The Hidden (and Not So Hidden) Expenses of Living Off Grid – By Eric Mack (CNET) / June 24, 2023
Budgeting for the off-grid essentials is one thing, but planning for the hidden costs is another. Here’s what I learned and mistakes to avoid
When I moved off grid with my family in the early months of the pandemic, we looked forward to cutting the cost of rent and utility bills out of our lives permanently. Three years in, the savings in rent and utilities alone have already paid for the cost of the property itself. But there were also plenty of hidden expenses and big purchases as we set up our homestead.
I installed our off-grid electrical and plumbing systems largely by myself during COVID lockdowns. I did speak to professional installers, unlicensed handy folks with experience putting in systems, and plenty of folks in online forums about what I was getting myself into and how much I should expect to spend.
The price range was huge, especially for installing a new solar system. I described the energy needs of my home and family and received estimates between $2,000 and $20,000. It was baffling.
