Living off the grid is a dream or goal for many Americans, and quite a few families actually have taken the plunge and are reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources. For some, their remote location simply makes off-the-grid energy a better option and for others, they are concerned about the environment or perhaps simply want to live more independently from society. While it can be a feasible goal, there are some costs associated with setting up your off grid home.
While you will be thinking about everything from getting water to generating electricity, one of your easiest off-the-grid actions will be to set up propane service. Propane can be used to heat your home and run your dryer, water heater and stove. Of course, you will need to find propane tanks for sale. You will find that propane tank prices differ by size but also by condition. You can purchase a new propane tank for sale or a refurbished tank for quite a bit less. At Thrifty Propane, for instance, you can purchase new or refurbished tanks. This company also gives free tanks if you buy a certain amount of propane all at once.
Propane prices do fluctuate, but if you pre-buy your fuel when propane prices are very low, you can save as much as half off your yearly propane expenses. In general, propane is not only an affordable energy source; it also is considered a greener energy source as it releases no greenhouse gases into the environment.
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.
While you will be thinking about everything from getting water to generating electricity, one of your easiest off-the-grid actions will be to set up propane service. Propane can be used to heat your home and run your dryer, water heater and stove. Of course, you will need to find propane tanks for sale. You will find that propane tank prices differ by size but also by condition. You can purchase a new propane tank for sale or a refurbished tank for quite a bit less. At Thrifty Propane, for instance, you can purchase new or refurbished tanks. This company also gives free tanks if you buy a certain amount of propane all at once.
Propane prices do fluctuate, but if you pre-buy your fuel when propane prices are very low, you can save as much as half off your yearly propane expenses. In general, propane is not only an affordable energy source; it also is considered a greener energy source as it releases no greenhouse gases into the environment.
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. To get more details about Dayton propane retailers or to find local Pittsburgh propane prices, please go to the Thrifty Propane website today.
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