Living Partially Off the Grid (Everything You Need to Know to Get Started) 

Many people living partially off the grid do it for convenience or because they do not have the option of going entirely off the grid. Living partially off the grid means that you continue to use some utilities while disconnecting yourself from others. There aren’t rules about what you should preserve and give up; each home or property is unique, and you must consider what you truly require.

You can live somewhat off the grid by giving up some utilities while keeping the most important ones. You can create your energy by discovering alternate heating sources such as a wood stove, forego cable, phone, and internet. On the other side, certain services, such as water, sewage, and trash collection, make daily life incredibly tough. Make meticulous calculations on what you need and whether you are authorized to reduce certain utilities before picking which utilities to cut.

Harvesting rainwater is forbidden in some jurisdictions, such as Colorado. Therefore many buy water and store it in water tanks, while others who have the option of connecting to the water and sewage choose to do so because it is simply a lot easier than keeping water in water tanks. Most states have very tight sewage laws and restrictions; if you reside in a densely populated region where everyone is connected to water and sewage, disconnecting will be exceedingly tough; local officials will not allow it.

The basic goal of living partially off the grid is to be as self-sufficient and self-reliant as possible, and you can do this whether you are partially off the grid, entirely off the grid, or keep all of your utilities. Many people have access to all utilities and still generate most of their power and heat with solar panels and cultivate some of their food. Essentially, they have the best of both worlds: the convenience of living with all utilities while paying as little as possible for them because they generate the majority of their own.

Where to Live Partially Off the Grid? 

The essential factor in determining whether you can go off the grid or partially off the grid is location. Not only does each state differ in this regard, but so does each county. Going fully off the grid is much easier in some states with low population density. If you currently own a residence connected to utilities, you must determine which ones you are permitted to disconnect; in most circumstances, you are not permitted to disconnect from the water and sewage systems.

If, on the other hand, you want to create an off grid homestead in a remote place, you will almost certainly have no choice but to live off the grid. If this is the case, you should exercise extreme caution regarding local laws, rules, and building codes.

Here’s a complete guide on Finding the Perfect Land for Off Grid Living.

How to Generate Partial Off Grid Power? 

When most people think of off-grid living, they see houses covered in solar panels. Most people who live fully off the grid produce their electricity and are not linked to any electrical grid. However, some people who live off the grid do not bother generating their power, either because it is difficult to do so in some places or because they do not require electricity.

Most people associate off-grid life with houses covered in solar panels. Most people that live off the grid generate their electricity and are not connected to the local power grid. Some people that live off grid do not bother generating their power, either because it is difficult in some areas or because they do not require electricity.

Most people fail to comprehend that generating power with solar panels is not intended to power all your household appliances; it simply cannot. Some appliances, such as the refrigerator, require a large amount of wattage to operate; the average family consumes approximately 901-kilowatt hours every month, which will be hard to create using solar panels. Some high-end solar panels can produce much power, but they are very pricey.

How to Heat Your Partially Off Grid Home? 

Some places have already resorted to electric heating, while others do not require heating throughout the winter due to the warm temperature. If you wish to live off the grid in a harsh winter climate, you must consider how you will heat your home. Most houses in some locations have chimneys, but most modern houses have not. Therefore you cannot heat your home using a fireplace.

If you are fortunate enough to have a chimney, you can use your fireplace to heat your home and a wood-burning stove to heat both your home and your water. The problem is that many people believe that heating their home with a fireplace is romantic and exciting, but trust me, that rapidly fades when you have to wake up numerous times in the middle of the night to refuel the stove.

What’s to do about your Waste? 

This is where many people make costly blunders, particularly those who establish a new homestead. Most states have very severe sewage laws and restrictions, so if you are not linked to sewage, your only option is to build a septic tank. These septic tanks must be emptied regularly, and if you reside in a remote place with limited road access, you will encounter difficulties.

People that live partially off the grid usually keep the sewage, and in certain locations, especially if you live in a populous area, they will not let you build up a septic tank in your back yard. Setting up a portable toilet may be a solution for some people, but it is not an ideal configuration in the long run, and in some jurisdictions, there is a time limit on how long you may use a portable toilet before needing to convert to a septic tank.

How to Get Water When Partially Off Grid? 

Without water, you cannot live off the grid; you must either find a water supply, gather rainfall, build a well, or remain connected to local infrastructure. In some states where the climate is arid, it is illegal to harvest rainwater. Thus you must either be linked to the local grid or buy water and store it in water tanks. Other states allow rainwater harvesting, but there are stringent limits on how much you can keep and how you may utilize it.

If you wish to grow your food, you will need to consider how much extra water you will require. Something else to consider is whether there is any way to conserve water, especially if the summers are hot. Most people that live off the grid choose a location with access to fresh water. This could be a creek or lake. On it you can build an improvised water supply system. You can always haul water in buckets, but this will be a nightmare in the long term.

You can even go somewhat off the grid by installing a rainwater collection system. Simply use the local grid for daily needs such as cooking and cleaning, and use the captured rainwater to water your crops.

What to do with Your Trash? 

Most people throw out their trash and then forget about it. When living partially off the grid you’ll quickly notice how much trash can pile up if you do not have a trash collection. In most urban areas, you will have no choice but to hire a trash collection service. People tend to burn their rubbish in rural regions where it isn’t easy to dispose of. This might cost you a lot of money if the local authorities catch you.

People who live fully off the grid recycle a large portion of their garbage. You can make fishing lines of plastic bottles and compost out of organic items. The primary issue with rubbish is that it attracts rodents such as rats and mice, which attract predators. These predators could turn into a bear in your doorway the next day. In bear country, how you dispose of trash is critical.

If you wish to live largely off the grid, your best option for trash is to recycle as much as you can. You will still have waste, but not as much as if you did not recycle. I do not mean throwing the plastics away by recycling, but rather reusing the products.

Can You Get Cell Phone Reception? 

People still use landlines in some regions, even though they are somewhat antiquated. You will need to find a way to communicate whether you live off the grid or partially off the grid. Although not all regions have mobile services, you will still need a phone for emergencies. You can contact the emergency services even if you do not have a current phone service subscription.

What About TV? 

If you want to live as inexpensive as possible, you must discontinue your cable TV service. In my opinion, you will probably be better off with internet access than cable TV. I never even had cable TV when I was living on the grid!

What About WiFi? 

Most people who live entirely or partially off the grid will continue to use the internet if it is available. There will be no internet connection in rural places without cell phone reception. It will be exceedingly tough to survive without the internet if you are accustomed to utilizing it every day. In general, the internet is not required, but it is highly handy whether you live off the grid.

Here are some great options for WiFi for off grid living!

Final Thoughts on Living Partially Off Grid

Living partially off the grid is not that different from life entirely off the grid; just think of it as homesteading with many luxuries. Living fully off the grid is incredibly tough. If you have a steady job, you will find it exceedingly difficult to keep up with your daily chores at home while also working; if this is the case for you, your best alternative is to live somewhat off the grid.