Solar living, sustainable living, living off the grid...Getting off the grid "...Looking to wean yourself off the grid? The savings -- to you and the planet -- can be astronomical.

Saturday, February 10, 2024

I live off the grid in a yurt on land I inherited. There's nothing I miss — life is ridiculously peaceful.

. I live off the grid in a yurt on land I inherited. There's nothing I miss — life is ridiculously peaceful.

"...For as long as I can remember, I'd heard about a property my grandparents owned three hours away from Seattle in eastern Washington. I went to see it for the first time in my 30s, and it was just beautiful: 20 acres of sagebrush and..."

Reference: www.businessinsider.com

Saturday, January 13, 2024

This electric RV aims to provide hassle-free living off the grid

. This electric RV aims to provide hassle-free living off the grid "...The travel trailer is 100% electric and has enough power to stay off the grid for up to seven days. ...This is Pebble Mobility’s fully electric travel trailer. Pebble is a California-based startup. ...1kW Integrated Solar Allows for self-charging on the go or when parked, so it’s always topping off its power supply. It’s like being perpetually plugged into a 110V outlet." Reference: www.kbzk.com

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

The Looming Danger of EMP Blackouts in the U.S.

. The Looming Danger of EMP Blackouts in the U.S. "...Dr. William A. Radasky and Dr. Peter Vincent Pry have articulated a grave warning to the American public through the “EMP Task Force on National and Homeland Security Investigations” report, titled “Blackout Warfare: High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (Hemp) Attack On The U.S. Electric Power Grid,” on Aug. 6, 2021. The report details an analysis for national security on the damage of an EMP attack on our infrastructure, insinuating that we have not prepared for this at all, and it is critical that we do. These types of attacks would wipe out everything that is powered by electrical components, which is 95% of everything in society. ...As Iran led an “attack on at least one device at the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania” over Thanksgiving holiday, the real threat of a blackout from an EMP Read more at: https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2023/12/12/column-the-looming-danger-of-emp-blackouts-in-the-u-s/" Reference: www.suffolknewsherald.com

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Off the Grid Group convicted in terrorism and kidnapping case that resulted in death of 3-year-old boy on New Mexico compound

. convicted in terrorism and kidnapping case that resulted in death of 3-year-old boy on New Mexico compound "...During the raid, authorities also found 11 emaciated children wearing rags and no shoes. The group had apparently been living off the grid for months in the trash-ridden lot. ...convicted Siraj Ibn Wahhaj and his brother-in-law Lucas Morton on charges including conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to murder an officer or employee of the United States, jury verdict sheets show. Morton was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death, according to the jury sheets. Hujrah Wahhaj and Subhanah Wahhaj – sisters of Siraj Ibn Wahhaj" Reference: www.cnn.com

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Desert Den | Building Off the Grid | S5 E4 - Desert Den October 28, 2018 40min on Amazon

. Desert Den | Building Off the Grid

Desert Den Building Off the Grid Ray Dunavant
"Beau Dunavant bought a piece of land in Tres Piedras, New Mexico, as a gift for his girlfriend, Samantha Inman, where they can build a home made of mostly recycled materials and dirt. They plan to...Watch it on Amazom"

Reference: Amazon

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Nebraska solar farm crippled by hail, underscoring power source's fragility

. Nebraska solar farm crippled by hail, underscoring power source's fragility "The so-called Community Solar Project – a 4.4 megawatt solar field comprised of 14,000 solar panels and located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska – is not currently operating. ...The solar complex was destroyed by hail," Scottsbluff City Manager Kevin Spencer said in an interview. "They're assessing the damage, but it certainly looks destroyed to me."..." Reference: www.foxnews.com

Most Efficient Solar Panels Of 2023 (Guide)

