices change daily, there are certain times of the year when the prices tend to be very low. Usually, during the warmest months, the propane prices drop and this is definitely the time to buy. This can make propane a very affordable off-the-grid energy source, and it's also greener than coal, burning wood and even a better option than natural gas.
In addition to looking at propane prices and propane tanks for sale, you will need to create some type of septic system on your property. This can range from a full septic system to waterless composting toilets. The composting toilets tend to be much less expensive, but many people prefer building a septic system, as it is closer to the typical bathroom you would find in a house that is still on the grid. In addition to paying for the septic system, you also will need to learn all about the upkeep and maintenance required for these systems.
One of the biggest decisions to consider is how to get clean water, and you shouldn't even buy a property until you are sure that there will be some convenient way to ensure access to water. On many properties you can construct a well or groundwater containment system, but there are certainly some places where a well or other type of groundwater system will not be an option. These also can cost $10,000 or even more to construct, so this will be a big, but necessary expense.
When it comes to electricity, solar power is certainly the easiest to set up and acquire. Not all areas are great for wind power, but most properties have areas where it will be ideal to set up solar panels. This solar energy must be stored in large batteries in order to be truly off the grid. Most people in residential areas with solar panels actually are still linked to the grid and simply generate their own electricity and the excess goes back into the grid. This is different from using propane tanks where you truly are not connected to natural gas lines. So it is wise to make sure that you know how to store as well as harness solar power or wind power.
One of the easiest and most affordable components of going off the grid is setting up propane as your main heat source. Your first step is to find a propane delivery service and look into propane tanks for sale. Propane tank prices vary based upon the size and whether or not you purchase a refurbished propane tank for sale or a new propane tank for sale. Some companies, such as Thrifty Propane, will provide you with a free tank if you pre-buy a bulk amount of propane.
It is important to note that while propane prices change daily, there are certain times of the year when the prices tend to be very low. Usually, during the warmest months, the propane prices drop and this is definitely the time to buy. This can make propane a very affordable off-the-grid energy source, and it's also greener than coal, burning wood and even a better option than natural gas.
In addition to looking at propane prices and propane tanks for sale, you will need to create some type of septic system on your property. This can range from a full septic system to waterless composting toilets. The composting toilets tend to be much less expensive, but many people prefer building a septic system, as it is closer to the typical bathroom you would find in a house that is still on the grid. In addition to paying for the septic system, you also will need to learn all about the upkeep and maintenance required for these systems.
One of the biggest decisions to consider is how to get clean water, and you shouldn't even buy a property until you are sure that there will be some convenient way to ensure access to water. On many properties you can construct a well or groundwater containment system, but there are certainly some places where a well or other type of groundwater system will not be an option. These also can cost $10,000 or even more to construct, so this will be a big, but necessary expense.
When it comes to electricity, solar power is certainly the easiest to set up and acquire. Not all areas are great for wind power, but most properties have areas where it will be ideal to set up solar panels. This solar energy must be stored in large batteries in order to be truly off the grid. Most people in residential areas with solar panels actually are still linked to the grid and simply generate their own electricity and the excess goes back into the grid. This is different from using propane tanks where you truly are not connected to natural gas lines. So it is wise to make sure that you know how to store as well as harness solar power or wind power.
About the Author:
Cath Buhr loves writing reviews on propane retailers. For more information about Dayton propane retailers or to find local Pittsburgh propane prices, please go to the Thrifty Propane site now.
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