We love watching the weather outside change, living off the grid has a new set of rules really, it is just that simple. The main factor that affects how much Renewable Energy that is produced at our home is the weather. If the sun is shining our solar panels are working non-stop to charge our batteries. When the sun isn’t shining that’s a different story.

Since our family is living off the grid we need to follow the weather. Off grid living brings with it a different set of priorities each day. At times (especially during thunderstorm season) it is really about watching the weather. The weather outside has a direct relationship to the amount of charging that takes place with our battery bank. To remedy part of this problem and the erratic charging cycle with our solar energy power production we built a wind generator to capture the energy of the frequent storms and the wind that is produced in our area.

But, all too frequently a big storm will come along and force us to do a speedy disconnect of our renewable energy charging system. We are responsible for all of our system. It’s not like living with grid electric power and you can call someone to fix things when they break. If it is broken, we fix it. For that reason, we take extra precautions with our solar panels and new wind generator. Living off the grid is just that way.

How to mill your own lumber with a Chainsaw Mill.  Your new chainsaw mill is a very capable tool. Using a chainsaw mill is not as dangerous as felling trees either. It is one of those tools that makes living off the grid much easier, well... this is not easy work, it is worthwhile though..  

Let’s assume you already have cut down that tree. If not you should read our guide, Tree Felling Basics Before you start to use your chainsaw mill. 

First you will need to remove brush from around the tree so that your chainsaw mill can be pushed smoothly through the log. We usually find low spots or holes in the woods off the grid to pile brush for improved animal habitat.

Have you been looking for Green Building Jobs, but don't know where to turn? You might want to try living off the grid at the Dancing Rabbit Village. Recently we spoke with a new friend there, Nathan Brown and he has been giving us the low down on what they have to offer.

Are you tired of going through the motions with clients who want to appear 'green' but really all it amounts to is a big show? You know the ones I mean, we have seen it hundreds of times, they spend thousands of dollars and 'show' green on the outside, while consuming vast quantities of material and resources to live the good life. We have worked in the building trade for a long time and we knew there must be a better way to live. Our own choice was an independent lifestyle, but there are other choices you can make too.

How would you like to be surrounded by people who really care about ecological living and a sustainable lifestyle, all the while getting to express your creative building talent? How does no building code, or building limitations sound? You can build small eco friendly homes, all the while forgetting about those demanding high end consumers you used to work for.

It was our first introduction to debt free living. I remember that moment with my son like it happened just yesterday, even though 10 years has passed. He got home from school on what was a great looking early spring day, and looked rather upset. He definitely didn’t want to talk about it.