. Most Efficient Solar Panels Of 2023 (Guide) "Installing the solar panels for your home is an excellent way to conserve energy and lower utility bills. However, it’s important to understand the differences in the fabrication of solar panels in order to choose the most efficient solar panels for your commercial or residential installation. For those looking to install solar at home, we’ve searched for and found the best solar companies for consideration. ...Two factors go into determining solar panel efficiency: photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency and total panel efficiency. ...SunPower offers three lines of residential panels along with components and energy storage systems. The company’s M series solar panels consist of five models that range in efficiency from 21.7% in the M420 model to the highest in our review, the M440, with a 22.8% rating. SunPower’s two other series are the X and U lines. The X lineup uses the company’s own Maxeon technology and ranges from 21.2% to 22.7% in efficiency. " Reference: www.forbes.com

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

New wind project expected to bring billions of dollars to New Mexico

. New wind project expected to bring billions of dollars to New Mexico "...The project will run a 550-mile-long power transmission line from Torrance county to Arizona, along with another wind farm in central new Mexico. The state won’t receive the power generated from the project, but instead will receive money from the operational costs and employment opportunities. ..." Reference: www.krqe.com

Sunday, March 19, 2023

'We flogged everything we had to live off-grid in an old minibus - it's a dream life'

. 'We flogged everything we had to live off-grid in an old minibus - it's a dream life' "...Plumber Badger Scott, his wife Kayla and their children have travelled through 10 countries in a converted minibus and are now living off-grid in rural Portugal...At the start, it was meant to be a holiday with a difference – buying an old minibus to get away from it all and make memories with a dying friend. But instead it has become a way of life..." Reference: www.mirror.co.uk

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Blink Charging to supply thousands of EV chargers to U.S. Postal Service

Blink Charging to supply thousands of EV chargers to U.S. Postal Service

From the article: "...Blink Charging will provide an initial order of 4,900 chargers to the U.S. Postal Service over three years to support the agency's rollout of electric vehicles. This week the postal service announced it will buy 9,250 electric vans from Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and 14,000 EV charging stations that will be installed at its facilities later this year. Miami Beach-based Blink..."


Article Reference: www.bizjournals.com
Blink Charging, EV Charging Contract (USPS),

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Tesla to open U.S. charging network to rivals in $7.5 bln federal program

. Tesla to open U.S. charging network to rivals in $7.5 bln federal program "...Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) will open part of its U.S. charging network to electric vehicles (EVs) made by rivals as part of a $7.5 billion federal program to expand the use of EVs and cut carbon emissions. The move could help turn Tesla into the universal "filling station" of the EV era..." Reference: www.reuters.com

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Tesla Powerwall vs. Generac PWRCell Review

. Tesla Powerwall vs. Generac PWRCell Review "...compare the stats and performance ratings of two of the most popular batteries for home solar energy backup power systems: the Tesla Powerwall vs Generac PWRCell. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of which battery may fit your needs better. ..." Reference: sunbridgesolar.com

Friday, January 20, 2023

Auction: Group 1 Tiny House built by Building Construction Science program students at MSU

. Auction: Group 1 Tiny House built by Building Construction Science program students at MSU "...2022-Spring-Group1 Modular Home: • A team of 30 freshman students designed, drew, and then fabricated this modular tiny house. • The building comes apart in 6 different modules. • The total footprint of the building is 18’x20’ • The total height of the building is under 17’ tall. • The total heated square footage is between 300-350 square feet. • Each module is under 8’-6” wide, 20’ long, and 9’-6” tall allowing each module to fit onto a trailer and shipped without any special transportation permitting. • The foundations are made from concrete and steel. • The lower modules were framed with typical wood framing. • The upper modules were framed with c-channel and tube steel. They were welded together to create a welded rigid frame. • It is insulated with cellulose insulation in the walls and poli-iso sheets on the roof. • The exterior wall skin is a combination of flat metal panels, corrugated metal panels, wood accents, and fiber cement board. • The roofing is standing seam metal on the high portion and TPO under the deck. • Windows are insulated glass. • The interior finishes consist of sealed concrete floors, gypsum board on some walls, stained and sealed Luan panels, and ceramic tile shower. • The buyer is responsible for loading and transportation. The buildings must be removed within 30 days of the end of the sale. We will provide other documentation and assistance for disassembling and loading. For additional information please call Lee Carson at 662-312-3571. SOLD AS IS WHERE IS Note: Please inspect items prior to placing a bid. ..." Reference: www.allsurplus.com

Monday, January 16, 2023

Tesla’s U.S. price cuts mean more models are eligible for federal EV tax credit

. Tesla’s U.S. price cuts mean more models are eligible for federal EV tax credit "...Tesla’s higher-end Model 3 performance model was discounted by 14.3%, to $53,990 from $62,990 ..." Reference: www.marketwatch.com

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Are there tax rebates to owning solar panels?

