Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Tips For Living Off The Grid

Beginners Tips for Living Off The Grid


Going green can be as easy or as hard as you wish to make it. Just about everyone in the United States does at least one thing on a regular basis that is friendly to the environment. Many people recycle as a matter of course. Farmer's markets are springing up all over the nation as people want healthier and locally grown foods. But what about the people who carry going green to a higher level? What are they doing to utilize the natural resources of the earth? Who are the people who live "off the grid" and what exactly does this mean? The focus of this article is getting ready for living off the grid using different technologies and other ways to be more earth friendly.

If you want to learn what you can do to reduce your energy bills and massively decrease your carbon footprint then these books are a great place to start. If you're interested in off grid living, renewable energy, solar power, building your own wind generator, or even building your own home then check these books out.

Want to reduce your "carbon footprint" (nonsense) then stop buying crap you don't need. You need two or three pairs of pants, you could probably have one cell phone for life, etc. That's how to do it.

Although you may not be capable of installing a full alarm system if your cabin is living off the grid, you can try trip-wire systems. With such systems you can trigger a sound device to go off, or rig it so objects fall with a crashing sound. Yes, it's sort of a seemingly archaic alarm system, but you have to work with what you got. And you'd be surprised at what'll work. Some systems will allow you to trip-wire to a battery operated alarm system or camera monitors that you can see from home!

Your warranty may also be voided if you don't install the system correctly or keep up maintenance on the system - like not cleaning off stains. The solar water heating panels typically come with a five- to 10-year warranty, depending on manufacturer.

Solar water heaters can provide up to 80 percent of your home's annual water-heating needs and should cut your utility bills by 50 to 80 percent. Keep in mind that solar water heaters do cost more than conventional electric or gas water heaters. They usually cost about $4,000 to $5,000 to install, says Rhone Resh of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Integrating photovoltaic arrays is becoming increasingly popular. There are homes that use solar power exclusively, and many that use it as an ancillary source. Large arrays of solar panels are built into existing homes or new construction on either the roof or sides of the home. You can now purchase roof tiles that have integrated PV cells in them.

While cob homes are easy and cheap to build, your city or neighborhood association might have specific laws that prevent homes from being built with all-natural materials. Make sure to check with your local building inspector before you begin construction on a cob home.

Want to build your own home but have no idea where to start? This "Build Your own Home” guide will take you from beginner to "DIY Home Builder” in easy to follow steps. The Build Your Own Home guide book is fully illustrated to show you what you need to know and how to do it in step by step. You'll soon be ready to start living off the grid!