Navigating to A More Sustainable Way of Life.
The Journey to Off-Grid Living
Explore how the accidental off-gridders embarked on their journey towards off-grid living, starting with their decision to live on a narrowboat and the challenges they faced in figuring out their electricity needs.
Like many things in life, living off the grid happened to us by accident. We decided to live on a narrowboat, but like most aspects of living on a boat (at that time), we had no idea what people did about electricity. We had seen the ones that plug into the shoreline points in marinas (like a caravan) but had no idea what people did in the middle of nowhere.
However, it was something we needed to figure out as I had a wonderful vision of writing from the boat (which is something I still feel very privileged to be able to do). Setting Sail for Off-Grid Living
It turns out the secret to having electricity on a narrowboat (like many vans) can come from multiple sources; 
Solar panels on the roof.The engine.A generator.
The electricity produced is stored in a bank of four 12-volt deep-cycle leisure batteries (like large car batteries), ready for when needed. We have solar panels and a generator to boost the batteries on gloomy winter days (which can be quite frequent) when the solar panels are just not enough. We prefer the generator to use the engine as the engine is quite noisy and makes everything shake, which is not something we all need to listen to for an hour or so! We don't have a television, and electricity is not quite as abundant as it used to be when we lived in a house. However, as we live outdoors far more than we have in the past, it isn't something we notice hugely. The Bright Side of Off-Grid Living: Pros
We're in Charge: Living off-grid means we're the captains of our own ship! We get to call the shots on how we generate our electricity, fetch water, and handle other essentials. Nature's Our Neighbour: One of the coolest parts of living off-grid is being surrounded by nature. Whether it's on our narrowboat or in a cosy cabin, we're right in the heart of it all. It's like having our own private sanctuary where we can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and breathe in the fresh air. Eco-Warriors Unite: By using renewable energy sources like solar panels, we're doing our part to save the planet! It feels good to know that we're reducing our carbon footprint and positively impacting the environment. Plus, we're big fans of recycling and composting, so every little bit helps. Money in the Bank: Setting up our off-grid paradise was a bit pricey at first, but it has paid off! With no utility bills to worry about, we're saving money in the long run. Plus, living a simpler life means we're not spending money on things we don't need or have no room to store. Life in the Slow Lane: Living off-grid has taught us to appreciate the little things in life. Without a TV to distract us, we've found much more time for writing, reading, sewing and hanging out with each other. It's like hitting the pause button on life and really savouring the moment. 
The Flip Side of Off-Grid Living: Cons
The Price Tag: Let's be honest – setting up our off-grid system wasn't cheap. From solar panels to generators, the initial costs added up. But we're firm believers that you get what you pay for, and in this case, it's been worth every penny. Maintenance Madness: Keeping our off-grid systems running smoothly takes some serious elbow grease. Whether it's cleaning solar panels or checking on our batteries, there's always something to do. However, a little maintenance now and then is a small price to pay for all the freedom and independence we enjoy. Missing the Creature Comforts: Living off-grid means saying goodbye to some of the conveniences of town living. We're talking about easy access to grocery stores, water and fuel. Sure, it's a hassle at times, but we've learned to adapt and make do with what we have. Lonely at the Top: Let's face it – living off-grid can get lonely sometimes. Without neighbours nearby or easy access to transportation, it's easy to feel isolated. We are lucky on the canal as other boats are often around, so someone is often around for a chat. We also make the most of Skype calls and weekend road trips to visit family. Plus, we've found that the peace of off-grid living more than makes up for the occasional bouts of loneliness. Navigating Off-Grid Energy: Our Journey Continues
We were venturing into uncharted waters when we first set sail into the world of off-grid living aboard our narrowboat. The decision to embrace this lifestyle wasn't deliberate but rather a happy accident spurred by our desire to live on the water. Little did we know, the journey would lead us to discover a newfound sense of freedom and self-sufficiency, especially regarding our electricity needs. The initial puzzle we faced was powering our floating home away from the conveniences of shorelines and marinas. While we'd seen boats plugged into shorelines like caravans, we quickly realised we needed a more autonomous solution for our off-grid lifestyle. Cue the lightbulb moment: when we realised, we could harness the power of the sun, the engine, and a trusty generator? Our off-grid electricity setup revolves around three key sources: solar panels adorning our roof, the boat's engine, and a backup generator for those gloomy winter days when the sun decides to take a break. The electricity generated is stored in the 12-volt leisure battery bank, akin to large car batteries, ensuring we have power on demand. Now, we'll be the first to admit that off-grid living isn't all sunshine and solar panels. Our generator might be a lifesaver on cloudy days, but it comes with a downside – the noise and vibrations can disrupt the tranquillity of our floating haven. Nonetheless, it's a small price to pay for the freedom to generate our own power. Living off-grid has also prompted us to reassess our electricity usage. With no television, microwave or washing machine onboard, we've consumed far less electricity than in our brick-and-mortar abode. It has surprised us how liberating it feels to disconnect from the constant buzz of the television and embrace a simpler, more mindful way of life. As we continue navigating the waters of off-grid living, we constantly learn and adapt. From mastering the art of solar panel maintenance to finding creative ways to conserve energy, every day brings new challenges and discoveries. And while the journey isn't always smooth sailing, the rewards – from the serenity of nature to the satisfaction of self-sufficiency – make it all worthwhile. Five off-grid tips for a smooth transition.