. 7 things to know before buying solar panels "...some states offer incentives to encourage you to install solar panels. The particulars will depend on your location, but you can get tax rebates and breaks to reward you for your sustainability. Plus, the federal government provides tax credits to residents as well, so make sure you check what you’re entitled to and take advantage. Again, though, if you're leasing solar panels, you won't be able to claim this rebate..." Reference: www.tomsguide.com

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

'Off The Grid' Builder Raised In Huntsville To Be Featured on DIY Network

Desert Den
'Off The Grid' Builder Raised In Huntsville To Be Featured on DIY Network "...Beau Dunavant bought a piece of land in Tres Piedras, New Mexico, as a gift for his girlfriend, Samantha Inman, where they can build a home made of mostly recycled materials and dirt. They plan to construct a modest, self-sufficient structure...Watch 'Desert Den' here with Amazon Prime" Reference: Rocket city News

Off the grid: Cosby family builds modern day homestead by hand

. Off the grid: Cosby family builds modern day homestead by hand "...Amber Bradshaw said. "So it means not being connected to the city water, city sewer, city electric." It also means building your home yourself, all by hand. Timmy and his 24-year-old son Gavin used timber from their land to build the two-story, three bedroom home in three months last fall..." Reference: www.wbir.com

Saturday, November 3, 2018

TVA contracts to buy solar power for Facebook data center in Huntsville

. TVA contracts to buy solar power for Facebook data center in Huntsville "...TVA officials declined to discuss the rates it will pay for the solar generation, although TVA President Bill Johnson has previously said that building additional solar or wind power tends to be more expensive than existing generation, especially since such generators don't produce power when the sun doesn't shine or the wind doesn't blow..." Reference: www.timesfreepress.com

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Tesla's New York Gigafactory Kicks Off Solar Roof Production

. Tesla's New York Gigafactory Kicks Off Solar Roof Production "...a sleek, clean solar product, especially for homeowners seeking to replace aging roofs. The tiles -- from most angles -- look like ordinary shingles. They allow light to pass from above and onto a standard flat solar cell. Tesla, the biggest U.S. installer of rooftop-solar systems, piloted the product on the homes of several employees..." Reference: www.bloomberg.com

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Road Dust Podcast featuring Beau Dunavant

. Episode 5 - Traveling the world to build natural houses and to play punk rock with Beau Dunavant "...Beau is sharing the story from his life; from techniques of exploring cities while traveling the country with a punk-rock band to being a traveling EarthShip builder. We also talk about sustainability, environmental activism and a few others random topics..." Reference: roaddustpodcast.com

Man loses fortune, lives alone on desert island for 20 years

. Man loses fortune, lives alone on desert island for 20 years "...I love it here because I have my safety, no matter how old and how tough you are you still want to go to bed knowing you are not going to be attacked.' Self-sufficient David, who was born in Sydney’s Northern Beaches to an Irish family, added there is nowhere he’d rather be than on his “heaven on earth” natural paradise..." Reference: nypost.com

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Newly Ordered Review of the Dakota Access Pipeline

. Environmental justice factored into judge's decision on DAPL "...When considering who would be affected by the Dakota Access Pipeline, the federal government focused on two predominantly white counties rather than the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation downstream. That analysis is now key to a newly ordered review of the pipeline, focusing on whether environmental justice was adequately considered for the low-income, minority community less than a mile south of the Lake Oahe crossing..." Reference: bismarcktribune.com

