A new homeowner who bought a stunning cabin in Colorado shared their excitement and curiosity about beginning an off-grid lifestyle.
The property, located at 11,000 feet of elevation, is nestled among the mountains and surrounded by trees, and the interior boasts wooden features and a vintage wood stove.
Living off the grid has gained a ton of popularity since sustainability and environmental awareness became mainstream, sparking a new drive to disconnect from urban life while cutting day-to-day pollution.
Living off the grid means homeowners need to manage their own sources of energy and water as well as waste treatment.
Going off-grid doesn't just mean escaping from society; it's a way to live a self-sustained and eco-friendly lifestyle while saving money and being closer to nature.
The owner of the log cabin, which was built in the 1980s, called for tips for upgrades, such as installing solar panels, as they wanted to be able to live there year-round.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
They said they'd like to get a tax credit for the technology but mentioned it would be a "tight turnaround" to access domestic renewable energy benefits that are due to expire at the end of 2025.
One commenter mentioned a device called a solar observer, which "gives measurements of intensity, exact location, and calculates figures for evaluation."
Another suggested the homeowner install their own panels to avoid being overcharged by installation companies.
Solar panels are an incredible investment with massive cost-saving benefits. Once installed, they become the ultimate energy hack, reducing long-term energy costs to as little as $0.
TCD Picks » Stasher Spotlight
💡Stasher's reusable food storage options make it easy and affordable to live life with less plastic
|
If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Upfront costs 💰 EnergySage provides a free service to let users easily compare quotes from trusted, pre-checked solar companies and save up to $10,000.
If upfront costs are prohibitive, Palmetto's LightReach solar panel leasing program can provide customers with the technology for no money down while locking in low energy rates for homeowners.
Beyond the cost-saving benefits, solar panels are a smart investment to keep a home resilient during extreme weather events. By staying independent with solar panels, you don't need to worry about power outages associated with being connected to the electrical grid, which has become increasingly unreliable as extreme weather continues to intensify.
Additionally, installing solar panels dramatically reduces one's carbon footprint. According to SolarTech, the average household saves 3 to 4 tons of carbon dioxide annually when using a solar panel system, showing just how effective they can be in reducing heat-trapping pollution.
Redditors were impressed and envious.
"This is basically my dream type of home when I can one day afford a home," one person said. "Thanks for sharing!"
"The place looks amazing. You are living the dream!" another added.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