Plan and Prepare: Before diving into off-grid living, take the time to thoroughly research and plan your setup, as it is likely to be very different from being on the grid. Consider factors such as location, climate, energy needs, and available resources. Develop a comprehensive off-grid plan that includes renewable energy sources, water sources, waste management solutions, and provisions for food and supplies.
Light It Up with LED Love! Let LED bulbs be the shining stars of your off-grid adventure! They're not just any bulbs – they're energy-saving superheroes, lasting longer and using less electricity than the old-school ones.
Sunny Days, Happy Ways! Welcome the sun into your off-grid home like a long-lost friend! Arrange your windows to let in that golden glow and bask in the natural light show. It's like having your own private sunshine – no electricity required!
Smart Moves: Rule Your Realm with Power Management! Consider using 12V appliances, which can be more energy efficient. Take charge of your off-grid system with a power management system which will allow you to keep an eye on your energy use until you get used to how much you use. Soon you'll be the master of efficiency – and the hero of your own off-grid story!
Power Off! It may take a while to get used to the quiet and stillness of off-grid living, but in time, you will tune into the sounds around you - the birds singing and the trees rustling in the wind. It's all about making small changes with big smiles – and having a blast while you're at it!
Conclusion: Charting Your Own Off-Grid Path
Our transition to off-grid living began with a spontaneous decision to live on a narrowboat, propelled by a yearning for adventure and a desire to be closer to nature. Little did we know, this unplanned detour would lead us to a lifestyle defined by self-sufficiency and discovery. Navigating the unknown waters of off-grid living, we faced the daunting challenge of meeting our electricity needs without the luxury of being tethered to the grid. The initial confusion soon gave way to ingenuity as we uncovered the secrets to generating power on our floating home. Harnessing the sun's rays through solar panels, tapping into the boat's engine, and relying on a trusty generator became our trifecta of off-grid energy solutions. With a bank of deep-cycle leisure batteries storing our electricity, we were armed and ready for whatever Mother Nature threw our way. Of course, no journey is without its bumps in the road. The hum of the generator brought with it vibrations that disrupted the tranquillity of our floating sanctuary. Yet, the trade-off was clear – the freedom to generate our own power far outweighed the occasional noise. Living off-grid prompted us to reassess our electricity consumption habits. Without the distraction of a television or other electronic gadgets, we discovered a newfound appreciation for the simple joys of life. As we continue to navigate this off-grid odyssey, we've learned valuable lessons along the way. From maximizing natural light to embracing energy-efficient appliances, every discovery brings us closer to a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. Through trial and error, we've compiled a list of tips to help fellow adventurers embark on their own off-grid journey: 
Plan and Prepare: Research and meticulously plan your off-grid setup, considering factors such as location, energy needs, and available resources.
Light It Up with LED Love: Embrace energy-efficient LED bulbs to illuminate your off-grid abode, saving electricity without sacrificing brightness.
Sunny Days, Happy Ways: Welcome natural light into your home by strategically positioning windows and embracing the warmth of the sun.
Smart Moves: Rule Your Realm with Power Management: Invest in power management systems to monitor and optimize your energy usage, allowing you to be the master of efficiency.
Power Off: Embrace the serenity of off-grid living by tuning into the sounds of nature and savouring the quiet moments.
As we navigate the waters of off-grid living, we're reminded that the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. With each passing day, we discover new ways to live harmoniously with nature and find joy in the simplicity of life off the grid. 