Living off-grid has its benefits and drawbacks. When deciding to live remotely, the biggest problem many struggle with is electricity—where do I get it from, and how do I ensure a consistent flow? As you prepare for remote living, take a look at the four best ways to generate off-grid electricity.
Roof Tiles
You may consider using the roof as your electrical source if you have a cabin or cottage. You can replace part of the roof with solar tiles—these tiles absorb sunlight like traditional solar panels. The great thing about having a solar roof is that the shingles blend in well, creating the illusion of a normal roof you’d see every day.
Before we go further, what are the pros and cons of solar roof tiles? Let’s go over the pros first. As mentioned, these tiles blend into the roof but also last a long time, averaging twenty-five years. Most tiles come in different designs to match your home’s style.
On the other hand, roof cladding might not be for you. For one, they are expensive to install, and exchanging your entire roof with solar cladding is highly discouraged. Additionally, these panels aren’t detachable, so you’ll need an experienced roofer to replace the cladding.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are a wonderful choice. They provide lower energy costs, produce power from the sun, and run on batteries—requiring no wires or plug-ins! Also, they qualify for tax credits, which help pay back installation and maintenance costs.
Your only downside is the batteries need to be changed every ten to fifteen years, and you need to maintain them often. Place your panels in open areas to ensure they have plenty of access to sunlight.
Wind Turbines
Wind power is another great source of natural energy. While you don’t collect energy from the sun, you do with wind. If you have the funds, consider combining wind turbines with solar power. In this way, you will still have power if one system isn’t receiving any.
The biggest downside is zoning restrictions. Most areas require turbines to be a certain height to avoid interference with airports and local military bases. Also, they don’t produce a lot of power. Again, this suggestion works best when combined with a solar panel system.
Generator
A generator is another great choice, especially solar generators. If you live on the road, you might want a solar generator because it’s portable and gives the best of both worlds. The solar panels create free electricity, but the generator will need to plug into your appliances to power them.
Don’t live off-grid without finding the best power source to use. Chat with Go Solar Power, one of the leading solar panel companies in the US, to ensure your chosen power source is eco-friendly and benefits your lifestyle. Call us today to learn more about your solar power choices and what will work for you.
