Off-the-grid

The term off-the-grid (OTG) or off-grid generally describes a self-sufficient way of life that shows little dependence on public institutions. Literally translated "off the grid" means switched off (eng. Off) from the (supply) grid (eng. Grid). In German, the term can best be translated as network-independent or autark .

autonomy

Off-the-grid houses are autonomous, i.e. In other words, they are not connected to local water, electricity or gas lines and also not to the municipal sewage system, but all of them meet these requirements independently. This concept has recently gained increased prominence through the statements of some public figures, such as B. Ed Begley junior , who appears on the American reality show Living With Ed . Actress Daryl Hannah also spread the idea of off-grid by having her property in Colorado furnished according to this concept.

electricity

The electricity can be generated directly on site with the help of renewable energies , such as solar, wind or water power. Alternatively, there are municipalities that do without it completely, such as B. the Amish or the Mennonites .

water

The water sources used on site include wells, lakes and rivers. Depending on the source used and the water quality, additional pump and filtration systems are then used. In addition, rainwater can be collected and used.

distribution

On April 13, 2006, USA Today reported that approximately 180,000 families in the States were living off the grid, citing Richard Perez, the editor of Home Power Magazine, as the source. Assuming a growth rate of 33% per year, this would mean that in 2007 a quarter of a million households in the USA were run off-grid. Since most people in the Third World never had the chance to get a power supply, it is assumed that there are an estimated 1.7 billion off-grid people worldwide today.

Environmental influences

In the USA z. For example, the State of California in particular is generating solar and wind power, which is connected directly to the electricity grid , in order to avoid the use of toxic batteries for overnight storage. Grid independence can be for purely idealistic reasons, or to reduce environmental damage, because the locally available renewable energies are limited, leading to a lifestyle that uses less electricity. Nick Rosen gives seven main reasons for an autonomous energy supply in his book “How to live off-grid”. The first two are saving money and reducing CO ₂ emissions. Other arguments tend in the direction of survival strategies in the event of a collapse in the oil economy.

Economic aspects

If grid parity can be achieved, it may be cheaper to generate your own electricity than to get it from the grid. That depends primarily on the installation costs and the availability of renewable energies, and of course on the price for the grid connection.

Africa

Since 2010, small, inexpensive solar systems have been available in Africa and installed on the roofs of huts in villages in Kenya and elsewhere. The use of inexpensive solar panels and LED lamps made these systems financially available.