Go Green

Four years ago it was estimated by USA Today that 180 000 homes were off the grid in the United States of America with 27 000 homes were thought to be using wind and solar energy. But exactly what is “the grid”, why would one want to live off “the grid”, can it actually be done and most importantly what adjustment would need to be made in our day to day lives?

“The grid” is a referral to the power grid which connects your home to the system which supplies electricity to the masses. This interconnected system is powered by fossil and nuclear fuels. You pay a lot of money for the privilege of being able to switch on a light at will, cooking your food, having hot water and so forth. At the same time, you are using non renewable resources, increasing the greenhouse effect and CO2 emissions.

Would living off the grid in the city really be possible? Solar energy would mean having to install solar panels to your home. Wind turbines are becoming increasingly popular as well. Both of these can be easily applied, even for apartment living in high rise buildings. You would need the consent of the Board of Owners, but you can potentially install solar panels against the face of the building, leading the wiring through the windows. A smart idea would be to build a box along the wall below the window. This can house your batteries, inverters and excess wiring. If built well, this storage space can be used as seating as well. Another idea is to replace a portion of unused window panes with solar panels. The part facing toward the living areas of the apartment can be boarded and decorated to become a feature in the home.

Building tops and roofs are mostly under utilized. These spaces can easily be converted to house either one or both wind and solar energy systems. Good news is that the wind is almost always blowing between 30 and 40 feet up. Wind turbines would therefore be a very viable source of energy for high rise buildings. Blue Sea Development is planning to install 10 one-kilowatt wind turbines on the roof of their new five storey apartment building in the Melrose section of the Bronx, New York. This will save the building owners half of the common electricity costs such as lighting in hallways, elevators and common areas.

You would need to research extensively as to which of the energy sources would suit your location and circumstances. You might find that a combination of energy supplying sources would be more beneficial. There would of course also be the initial set up costs. The good news is that in general, your initial costs should be paid back by your savings within a few years only, and then you can reap the full benefits of living off the grid in the city. If you are in the position of being able to generate an excess of electricity, some of the electricity companies will buy the excess from you. Which means you could potentially earn money from them in stead of giving your money to them.

It might not be for everyone, because yes, it does take some adjustments in your everyday life. You might not be able to stand in a boiling hot shower for an hour anymore, or be able to use all the gadgets and frivolous appliances we have grown so fond of. You might need to live simpler. Cleaner. And that’s exactly the point of getting off the grid in the city.