Off Grid Living
This page describes alternative energy or solar living without being connected to the electrical grid. (Being "off-grid" means not being hooked up to any electric utility company. Electricity may be from solar power and/or a wind generator. Typically there will be no brown outs or power surges.) No more utility bills!
[Living off the electric-power grid can conjure up images of life on the frontier, without the simplest of luxuries like a hot shower. But this not need be true. There does not need to be a lack of anything -- except electric bills -- and still be self-sufficient and easy on the environment.]
Most all the homes and properties in this area of Arizona are off-grid. Many of these energy self-sufficient homes use hybrid alternative energy systems which effectively combine photo-voltaic solar power with wind generator power to produce substantial amounts of electricity.
North and West Sides of House
These homes can look as conventional as any other house. The difference is that instead of being connected to a power pole and power lines, their electric utility wires connect to solar panels and/or wind generators. With a properly-sized alternative-energy system, the homeowners live very comfortably, comparable to not being in a renewable energy home. The main item missing would be that electricity is not used for heating or cooking. (Heating and cooking is normally either by propane or by wood.)
For many people, to live "off the grid" is both a place and also a state of mind, powered by the sun, the wind and their convictions. They are convinced the world's dependence on fossil fuels is leading to environmental, economic and political disaster. They prefer a house untethered to electrical and gas lines.
The home for sale on this website is very mainstream with a large solar electric system and generator backup. It provides abundant electricity. This property provides sustainable living and renewable energy comfortably -- in a normal living style. It is mostly self-sustaining, energy-efficient, energy-conserving, and a year-round dwelling. It will demonstrate that sustainable living using renewable energies can be achieved at the same level of comfort and availability of technical appliances as a "standard" house. This home was designed to fit the site, taking into consideration both the panoramic views and the solar potential.
West side of House
The mild climate here is very well suited for alternative energy homes. Unlike many places in the Midwestern or Eastern parts of the United States, here in the White Mountains of Arizona the sky is usually sunny with few cloudy days, providing excellent solar energy year around. There also are good wind energy resources here for a wind power generator (windmill or wind turbine), if so desired. Then, when there are days without sun and at night, the wind generator would be available to produce electricity.
(When the log-stacking crew was working on this project, they were amazed that their electric tools did not run out of power on this job. They usually have to use an auxiliary generator for power.)
The maintenance on this photovoltaic solar electric system is minimal. Normal maintenance is to keep oil in the backup generator and water in the batteries.
Many people who rely on solar power look at the sun with a whole new sense of appreciation. They see the sun and they think, "Now I'm going to get myself some electricity." For many, the best part of being off-grid is independence and economy.
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