Off the Grid Solar Power
Harnessing Energy From the Sun

Off the grid solar power, using photovoltaics to harness energy from the sun, is a great way to cut down on energy costs or even get off the grid completely. If you're looking for an affordable way to run lamps or your freezer without relying on utility companies for electricity, solar energy could be your answer. It's a low-cost way to produce electricity. 

But keep in mind that relying on solar power can be a lifestyle adjustment. You might not be able to power a hair dryer and your blender at the same time. People who rely on the sun for their power learn to rearrange their lives according to when the sun is brightest. And during those moments, when their storage batteries are low, they learn to live without hair dryers and find another way to prepare their food without a blender. It's all about perspective and being willing to pursue a more simplistic lifestyle.

But if you're ready to go radical and simple, read on.

A solar panel, like this one, will provide you with renewable power.

This "sun power" can be used in two ways:

  • To create electricity. This is known as photovoltaics. This is what most folks think of when they’re talking about solar power. Photo means light and voltaics means electricity. PV panels convert light energy directly into an electrical current. This current can either be used immediately or stored in a battery for later use.
  • To create thermal heat for cooking.

Getting a Charge From Photovoltaics

Solar panels - also known as photovoltaic modules - are cells packaged behind a glass sheet to protect them from the environment and connected electrically to produce power.

The more cells you have, the more power they can produce. If you want to go completely off the grid, be warned that you will need a lot of modules (Translate: Lots of dollars).

However, you could start with a modest number of solar panels and increase those panels as your pocketbook allows.

For example, with a little more than $1,000 (2007 American currency value) you could install an 80 watt solar panel system with four deep cycle batteries and a 400 watt inverter.

That's enough power to run a 95 watt flat screen television set, along with house lights for a small cabin, a 12-volt RV style water pump and a portable 7-inch DVD power for 3-4 hours per night.

This solar power can also be used to charge a laptop computer and cell phone.

And for backup power, you can build your own off the grid solar energy generator at a reasonable price to have on hand for emergencies.

Heating Things Up
With The Sun

Thermal heat uses the sun to heat things, such as water or food.  If you want to use thermal heat to cook your food, a solar cooker is a good choice for you.

A solar oven like this one is a great way to cook without heating up the house.

Use it especially during the summer days to cut down on your electrical costs (no hot stove on, thus less strain on your air conditioner) and save energy (no electricity used to power your stove). 

Again, this will take some getting used to. If you've never cooked using solar power, it will require a learning curve. But the satisfaction of knowing you can cook food without electricity will be well worth it.

Using Solar Heat for Bathing

King Camp Solar Shower Bag Amazon

 If you'd like to save money on the cost of hot water for showers, there's a good option for that. The simplest and most affordable way to do this is by purchasing a solar shower bag. Simply put, it’s a black bag you fill with water and hang out in the sun. The black bag absorbs the heat and heats up the water. These bags typically hold up to five gallons. It might not sound like much water, but it’s adequate for most people's showering needs.

These are often used for camping showers, but they can be used for an off-grid home just as easily and effectively. You can find solar showering bags here.


Related article: Are you considering going off the grid? Learn what it takes to be self-reliant.

Learn More About Going Off the Grid

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About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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