Get off the grid

I would forgo electricity all together, but I love technology. If I must have electricity, I might as well be able to supply my own needs! Preferably on the houseboat my boyfriend and I plan on building…

This is a house in Maine. It has received lots of press coverage and I am using it as my inspiration to get off the grid (GOTG). If anyone wants to read about it, their web site is www.SolarHouse.com.

I want to do this just for personal reasons – to be self-sufficient. Sure, it will help the environment but that is a secondary reason for me.

I don’t want to live in a shack so it will cost a good bit of money. The house in Maine is 2900 s.f. and that sounds about right to me. I wish to build my future green-home with cash so I owe no mortgage – again, I want to be self-sufficient.

I have already decided on some of the attributes of this house:

- solar and wind power, with battery reserve
- lot having a natural gas well (optional)
- wood stove in the living room
- propane back-up (optional)
- 4 car attached garage
- 4 car detached garage with studio above
- concrete insulated panels; not stick built
- ranch floor plan
- 5 acres
- full basement
- approximately 3000 s.f.

To me getting off the grid means being self sufficient. It means taking complete responsiblity for yourself and your future. It’s not a top priority, but theres something very romantic and fantastical about being that stoic and badass.
Idealy it would be nice to be off the grid with a group of nice people.