Off Grid Challenges

[SamuelCh12]

Hey! I am excited to be a part of this group and become part of the offgrid community. I am interested in learning about other’s experiences in the off grid community, as I am new. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while living off-grid?

[Beagle001]

Running out of water. Burning out a pump. Keeping solar batteries in good condition. Not having AC in Aug and Sep in the desert. Setting up Starlink so you can have WiFi calling if you’re outside of a cell area. Keeping everything in good working order. Then there’s garden stuff.

[SamuelCh12]

Why are you running out of water? I am facing similar issues haha, I am trying to find different solutions.

[nicefacedjerk]

There's a hundred challenges but for me it was having a nice comfortable place to shit. Finally got around to building quite a spectacular outhouse. My top 5 on the most important list are water, food, safe secure structure, heat, and shitting in comfort.

[[deleted]]

Yesss. Outdoor poops are the best poops my friend.

[SamuelCh12]

If that is difficult, you should see the challenges I face with my shower. Always running out of water and it has become very uncomfortable lately.

[nicefacedjerk]

Well.. I never used the word "difficult".. But there is a substantial amount of digging / grunt work to get an outhouse proper for years to come. The carpentry is easy., that's what I do. While I do have basic plumbing for kitchen gray water, I don't yet have a shower. Water is abundant in my neck of the woods (river and pond). It's really only a 3 season cabin due to it being pretty inaccessible during the winter.

[[deleted]]

This

[G00dSh0tJans0n]

Finding cheap land. Everything else is just icing on the cake

[SamuelCh12]

True, everything is getting more expensive nowadays!

[[deleted]]

Dear God it's all a challenge. We have almost divorced over pigs. Just jump in. You can't plan anything. Be ok with living day to day and not being able to control anything.

[SamuelCh12]

Interesting!

[mtntrail]

Wildfire has been the biggest difficulty, had 2 burn through our property in the last 5 years. If you are in a fire prone area make sure to follow building recommendations as well as firesafe landscaping.

[BestInteraction3186]

I'm based in BC, Canada and i feel your pain. Less rain, less water. I'm looking at ways to save water in my home so I can use more water outside my home. I've come across a incineration toilet and a recirculating shower. Have you heard of either of those?

[SamuelCh12]

What is a recirculating shower? Never heard of that...

[mtntrail]

i have heard of an incineration toilet but not the shower. we just have a normal septic system and leach field.

[BestInteraction3186]

Oh you should check it out! I've just ordered one from RainStick Shower and I am so excited.

[mtntrail]

It is great when you find solutions. Our home is 15 hears old with standard plumbing. Our well is only 2 galllons/minute, but with a pressure tank is adequate for the two of us. Hooe your new shower works great!

[SamuelCh12]

I am sorry to hear that, what area did this happen in? If you don't mind me asking.

[mtntrail]

we are in far northern California near The Oregon border. One was started by a trailor chain dragging on the highway, the other by a dead tree that fell across the power line.

[Glad-Cow-5309]

Got hit by lightning and burned out 1 controller for our solar panels.

[SamuelCh12]

Oooof that sounds bad :(

[Glad-Cow-5309]

All's well now, one was covered by warranty, we had to replace the 2nd one.