I often ponder how our pioneers must have lived with candles, and lanterns without the basics of pleasantries like ceiling fans. I mean, they built houses with high ceilings, and wide verandas and even lifted the house for airflow. Now I don’t want to say the modern generations are soft, but I would think most of us would expect at least ceiling fans let alone air conditioning. So this brings me to this month’s topic “Making the most of your off grid power system”. We are so lucky to have access to such a wide range of products and methodologies for designing or improving our structures, especially for off grid living. One of the most beneficial is installing insulation. It takes precious energy to cool or heat a space and the last thing you want is for that to be eroded by poor insulation. That would be like owning a fridge without a door.
So if you’re looking at going off grid or looking to start your dream build, really spend some time on how you can retain energy. Especially cooling and heating. Wood heaters are great but not everyone has acres of trees. Reverse cycle air conditioning is great but not very efficient if you live in a tin shed that is not insulated. Some people even build energy-efficient and environmentally conscious structures like straw bale houses or mud-brick homes. Again, the world is your oyster when it comes to design. Also consider your lighting options, LED run on far less energy and typically last longer. Maybe look at solar-powered security lights or dimmable LED. Some folks even have fancy voice-controlled lighting systems…could you imagine the look on our Pioneers’ faces when I speak out and ask for the lights to be dimmed…and they dim!!
Cooking meals is by far one of the biggest power drains on your system. Electric ovens and stoves, microwaves, air fryers, kettles and toasters…the list goes on. Morning and night you will hit your system hard at meal preparation time. So when you’re planning, think about what you can do here. In our off-grid system, we sold the old electric oven and hot plate combo and purchased two induction hot plates. We went from using 8000 Watts to 2000 Watts. We also purchased a 7 in one air fryer, oven, and grill thing….amazing. Many go with gas cooking as an option and then utilise this for heating water as well. Again, you need to have a good long think about what will work best for you. Not everyone is a fan of gas and many just stick with electric cooking…and that’s fine…it just adds a lot of cost to your battery and power system. So if you don’t like gas…perhaps a second job could help 😊. Like everything in life these days, everyone is an expert on everything and it can all feel a little overwhelming. My hope is, that through me writing this column each month I can take away some of the unknown and help you on your off grid journey. It doesn’t matter if you have a small system like a caravan or a massive 3-phase system, there is always something to learn when living off the grid. I am always available for any questions or a Chit Chat or talk to your local Electrician or Solar installer. Just don’t be afraid to ask questions.