ExxonMobil and Stephen Hawking Just Agreed to the Same Climate Fix

. ExxonMobil and Stephen Hawking Just Agreed to the Same Climate Fix "...there's a new ragtag group of underdogs supporting carbon-cutting. ExxonMobil Corp., Total SA, Raymond Dalio, Laurene Powell Jobs, Stephen Hawking, Ratan Tata, and Michael Bloomberg, the founder and owner of Bloomberg LP, among others, have signed on as "founding members" of a months-old group called the Climate Leadership Council..." Reference: www.bloomberg.com

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Dakota Access Pipeline: Big oil still screwing-over the Native American for profit

. Dakota Access Standoff Unlikely to Reroute Pipeline Due to Major Hurdles, Some Experts Say "...Despite growing protests from Native American groups and environmental activists, construction of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline is likely..." Reference: abcnews.go.com

Friday, October 28, 2016

Help Stop TPP! Reject the Secret Trade Deal!

. Legislature is Poised to Pass TPP in Lame-Duck Session "... An international tribunal – outside any nation’s legal system – would have authority to order compensation to big corporations and Wall Street firms if they claim profits were lost as a result of a participating country’s regulations. The Obama administration claims the deal will boost exports, but it allows U.S. corporations to outsource even more jobs. “Large corporations can challenge laws that get in the way of profits...The shady deals also pose a threat to public postal services. The TPP includes several rules targeting postal services that were included at the request of the Postal Service’s private competitors, including UPS and FedEx...Please ask your representative to take a stand against this disastrous trade deal. Calling your representative is quick and easy and it makes a difference. (If no one answers, you can leave a message.) To contact your representative, call 1-855-856-7545 or visit http://bit.ly/2dbeRYG..." Reference: www.apwu.org

Thursday, October 27, 2016

#BeforetheFlood: Prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet

. #BeforetheFlood: Prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet "...unique, impassioned and pragmatic views on what must be done today and in the future to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet..." Reference: roller-cone-bits.blogspot.com

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Going off the grid

. Going off the grid
"...Thompson’s abode, about the size of a small one-car garage or a large garden shed, is actually owned by a couple of organic farmers in southern Jefferson County who offered the living space to him rent free in exchange for his help with some tasks around the farm. As far as furniture goes ..." Reference: www2.ljworld.com

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Want to Get Off the Grid and Live in Harmony With Nature? Build an Earthship

. Want to Get Off the Grid and Live in Harmony With Nature? Build an Earthship "...Earthship homes are off-grid dwellings that are some of the greenest and most economical buildings in the world. They are made from recycled materials such as glass bottles, old tires, reclaimed wood and plenty of elbow grease, and can be built anywhere in the world, according to the founder of Earthship Biotecture Michael Reynolds..." Reference: ecowatch.com

Friday, February 12, 2016

Obama to designate 3 monuments in Calif.

. Obama to designate 3 monuments in Calif. "...Monument status precludes industrial development, from solar and wind farms to new mining. The designations are also expected to bring funding from the federal government, which the National Park Service could use to study wildlife and plant species and to teach visitors about the areas' histories and ecologies. The park service will also promote the monuments, probably boosting tourism. The Sand to Snow National Monument..." Reference: www.kare11.com

Friday, February 5, 2016

What is holding back the growth of solar power?

. What is holding back the growth of solar power? "...“You have a very strong seasonality in solar production. That is a problem at higher latitudes. If you would connect all the countries around the world then always somewhere the sun would shine and problem solved. But we are still quite far from that situation,” he said. Like other renewables that rely on weather, solar is held back by its “capacity factor”, essentially how often it is producing electricity..."
Reference: www.msnbc.com

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Electric Grid: California is not 'Off-the-Grid friendly' ...extra fees for solar users

. State regulators set to vote on new costs for solar owners "...The California Public Utilities Commission is proposing increased fees on rooftop solar owners but stopping short of the onerous charges that the state's investor-owned utilities wanted. Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Gas & Electric pressed the commission to charge solar owners hefty fees that the solar industry said would crush their business..." Reference: www.latimes.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Twelfth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability at Portland State University

Conference Program Detail: Jan. 21-23, 2016

Twelfth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability at Portland State University

Program Excerpt Example: "...The Conscious Human Ecological Experience: Conscious Design and the Evolution of the Built Environment Beau Dunavant IV, Regenerative Revolution, Denver, USA Overview: Conscious design is the act of using our conscious human ecological experience as a tool within the design, or redesign, of the built environment..."


