While living off-grid either in an RV or in a sticks and bricks off-grid cabin in the forest, energy management is a serious concern.

As we all know, renewable energies are great but have their limitations. 

For instance, here are a few things to consider while living untethered to the power grid.

• Sunshine
• Cloud cover
• Wind (for those with wind generation equipment)
• Off-grid power “REQUIREMENTS”
• Alternative power sources (generators)

 

As you consider these things ask yourself, “ What do I need? And what components to I need to run?”

• Water (pump)
• Refrigeration 
• Lighting (unless candlelight is your thing)
• Sleep aids (ie: sleep apnea machine)

 

These things are “NEEDS”.

Now you can get into the conversation of “NEED” versus “WANTS” when it comes other things, like air conditioning.

Yep that too can be a need for some in the desert or unreasonably hot climates. Running an AC alone could cost more than the cost of the fuel it would take to move to a cooler climate, if your off-grid house is on wheels.

If not, then you need to consider the load of your air conditioner or get one that will work well on your system. 

‘With Your Money and Time, ANYTHING can be Accomplished!”

If moving isn’t an option and you have to remain in the heat then let’s look into this.

A residential cooling system typically runs on at least a 20 amp circuit depending on the size of the system. With today’s technology there are great alternatives. Like ductless mini split systems like the one here.

12K ductless mini-split heat pump 120v ac

 

Your next consideration is the inverter you choose.  “What is an inverter?” you ask. 

An inverter takes the low voltage DC energy and turns it into high voltage AC energy. For example, the typical RV uses 12vDC and the typical air conditioning unit uses at least 120vAC. In order to get anything to run on AC you need to “INVERT” the DC volts to usable AC volts. There is a lot more to it but this is the simple definition to get you started.

Now that you have your energy needs in mind, how do you deal with the concerns of living while off-grid?

Here are some daily thoughts we have while living off-grid:

When to run things:

• • Run things during the height of the day, while getting lots of solar gain
  • Charge cell phones, laptops, make ice for happy hour, etc.
  • Leave yourself some time to recuperate the power consumed 
  • One appliance at a time!! until you know what each does to your stored energy or how it affects your energy gain and loss

 

It can be really that simple.

You can run as much as you want, just not whenever you want.

 

Think of it the same as living on-grid:

• Walk out of a room and turn a light off. 
• Go to work, you cycle the comfort system (i.e. heating or cooling) to a more economical setting.
• Unplug unused appliances 
• If the beer fridge is empty shut it off (I think you get the picture, we like happy hour after a long day of work or traveling!)

 

While I could go on for days on the subject (trust me, just ask Deb!)  I will simply remind you to KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Have a question or suggestion on how you manage off-grid energy? Drop a comment below! We’d love to connect!