| Living off the grid goes mainstream |
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| posted May 18, 2007 9:45:10 AM | To All |
I used to think going off the grid was crazy, and using solar power meant I would have as much electricity as my solar calculator. I know, I was dumb.
More Americans are proving me wrong, and about 180,000 homes around the country are off the grid. People still watch TV, play their stereo, and have a blast while their on-grid neighbors cry like babies during power outages.
I'm jealous. Here in Colorado, each time I go climbing in El Dorado I see lots of people using solar power. Hopefully someday I can too.
How many of you have gone off the grid? Are you already receiving returns/rewards? Are you trying to get any of your friends or family to switch?
To those of you who aren't off the grid - are any of you looking into it, or seriously planning?Edited by: GranolaJoe on May 18, 2007 9:53:37 AM |
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"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold
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| Living off the grid goes mainstream |
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| posted May 21, 2007 6:12:02 AM | To All |
| I'm one of them here in Colorado, since 1998. My area had no incentives and still doesn't, but the local electric rates just went up 12% per month for two months while my system paid for itself several years ago--all things considered. We need 250 million living on solar/wind/hydro like yesterday. |
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| With every action and decision, think seven generations ahead of the consequences first. Ute Rule of Life (too bad it has not been generally adopted) |
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| Living off the grid goes mainstream |
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| posted May 21, 2007 9:05:39 AM | To All |
Congratulations. That's awesome to hear. I know exactly what you mean about electric rates, because I'm one of the people that was impacted by them. When I first moved to Capitol Hill, my electric bill was $17. Now it's about $25 a month, using even less power because I'm rarely ever home and only use it at night.
When I decide to settle and find a home, I truly want to use emissions-free methods to generate my power, and hopefully it won't be way too out of what I can afford. |
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"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold
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| Living off the grid goes mainstream |
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| posted May 28, 2007 11:57:04 AM | To All |
| I like to start going off grid but I dont even know where to start. Can you recommend a book or some reading to help me get where I want to be? I |
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| Living off the grid goes mainstream |
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| posted May 29, 2007 3:41:54 PM | To All |
| The Solar Living Sourcebook got me started, then I read The Solar House, both available from Realgoods.com. Peruse the book section!!! There's more now! |
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| With every action and decision, think seven generations ahead of the consequences first. Ute Rule of Life (too bad it has not been generally adopted) |
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