How to Power an Off-Grid Cabin

Staying in an off-grid cabin doesn’t mean you have to go without power. There are many ways you can power an off-grid cabin, and I’ve done some research to help you know how. In this post, I’ll explain several ways you can power your cabin.

So, what are some ways to power an off-grid cabin? Typically, off-grid cabins are powered by renewable energy methods such as solar panels, hydroelectric systems, and wind turbines. However, other methods can be used such as a gasoline-powered generator or a propane tank. Although, the propane tank will not be able to produce electricity like the other resources can.

Or, maybe your local power company does service your cabin, but you want to use renewable energy power sources. Don’t worry, I’ve done the research to help you learn about many different power sources you can use at your cabin: renewable energy, local power company, power-generator, and propane.

Powering an Off-Grid Cabin with Renewable Energy

An off-grid cabin is a cabin in a remote location that generally aims to be self-sufficient. Off-grid cabins don’t typically use utilities provided by a city. Also, these cabins may be tucked high up in the mountains or deep in a forest. So, it might often mean that normal power companies don’t service the area, and even though you might want to escape to the woods for a bit of peace and quiet, you might not be ready to give up all of the comforts of home.

There are several different renewable energy sources that you can use to power your off-grid cabin, and each one can be beneficial on its own. But, you may find yourself wanting to use a combination of these sources to make sure that your electricity needs are met.

To determine how much electricity you will need to power with a renewable resource, review past power bills and see how much electricity you use over the period of a year. If you only use your cabin seasonally, look at the power bills from that season and then look at the appliances you typically use during this time. Will you be using those same appliances at the cabin? If so, plan accordingly.

So, let’s start with the first renewable energy source, solar power.

Solar

Solar power relies on the sun to create energy through the use of solar panels. The solar panel’s cells absorb sunlight and then partials of light, photons, to break electrons free from atoms. This generates a flow of electricity that can be redirected and used for everyday living.

What kind of solar power system you invest in can be determined by how much power you plan to use in your off-grid cabin.

What kind of solar power system you invest in can be determined by how much power you plan to use in your off-grid cabin. If you only stay in your cabin for small periods of time, you don’t need to invest in a bigger set-up unless you are planning to use the set-up to power large appliances like a fridge or a stove.

Small solar power systems are great for minimal electricity use and low voltage appliances you might need during your stay. They are also less expensive to purchase.

A more complex and high-quality solar power system can be used to run larger appliances and may be good if you plan on living in your off-grid cabin instead of going there for an occasional vacation. These systems will probably cost you more, but in the long run, you will save money and be able to create the necessary electricity for your cabin.

However, there are limitations to using solar power to power a cabin. Solar power needs direct sunlight in order to create the proper amount of electricity, and no matter how many solar power panels you have, if there is no sun where your cabin is, they won’t produce any solar energy.

Wind

Wind is probably one of the most expensive sources of renewable energy to set up since the most basic wind turbines can start anywhere from $500 to $1,000. However, if you don’t mind investing in this form of energy (and you live somewhere with plenty of wind) this could be a great option for you.

Another thing you should keep in mind when deciding if this energy source is for you is the property your cabin is on. If you are deep in the woods, you will need to find a way to mount your wind turbine, or else you will have to construct a tower for it to sit on. This will help it perform effectively.

Hydro/Water

This is another attractive option that can be extremely effective. Hydropower works by harnessing the power of moving water and using it to make electricity. Usually, a turbine of some kind harnesses the kinetic energy into mechanical energy that can then be turned into electrical energy. This may sound complicated, but here’s what you can do:

Evaluate your water source and determine if it is capable of producing enough power for your needs
Determine if your water source will produce running water year-round
Research hydroelectric systems and determine your budget and what kind of system will fit with your water source
Install your hydroelectric system and begin generating and storing electricity

Like the other sources, hydroelectric systems can become pricey. They range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Most small streams will not be able to produce enough energy to be effective sources of power. However, if your cabin is near a flowing river, this might prove to be a good power source. First, make sure there are no laws against constructing things in the river’s environment.

A Combination of Power Sources

Sometimes it isn’t enough to exclusively use one type of renewable power sources, especially since the weather conditions aren’t always favorable. There may not be enough sun for your solar powers, or the water you were using for your hydro-power has frozen during the winter, or maybe there just isn’t any wind sweeping down the mountains today.

Whatever challenges you might be facing, it would be best if you supply your cabin with energy by using a combination of renewable energy sources.

Whatever challenges you might be facing, it would be best if you supply your cabin with energy by using a combination of renewable energy sources. This will mean that you might have to make a big investment in the beginning, but producing your own power may save you money in the long run, depending on your circumstances.

