Homeownership comes with a variety of challenges, and one of the most frustrating is your reliance on the electrical grid. Figuring out your independence can help you to feel more confident as a homeowner and give you the freedom to live your life the way you want it to be. That means you will have more time and money to focus on your own goals and dreams as a homeowner and as a person.

Use Small Wind Turbines

One great way to start with your move to greater independence from the electrical grid is to harness the power of wind energy. When most people think of wind turbines, they think of giant fields of huge turbines in rural areas, but they actually make smaller models that can power a home effectively without being an eyesore. A rooftop mounted turbine can take the edge off your power bill while a larger model or multiple small models can potentially give you complete independence. It is really just up to you to figure out the type and number that will work for your home and your energy needs.

Water Heating

Heating your water efficiently is another important way to become more independent from the electrical grid. There are a variety of methods you can use to heat water more efficiently and move away from the grid. One option is to invest in a tankless water heater that requires less energy to heat water. Tankless water heaters also take up less space in your home which gives you more room to enjoy since you can minimize the space you devote to utilities in your home. All in all, when you find a way to heat the water in your home more efficiently you can decrease your dependence on the grid. Even just relying on gas instead of electricity to heat water for your home can have a positive impact on your spending.

Solar Panels

Solar panels have been becoming a more popular way to power a home over the past few decades and they are more affordable and efficient now than ever before. One thing that deters many homeowners from installing solar panels is the initial cost, but there are ways to offset these costs. In fact, you can get major tax breaks on a solar system that can help make it a lot more affordable. In addition, solar panels can give you the energy to power your home entirely, depending on your local climate. You can even sell back excess power to the grid to further your independence.

Install a Backup Generator

Sometimes, it isn’t the cost of being on the electrical grid that causes people concern, instead it is the reliability of the system. Dealing with power outages can be a huge pain for homeowners especially if they are frequent in your area. Having a backup generator can give you the power you need to run your home even when the grid is unreliable. It’s important to choose a generator that is a reasonable size for your home. Most homeowners will be best served by 120-gallon propane tanks. And with a generator with this size of tank, you should be able to overcome any challenges the electrical grid sends your way.

Geothermal Energy

Another great way to produce your own energy is to rely on the geothermal energy of the earth around you. This kind of energy source is especially effective if you live in an area with naturally occurring hot springs. You can harness the energy of the springs to heat water for your home and to heat your home generally. You can also use geothermal energy to cool your home by displacing excess energy back into the earth. Many people who live in areas with naturally occurring geothermal energy sources are not taking advantage of them and could get more out of their homes without relying too heavily on the grid.

Smart Thermostats

One of the difficulties homeowners face is with tracking their own energy use. It is very difficult to rely less heavily on the grid when you aren’t sure how you use the energy you use. Using a smart thermostat can be incredibly helpful in tracking your own energy use, so you can understand where energy is being used and wasted in your home. The more information you have on your energy use, the easier it will be for you to change your habits and become less reliant on the electrical grid to meet your needs.

A Good Energy Storage System

Even if you have the best possible way of producing energy for your home, it can’t do you the most possible good if you don’t have a way to store energy. The energy you produce is basically useless if you lose it before you have a chance to use it. That is where storage solutions will come in handy. Having a solid battery backup system to store excess energy is what will allow you to live entirely off the grid in the long term. Battery technology has come a long way in recent years so you can now effectively store the energy you produce for the future.

Finding a System

Everyone’s energy needs are different so it’s important to remember that what works for someone else may not be the best solution for you. There are so many efficient options available to homeowners today that you can combine solutions to find the perfect fit for you and your home. Taking time to get to know your own needs will help you to figure out a workable solution that can move your home further from the grid. You should take the process at your own pace, so you don’t miss something important.

Finding independence is an important part of adulthood, and with the help of renewable energy it is more possible than ever before. All you have to do is understand your own needs and take steps to move forward. Your independence from the grid is easily within reach.

Read this next: How to Use Extensive Outdoor Space on Your Property