We make electricity on our homestead. We are completely “off the grid,” which means that we have no power coming to our property from outside. We do have a phone line, but that is all.

Our electric system consists of five photovoltaic panels and a 400-watt wind generator, ten 6-volt, deep-cell golf cart batteries, a controller to keep the batteries from over-charging, and an inverter to change 12 volt direct current to 110 volt alternating current. There are various fuses and breakers to provide safety.

This would be considered a very basic energy system. We have enough energy to run our television and computer, lights and fan, toaster and microwave, and a curling iron for my wife. At this time we don’t have a washing machine. We could enlarge the entire electric system or use a generator on washdays. We have a propane refrigerator that we bought at a place that sells used RV parts. It costs $850 and it works great. We cook with propane. On rare occasions, we have had to moderate our use of the TV or the computer because our batteries were low. We could always add more solar panels or another wind generator and more batteries, but we would rather conserve energy than spend more money.

Here is a list of the components in our system:

5 each Photovoltaic Panels
3 each 75 watt panels $1,200
2 each 100 watt panels 800

1 each 400 Watt Wind Generator
with a 47 foot tower 1,600
10 each 6 Volt, Deep-Cell Golf Cart Batteries
$65 each 650

1 each Voltage Controller 100

1 each Inverter, 1500 watt 1,000

Miscellaneous Fuses, Meters, Breakers, etc. 250

TOTAL $5,600

I did not list brand names or get very specific in my parts list because I would rather not get into a detailed discussion of this particular system. There are many good options out there and these energy systems can be pretty complex. You need to find a reputable business that sells and services the components in your system. There are lots of here-today-gone-tomorrow, flaky people out there selling things that they do not understand. It is important to find a business that has been around for a while, with a reputation for service and honesty. I found a lady who actually lives off the grid. She uses the products she sells and has practical, working knowledge. Her service after the sale has been a blessing.

Living With Your Own Energy System

Making your own power does require some trial and error (hopefully, not too much error!), some study and a little bit of time. You learn to be more aware of your energy use. For instance, a sunny/windy day when your batteries are full is a great time to run the vacuum cleaner or use the microwave.

Maintaining the battery bank is the most time consuming chore related to energy system upkeep, but it is not difficult. The batteries I have are the type that most people use because of their reasonable price. They are deep-cell, lead acid batteries often used in golf carts. The batteries are contained in a vented box made from ¾” plywood. The box must be built sturdily because the batteries are very heavy. The vent, which is made of 2” PVC pipe, allows the escape of explosive hydrogen gas created when the batteries are charging or discharging. Because of the hydrogen gas it is a good idea not to work on the battery bank when it is being charged or discharged. Be very careful with metal tools so that sparks aren’t created.

Once a month I check each cell with a hydrometer, a tool costing about $10 that tests the specific gravity of the liquid inside the batteries. The individual cells should have about the same specific gravity. If not, the whole battery bank needs to be equalized. To equalize the battery bank there is a switch on my battery voltage controller that allows the voltage to rise above normal levels, up to about 15.5 volts. I leave the batteries in this high state of charge for 3 or 4 hours. Equalizing removes lead sulfate from the plates in the battery. It’s a good idea to equalize the batteries monthly. I learned a trick from the man who has been selling batteries to me for years. He suggested that I put one teaspoon of Epson salts in each cell. This also keeps sulfate from destroying the batteries.

After using the hydrometer I check the fluid level in each cell and add distilled water if necessary. While the cover is removed from the battery enclosure I check all the connections to see if they are loose or corroded, cleaning and tightening if necessary. Occasionally I check the connections on the solar panels. For more information about maintaining your energy system, there is an excellent article in issue 56 of Back Home magazine, on page 14.

I check the voltage of the battery bank daily by looking at my voltmeter. It is our goal not to go below 80% of full charge or 12.46 volts. The batteries last much longer if only the top 20% is used.

% of Charge Voltage Specific Gravity
100 12.70 1.265
90 12.58 1.249
80 12.46 1.233
70 12.36 1.218
60 12.28 1.204
50 12.20 1.190
40 12.12 1.176
30 12.04 1.162
20 11.98 1.148
10 11.94 1.134
0 11.90 1.120
These readings are correct at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Back Home Magazine, Issue 56, p. 14.


That is about all there is to maintaining the power system. Once you get the hang of it, it requires only a few moments a day. The system is very reliable. In fact, we have electricity on days when our neighbors are sitting in the dark.

Many people say, “Gee, it must be great not to have utility bills!” The truth is, there is no free lunch … or power. While I do not receive a bill from a utility company, I must put some money aside to cover the expenses of maintaining the power system. My batteries tend to last from five to seven years. The inverter usually lasts many years, but not forever. If I have a problem, I have a problem. I cannot call the utility company and have them fix things. So, I save about $25 to $30 a month to cover maintenance expenses. Also, I spend about $25 to $30 a month on propane for the refrigerator, cooking, and hot water.

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