You should always keep in mind what you want to power and how much energy that will cost you. Your renewable resources must be able to produce enough electricity to power everything, or you might find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

Also, if you are going to use renewable resources to power a home, be aware that you will need to story electricity in batteries. Storing electricity will ensure that you have enough electricity if the wind stops blowing or the sun sets. These things will happen, so you will need to be prepared for them. No matter where you are, it is always safer to have a store aside.

Powering an Off-Grid Cabin Using a Power Generator

Power generators are an effective method of powering a cabin for your summer stay, but keep in mind that most generators are powered by gasoline. This means that you will need to keep a steady supply or be able to replenish your generator’s gas over time. A generator cannot create electricity. Like the renewable sources, it simplely converts energy into electricity that can be redirected and used to power things.

Generators are sold in various locations such as hardware stores and online stores like Amazon. Also, like the renewable resources, you will need to determine how much energy you use in order to get a generator that will be able to produce the right amount of electricity.

The problem with going off-grid and using a generator is that you will still be incurring a high cost-to-output ratio. While it may seem more inexpensive to run a generator, the gas it burns will quickly drive up the cost. And if that generator were to fail for some reason, you won’t have power unless you have a back up for your initial generator.

Powering an Off-Grid Cabin Using Propane

Like the gasoline-powered generator, this is another option if renewable energy fails to meet your cabin’s needs. Although it is also not the best option for going off-grid, it does effectively heat water and the cabin itself. Unlike the other sources I’ve discussed, this sources does not produce electricity, meaning that all propane can be used for is heating and cooking.

…having a propane tank installed at your cabin to heat water with can drive up the cost significantly because you will have to maintain the tank as well as have it initially installed by a professional.

If you are looking for a good option for cooking your meals. Propane BBQs are popular and can be pretty inexpensive. However, having a propane tank installed at your cabin to heat water with can drive up the cost significantly because you will have to maintain the tank as well as have it initally installed by a professional.

Powering an Off-Grid Cabin Using Your Local Power Company

When people say they want to go off-grid, this usually means that they don’t want to rely on their local power company and pay a power bill that may be a little too pricey for them. However, there might be some out there that originally wanted to run a cabin using renewable sources, but found that it wasn’t a good fit for them. If this is you, here’s what you can do.

When people say they want to go off-grid, this usually means that they don’t want to rely on their local power company and pay a power bill that may be a little too pricey for them.

First, explore other option like the ones I’ve mentioned in this article. Maybe you will find one of the nonrenewable resources more useful for generating electricity for your cabin. If none of these work. You can contact the local power company and see if they service the area where your cabin is. This may require a little extra work and the installation of the proper wiring.

If the power company is able to run power to your cabin, they will usually take care of the installation and then all that is left is to set up a payment plan that fits your needs.

If you are planning to use your cabin for longer vacations, proper electricity will make your cabin more comfortable to stay in. But, if your whole purpose for escaping to an off-grid cabin is to avoid unnecessary expenses and the inconvenience of power bills, this may not matter to you.

Why You Might Want to Live Off-Grid

If you haven’t yet taken the plunge into living off-grid, or you are curious as to why so many people do live off-grid, here are some common reasons I found why people live off-grid:

Living off-grid provides you with a chance to get back to the basics and enjoy the outdoors. Typically, when you live off-grid, you don’t rely on technology or electricity provided by power companies. Without these distractions, you can enjoy making memories.
You can save money by producing your own energy. Now, this is tricky because you may end up spending more investing in renewable resource equipment like solar panels or wind turbines (which can be pretty pricey). But, if you don’t mind investing a little initially to be free of power companies, then this can work out great for you.
By living off-grid, you are better able to take care of the earth’s environment. Living off-grid combined with using renewable resources to provide power to your cabin will aid in lowering your personal carbon footprint.
Many see off-grid living as a way that they can have the freedom to use their land how they wish. Those who live off-grid often like to raise livestock and grow their own food because it gives them a chance to produce the things they need instead of simply consuming the resources of their environment.
If all these other points don’t make sense to you, maybe the location often enjoyed by those living off-grid will help you understand. Living off-grid puts you closer to nature and gives you a chance to experience the beauty surrounding you. Like I mentioned in point one, some people like to focus on making memories and getting back to the basics of natural living. Not to mention, there are some breathtaking views in nature.

So, whether you are looking to permanently escape from urban life or just looking for a vacation, off-grid cabins can prove to be a great way to get away. But, keep in mind that you might still need to power many of the items you commonly use.