Reference: www.cgpublisher.com

Friday, August 21, 2015

We are the unsustainable super predators

. Study calls humans unsustainable “super predators” "...The study concludes that human "super predators" will need to be "additionally constrained by managers" if we're to have any hope of reigning in the current destruction of ecological and evolutionary processes we've wrought worldwide...." Reference: www.slashgear.com

Monday, August 3, 2015

Earthbag Building Workshop

Earthbag Building Workshop
Earthbag Building Workshop
Earthbag Building Workshop

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Off the Grid food truck market to Walnut Creek

. Off the Grid food truck market to Walnut Creek "...Off the Grid’s interest in opening a Walnut Creek market began in 2013, when it partnered with Walnut Creek Downtown to find a locale. After Off the Grid had looked at, and exhausted, many possibilities, about six months ago the opportunity arose to run the market in the parking lot of the former MacDonald’s restaurant. ..." Reference: www.berkeleyside.com

Bill Gates to invest $2bn in breakthrough renewable energy projects

. Bill Gates to invest $2bn in breakthrough renewable energy projects "...Bill Gates has announced he will invest $2bn (£1.3bn) in renewable technologies initiatives, but rejected calls to divest from the fossil fuel companies that are burning carbon at a rate that ignores international agreements to limit global warming...." Reference: www.theguardian.com

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

City of Huntsville files lawsuit against veteran attempting to live “off the grid”

. City of Huntsville files lawsuit against veteran attempting to live “off the grid” "...“So I basically made all my own utilities, I’ve got my solar panels, I’ve got my rain water collection system and stuff,” said Truitt. ..." Reference: wiat.com

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Worst places to live off-the-grid: Huntsville, Alabama

.

Worst places to live off-the-grid: Huntsville, Alabama

In the spotlight this week is Huntsville, Alabama. According to a couple of articles coming from local news in the City of Huntsville, if you want to live off the grid in Huntsville, you are not welcome here. In fact, Huntsville has taken an unusually aggressive tone in making sure those wanting to go green and self-sufficient here are welcome to leave! According to WAFF, "Huntsville city leaders say Truitt is bothering them and needs to follow city ordinance or leave." Oddly, Huntsville is known as an eclectic city for those that are familiar with its diverse population that spans all walks of life. However, there is definitely a shift in this beautiful city from a hometown attitude to a blatant "it's all about the money" attitude that is encroaching on the friendly, quaint, southern hospitality that built it. The city now aggressively advertises it is anti-union when it comes to begging for labor intensive companies to move to the town as they proudly shout WE ARE A RIGHT TO WORK STATE! And now they are holding down its citizens even more by trying to make sure they maintain the forced dependence upon the city infrastructure. Gotta keep those dollars rolling in so the city can continue to give crazy tax breaks and incentives to the companies they bribe to come to town ...oops, we didn't mean bribe, we meant incentivize to come to their friendly little burb.

Evidence of a wishy-washy enforcement of the "ordinances" in the situation of this couple wanting to live off-the-grid is easily found. Specifically, they aggressively attempt to stop this couple from living off the grid and saving on utility costs, yet the city is littered with homeless encampments made of cardboard and plywood. We guess that off-the-grid living takes income from Huntsville Utilities while building more appropriate living space for the homeless would be an expense for the city instead of income. Read the story at: City responds to couple trying to live 'off-the-grid'

Reference:Off-The-Grid

Saturday, June 13, 2015

City says Huntsville (Alabama) couple can't live 'off the grid'

. City says Huntsville couple can't live 'off the grid' "...City officials also took issue with Truitt's off-the-grid lifestyle. "They came and they condemned our house and told us if we stayed here we'd be arrested for trespassing on our own property, and the reason why is, they said, it was unsafe living conditions because we don't have city utilities hooked up," Truitt explained. The former military member says he just wants the freedoms he swore he'd protect...." Reference: www.waff.com