You may have heard people saying they want to live Off the Grid, but what does that really mean? Do they want to live in the middle of nowhere with no contact with other people, pay nothing and live as a free person without taxes and bills.
There is so much more to living off the grid. It's a life style some people would very gladly have. But there are rules you need to follow.
"Going Off-Grid in Ontario means that you are able to produce your own renewable energy to cover your unique needs and establish complete freedom and independence from local distribution companies!" -
Haliburton Solar and Wind
With advancements made 2022 is not a bad time to consider living off grid. You can still have all the same amenities as you may have now like air condtioning, washer and dryer.
Your Choice: Solar, Wind or Water.
Solar panels are best placed in areas with all day or near all day sun. When it gets cloudy or there's a storm, if you dont have enough power stored up you run the risk of losing power.
Wind turbines must be high in the air to catch the wind. On calm days the power may be lessened. It can also be very loud when there is a big storm.
Water power is the lowest cost and is usually easy to gage how much power you will be getting from it. It doesnt work everywhere and in cold places like Ontario pipes freezing can be common.
More information of Pro's and Con's can be found Here
How much electricity do I need to power my house?
Most companies that will sell or install your choice of energry equipment will reccomend a consultation. Usually the size of the house doesn't matter as much as the way the power is used.
Can you sell your extra power back to the government?
Yes, but you would have to be a part of the grid. Net Metering is allowed in Ontario but you must be eligible and you must be generating renewable electricity primarily for your own use. (
Learn More Here)
Where can I live & do what do I still have to pay for?
You must either own or have an agreement with the person who owns the land. You cannot set up an off the grid home where ever you want. You still need to have had purchased the land you live on and pay property taxes or rent payments and insurance. Living off the Grid doesn't mean that you no longer owe obligations to the government.
Things to consider if you want to be truly Off the Grid
Other things you may want to consider if you want to be fully off the gird is food.
Will you grow your own food, hunt for meat? How will you purchase clothing. How will you make money?
Will you fore-go all TV, Internet, gaming systems. how will you communicate with your family?
Whatever level of being off the grid you choose will be right for you.