Solar
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Due to power being more than 300m from our property, living off the grid was the cheapest and most feasible option.
We recently upgraded our system to a small 3kw solar array that meets most of our electrical needs including: a couple of freezers, fridge, microwave, washing machine, lights, power tools, PS5, Tvs, pumps and charging devices (see we don't go without much). With careful planning, we are for the most part able to get by without having to sacrifice too much.
The system (bought as a kit from micromall through trademe) includes: 12 x300w solar panels connected 3s4p, a 3kw solar charger/inverter controller, 3x LifePo4 c10-110a batteries.
During winter and when there is insufficient sunlight to charge batteries, we utilise a small 2kw generator to fill the gap.
As part of planning, it's important to ascertain how our solar is likely to perform each day. For this the weather forecast gives us a basic idea of what we can expect. We also use live weather map to track cloud coverage to decide whether we need to use the generator.
It is important to keep panels clean to ensure we are maximising our input, normally two to thre times a year. For this reason our panels are installed on our roof which isn't a steep pitch. Since we live close to small pine blocks, the panels become coated in pollen, hence the need for additional cleaning.
Solar panels and batteries (LiFEPo 4) are expected to last around 25 years which means electricity isn't entirely free since the hardware will need to be replaced in the years to come. For us this equates to around $144 month (taking inflation into account) which is still a fraction of what many pay for grid supply.
Although there's a bit more work involved, going solar is by far cheaper than being on the grid in terms of installation and ongoing costs. Many friends and family agree that electricity prices are so high it is becoming unafordable. In our rural area, locals are often plagued with outages, some of which have lasted hours.
As a stand alone setup, it is also convenient to upgrade as needed, and can even be re-located without too much effort should we need to.
Water
One of the first things we purchased was a 25000L water tank to hold rain water captured by the roof. This is mainly used for cooking, cleaning, and showers.
A couple of 1000L pods (IBC or Intermediate Bulk Container) are kept topped up using stream water and is gravity fed for use in toilet, stock trough and gardens. Because the stream water often contains small amounts of sediment, the water is sometimes slightly discoloured so ideal for its intended purpose.
Heating and Cooking
Most of our cooking is done using LPG appliance such as as gas oven, califont and heaters.
Communication
Due to our location, we have no cellular network or phone line to the property. For internet we use a wireless mesh type provider to deliver fast and quite reliable internet. Mokos (grandchildren) are data hungry little gremlins so Primo Wireless unlimited plans are just affordable for them, my emails, online studies and research, shopping and work.
An optional extra incoroprates the use of VOIP through 2Talk with a digital to analog converter to provide a type of land line connection since phone numbers are sparce in this part of town.
As mentioned earlier, we have no cell phone coverage, some cell network providers offer 'wifi calling' allowing us to send and recieve txt's and cell calls as if we were in a serviceable area.