Off Grid Intermediate Technologies By John Steele
As a survivalist who lives in a tent out in the Victorian scrub, I welcome anything than decentralises society from the cesspool it has become; small is beautiful, but also sane. Thus, it is welcome to see the baby steps of becoming off grid being made, using solar energy. No, it is not a greenie thing, but a way for individuals to get a bit more freedom from the crazy mass society we are tossed into.
“The solar energy technology landscape has changed dramatically over the past 10 years with prices dropping drastically, making it more affordable for households to go off-grid and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Decades ago the concept of off-grid living was considered as much a part of the hippy movement as tie-dye T-shirts. It was a rejection of technology in favour of living a self-reliant life away from broader society. But all that’s changed now.
With the advent of modern technology, smarter solar systems and improved battery storage, now it’s a lifestyle change that means people can live more sustainably while remaining connected to the people and things they love.
Going off-grid doesn’t mean you need to give up your creature comforts, says solar expert Michael Brooks from Meta Energy.
eautiful, sustainable homes are being created where people can live the sustainable lifestyle they want.”
Living off-grid can be compared to growing your own veggies, but on a much larger scale, explains Michael. “People love the sense of independence.”
“Off-grid living is now a very hip way to live,” he adds.
What makes a house off-grid?
Simply put, going off-grid means your house runs independently from the power grid, water systems and sewerage systems, explains Michael.
The electrical system works stand-alone with a battery and solar panels. The septic system, water tanks, heating and cooling are all run independently from a central provider, which means you don’t get any bills.”
These technologies should not be looked upon as some grand solution to society’s energy needs, but rather as modes of liberation for individuals. Even wind energy, used by individuals could be a good thing, although having major disadvantages applied as a general energy solution. In the end, everything is a question of scale, as argued in the classic book, Human Scale:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Human-Scale-Revisited-Classic-Decentralist/dp/1603587128
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