Life Off the Grid
Let’s face the fact that it is expensive to live these days. Paying utility bills from electricity and water is just off the charts sometimes. In actuality, this encourages some people to consider going off the grid. This is where the use of wind power and solar energy take into place.
The Grid
Basically, the grid is a term commonly used for power grid. Simply speaking, this is the linked system that’s delivering electricity to general public. A typical residential house is connected to the following:
- Power lines
- Water lines
- Natural gas and;
- Telephone lines
All of which are essential to live comfortably these days. By going off the grid, this only means that you are ready to shun these utilities in favor of energy conservation. There are homeowners who prefer to partially be off the grid by means of supplying their own energy and ditch phone line. All the same, relying to the convenience of city’s sewage and water system network.
Then again, there are some citizens who decide to completely go off-grid by means of digging wells or by using cistern system in collecting water. A septic tank then handles the sewage. With this lifestyle, it enables them to get rid of water bills too.
Are You Ready for Compromise?
The very first thing that must be done to cut yourself off the grid is by learning how to be independent from power company’s services. Typically, this is by using wind power and solar to provide energy.
Both concepts were used for a long time. But many more people are now turning to these power sources to either replace or offset their dependence on electricity.
Residential properties that are using solar power normally have Photovoltaic solar panels. Normally, it’s installed on the roof or just near the house. The panels are made of silicon semiconductors. Thus, as soon as the sunlight hits it, the semiconductors will start collecting energy and knock electrons loose. That way, it’ll be able to flow freely.
A Little bit Technical
The electrons are absorbed by the electric field in the panel and forces it to flow in a single direction. This then generates direct electrical current that’s passed through the inverter which then converts it to AC or alternating current. And voila, free electricity! It is actually easy to find and buy these solar panels, especially on IG where it is being promoted by ManagerGram likes.