Reducing or eliminating your dependence on the utility companies, or getting off the grid, has different meanings to some people. Not everyone looks at it the same way. For instance going off the grid conjures up images of a backwoods log cabin to some people. Images of stark, primitive living conditions without any of our modern day amenities.

Still others see visions of high tech homes with solar and wind power generators costing thousands of dollars. The real truth is that living off the grid is neither of these. Anyone considering an off grid existence should first ask themselves a few simple questions. First of all what are your true expectations? Do you want to have a  completely self sufficient home, or do you intend to produce enough power on your own to drastically lower your electricity bill?

If you live alone it would take far less to live off grid than it would take for a growing family. A single person only has to take into consideration what their energy needs would be, as opposed to the needs of a family of five.

Do you have a home office or several TV’s, stereos and other high tech electronics that consume a lot of power? The more power you are using now, the more you will have to produce in order to maintain a similar lifestyle.

Going off the grid doesn’t have to mean that you will start off producing all of your own electricity. Home solar panels and wind turbines can be scaled up or down to produce the amount of electricity needed. Combining solar and wind power can help balance the load when it comes to powering your home.

If you live in area where there is an abundance of wind, a wind generator may be all you will need. An efficient turbine can produce an extraordinary amount of power under the right conditions. If you live in more of a climate where the sun shines for most of the year, solar panels may be your best choice. The best choice for most people is to start slowly and as they become more accustomed to off grid living, they can add to their existing system and work their way into being completely self sufficient.