I have wanted an electric chainsaw for a few years now, and when I was asked by my wife and son what I wanted for Father’s Day, I went with the Oregon CS1500. The Oregon electric plugin chainsaw was one of the few chainsaws left out there that doesn’t use batteries. I did not want … Continue reading Bucking Challenge: Electric v. Gas
solar
Snow Storm Hits and the Solar Panels Quit
During the winter gray skies and snow defeat our solar panels' power production. This is the time of year we rely heavily upon our backup generator once the battery bank is spent. Removing snow from the panels, isn’t too bad, but if left undone it can become a real problem if the snow melts into … Continue reading Snow Storm Hits and the Solar Panels Quit
Off Grid: Having a Washing Machine
When Mark and I were talking about living off grid, we decided early on that we wanted to have as many modern conveniences as possible. We both did not want to have to hand wash our clothes. So, having a washing machine was on the list of appliances that we wanted to have. When Mark … Continue reading Off Grid: Having a Washing Machine
Here comes the sun…
After a dreary month of January, the sun is making its appearance again. We are all relieved and choose our own way to bask in sun's warm rays. The solar panels have produced very little and we have relied on the storage capacity of our battery banks and the back up generator on a weekly … Continue reading Here comes the sun…
The Northwest seems to be on fire
For weeks now, we haven't seen much blue sky, but a smokey haze from horizon to horizon from the forest fires in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The sunlight these past few weeks have been impeded by the firestorms around us. The ground everywhere is dry and dusty. The lush greenery covering the forest floor is … Continue reading The Northwest seems to be on fire
Phantoms of the Home
When picking out an appliance, a person in an off grid home is constantly asking, "Does this appliance have a phantom load?" A phantom load is an appliance that draws power when it isn’t being used and even when it is turned off. For example, your old VCR that had the clock display that flashed … Continue reading Phantoms of the Home
Electricity, making the choice to be off grid.
For us the choice was purely economical and a desire to be self-sufficient. The choice to live off grid is not a desire of most people, and I am not trying to convert anyone to the idea. However, if you like to save money, which most of us do, many of our off grid tips … Continue reading Electricity, making the choice to be off grid.