Pioneers show Americans how to live off-grid
With energy prices going through the roof, an alternative lifestyle powered by solar panels and wind turbines has suddenly become more appealing to some. For architect Todd Bogatay, it has been reality for years. When he bought this breezy patch of scrub-covered mountaintop with views to Mexico more than two decades ago, he was one of only a few Americans with an interest in wind- and solar-powered homes. Now, Bogatay is surrounded by 15 neighbors who, like him, live off the electricity grid, with power from solar panels and wind turbines that he either built or helped to install. “People used to be attracted to living off-grid for largely environmental reasons, although that is now changing as energy prices rise,” he said, standing in blazing sunshine with a wind turbine thrashing the air like a weed whacker overhead.
Spry and energetic, Bogatay makes few sacrifices for his chosen lifestyle. He has a small, energy saving refrigerator, but otherwise his house is like any other, with satellite television and a computer with Internet service. “Electric and gas are going to skyrocket very soon. There are going to be more reasons for doing it, economic reasons,” he said.
Bogatay and his neighbors at the 120-acre development
are among a very small but fast-growing group of Americans opting to meet their own energy needs as power prices surge and home repossessions grow.
Once the domain of a few hardy pioneers, the dispersed movement is now attracting not just a few individuals and families, but institutions and developers building subdivisions that meet their own energy needs.
With rising power prices, falling installation costs, and a web of incentives to switch, analysts like Rosen believe the number of users turning to off-grid living in the United States is set to grow to 4 to 5 million in the next five to 10 years. “I don’t think we are going to see half the population of America going off-grid, ever. But I do think, we are going to see continued growth,” he said. Rosen also believes that more people still hooked up to the utilities will switch to energy saving appliances, saving money and becoming “off-grid ready” in the process.
For those who have already embarked on the adventure and have adapted to a lifestyle of eking out their energy sources, with houses designed to maximize light, retain warmth or circulate air for cooling, there is no turning back. “I like being my own power company,” said Chris Allen, a neighbor of Bogatay’s who has lived off-grid for several years.
“I wouldn’t take their electricity if they brought it to my back door. Living like this is financially and mentally very healthy.”
Credits: Reuters
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