The power of the sun - Off Grid Living

My interest in renewables started some years ago and I have now been living off grid for over 6 years.

So what does that mean and how does it affect my thinking?

For me its not always about having enough solar panels and batterys to be able to run every piece of electrical equipment 24 hours a day - in fact its quite the opposite.

Living small scale and off grid has really made me think about the power I use and when I use it. When the suns out I prioritize my usage usually starting with my laptop! I always know whats charged and what needs charging - on a dull cloudy day I am afraid the hoovering just doesn’t get done. ( There are some great advantages )

Of course living off grid is very differnet to running a business off grid but some principles are the same - looking closely at what power you use and when you use it can make a significant impact to your bank balance. Data shows facts, and I constantly check my solar imput, useage and battery levels. I don’t pay for the power the sun gives to me but I do still need to look after the equipment I do have. Eventually it will run to the end of its life but that is many years ahead yet.

The next step is for me to add wind power - as I sail I am already aware of the power in the wind but it would mean I have a more steady flow of power - its not often there is no wind or sun - although not impossible. The wind generator is one for the Christmas list!!