Looking for Off Grid Resources in Ohio

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Small Cabin Forum / Off-Grid Living / Looking for Off Grid Resources in Ohio


Author	Message
rmak Member	# Posted: 27 May 2013 08:23pm - Edited by: rmak Reply I have been planning to run power from our house out to our small weekend cabin in the woods on our property. That was until I got a few bids! Since the power demands would be small, lights, ceiling fan, coffee maker, etc. I am now considering solar. I have two questions. 1) Is there a simple primer on what system is best, cost, and what can be run off solar power. I believe I can run what I need from a battery dc system, but I have a lot to learn. 2) Is there a reputable solar company that anyone knows about that serves the NE Ohio area and would be willing to do such a small job? Since I work full time and have many other demands on my time, I would like to farm some or most of the work out. Time is my most valuable commodity now. I know I could probably find all kinds of info here, but once again, I would rather move quickly. Thanks in advance for any info. Rich

Grandma Off Grid Member	# Posted: 28 May 2013 07:48am Reply Coffee is essential! lol but it does take a lot of power unless you have a DC pot. for that it might be just a simple to use simplest way to heat water and then have a coffee press or use instant coffee. I sure hope someone can answer your question and you get what is you need.

cabingal3 Member	# Posted: 28 May 2013 08:46am Reply have u seen those new window fans?? not sure how they work.pretty cool though.they have a solar panel on the top of the fan.u put the fan in the window and the solar panel builds up power to run the fan.sure do wish to look into this one.there is so much new technology out there now.its so exciting. sometimes when we are in a hurry.we heat water and use instant coffee.i hate it though.i am working on ways to cook with solar.Grandma Off Grid is really in the know on alot of this stuff i have found.good luck. rmak!

silverwaterlady Member	# Posted: 28 May 2013 09:39am - Edited by: silverwaterlady Reply Coleman makes a old fashioned percolator you can use on top of the stove for coffee.It is 6 or 8 cups. I found my 12 cup percolator on eBay. It is from the 1940's. That is hard to find in good shape it took me a few years to find one that size. I pour the leftover coffee in a preheated thermos so we can have hot coffee later and if we have company the coffee is already made. Our cabin is off grid. The power lines are to far away. I can't help you on the solar. We don't have solar yet. I am looking into getting the solar panel set up that Harbor Freight has on sale quite often for about $140.00 and a battery to run a small pump. I want to start out small so I don't make any costly mistakes. In the kitchen I use butane burners I got from Gorden Food Service. They are the same portable burners you see chefs using to make omelettes at breakfasts. I like these better than a camp stove because the flame burns hotter. The flame is also easier to control for a slow simmer.I bought a small propane oven but don't like it because it is so finicky. I prefer to bake in my propane grill. I'm still using a ice box but will finally be getting a propane fridge next summer. For light we use oil lamps downstairs and remote control battery powered lanterns by Coleman upstairs.( I will be getting some Faulks propane lights installed next year).These lights are not bright enough for us to read by so we use battery powered headlamps. I got from Walmart. Being off grid is ok for a summer camp. Just because living is easier in the summertime. Nice temps and more daylight. The heat is not bad where I am.We get nice breezes from the lake. Our camp was never built with the intent of using it in the winter. It gets dangerously cold. Since your cabin is so close to home you may not need certain things in your cabin. The one thing that I found most surprising is the cost of everything. One reason why it will take me yet another year of saving until I can afford propane appliances and lights.