Off-the-grid

Off-the-grid, or "off-grid", means self-sufficient without reliance on government-controlled sources for power (the electrical grid or natural gas). In its broadest sense "off-the-grid" includes independence for water also.

The power outages that harm millions of Americans do not disrupt those living off-the-grid. They have greater independence from government interference and control, as government is unable to cut off their daily subsistence.

Not including religious communities such as the Amish -- whose population totals 400,000 -- there are an estimated 250,000 Americans living off-the-grid, such as conservative Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). Worldwide, about 1.7 billion live off-the-grid.

California has the most Americans living off-the-grid, followed by Colorado and other Western states.

Amish

The growing Amish communities, which double in population every 20 years, live off-the-grid, mostly in Pennsylvania and the Midwest.

While living off-the-grid, most Amish communities allow:

• battery power of all types is allowed and used
• solar power
• gasoline or diesel generators
• bikes, rollerblades, and scooters

An underlying test is whether the energy source is independently controlled, as is desired, or dependent on unwanted external connection and control.

Human-generated energy

Bicycle-powered energy can light a 100-watt light bulb by one rider. But that is far short of the average 1,000,000-watt (1,000 KW) consumption per month of an average home.

A high-performance cyclist can generate 400 watts of continuous energy, and of course multiple bicycle riders can combine their output to far exceed that. An efficient generation of energy by humans continues to be a topic of ongoing research.

High-tech Products

Tesla Motors has two expensive products helpful for going off-the-grid: the Tesla Powerwall (cost about $12,000) and the Tesla Solar Roof (cost around $55,000 for a medium-sized home).

See also

• 7 books on living off the grid