Off Grid

“In terms of going off-grid, the importance of reducing electrical demand can’t be overstated,” Moffitt says. “Photovoltaics and other microrenewables generate fairly small amounts of electricity, so it is essential that consumption is minimized first.”This is achieved through home orientation and window placement, the use of energy-efficient appliances and keeping the home’s footprint small.“Once these measures have been considered, going off-grid is fairly straightforward,” Moffitt says. “The technologies are reliable, and there is something very satisfying about knowing that your home is running in a way that is attuned to larger natural cycles.”