"We've learned a lot through years of experience, but we made some mistakes when we first moved here. We should've calculated our electricity usage ahead of time and invested in a quality stove. In the 10 years we've lived off the grid in West Virginia, my husband and I have had our fair share of ups and downs. We've had impromptu evenings by candlelight after accidentally running down our batteries, but we've also watched stunning mountain sunrises."
"We've had impromptu evenings by candlelight after accidentally running down our batteries, but we've also watched stunning mountain sunrises. We've let a hot water heater get too cold and bust, and also been able to save money for travel and retirement. Although I wouldn't change anything about our life, there are a few things I wish I had known about off-grid living before we moved to a rural area and created a home power system."
A decade of off-grid living in West Virginia produced both challenges and rewards. The couple experienced power shortages that led to candlelit evenings and the failure of a neglected hot water heater. Solar/battery limitations and appliance choices affected daily comfort and maintenance needs. The lifestyle enabled savings for travel and retirement and provided memorable natural experiences like mountain sunrises. Pre-move planning around electricity consumption and investing in reliable appliances would have prevented many early problems. Despite setbacks, the couple values the off-grid life and recognizes lessons that improve long-term self-sufficiency.
Read at Business Insider
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