Would You Ever Live Off Grid?


Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern city life, the concept of “Living Off Grid in Australia” has been gaining momentum. The allure of a sustainable, independent lifestyle, free from the restraints and demands of society is more appealing than ever. Simply put, living off grid means that your home is not connected to the main power grid or water supply. You become self-reliant, generating your own electricity (usually through solar panels, wind turbines, or hydroelectric methods), sourcing your own water (often from rainwater harvesting or wells), and managing your waste. What do you think LiveTribers? Would you ever live off grid?

Posted by on 16 Feb 2024

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  • [0] [0]
    Mustang6000

    I would love to be able to afford the upfront costs to set up a system. The idea of living in a dedicated off grid community appeals most, as the workload is shared and the benefits of being able to have larger solar arrays and water systems that all contribute to & share is great. In addition having communal gardens and animals like chickens, goats & pigs would be beneficial. It reminds me of the hippy communes of my youth.

    Posted by Mustang6000 on 06 May 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    Louise

    It has been a dream of mine for a long time to live off grid. I have made a start with getting solar and batteries, I harvest my rainwater, grow some of my own vegies, but I acknowledge I have a long way to go yet.

    Posted by Louise on 12 Apr 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    Spiderwoman

    Yes, I would, but only in a community of like minded where the extra work was shared; it is a lot harder than it sounds, especially in a changing climate.

    Posted by Spiderwoman on 28 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    prod001

    it's my goal to live off grid in the next 5 years. We already earn enough from our solar panels to have a zero electricity bill. we hope to have extra 2 large water tanks within 3 years (which will give us 4). And as soon as the solar batteries become more cost effective, we hope to be almost off grid. Obviously the Council will still have its service fees, which we can't escape.

    Posted by prod001 on 28 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    flowerpower

    It sure does sound appealing, I would like to investigate more to know

    Posted by flowerpower on 28 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    gail00

    I would definately live off grid

    Posted by gail00 on 28 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    BRAD

    It is soul searching living off the grid. Not as hard as some people think. Even if you don’t think you can do it. I think you would shock yourself. If you like camping you should try it.

    Posted by BRAD on 28 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    mevanwy

    I would love to live off the grid, but the chances of me saving enough money to buy what I need is not likely in this lifetime.

    Posted by mevanwy on 28 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    Kellie

    I wouldn't but I'd happily go as close to off-grid as I could so definitely solar panels (they're on the wishlist for when we have saved up) and using electricity during the daylight hours. But finding my own water and managing my own waste is probably not likely!

    Posted by Kellie on 27 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    Cazzaj

    I'd love to ! But I'm just not sure how long I'd survive hahaha

    Posted by Cazzaj on 27 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    Maryam

    I will never.

    Posted by Maryam on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    LOVE

    I won't even try such

    Posted by LOVE on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    Kaede

    Sounds like a good way to cut costs in the long term but paying for a mortgage in this economic cycle and having to outlay large set up costs are definitely blockers

    Posted by Kaede on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    vero

    Definitely with the way the world is heading. If I could find myself a deserted desert island I would be there, just let me take a lifetime of survival gear and I am off

    Posted by vero on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    Minh-Hai Henry

    I would definitely consider but I would feel the need to educate myself on everything I would need to know for survival first

    Posted by Minh-Hai Henry on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    JennyC

    Would be a great way to live , but cost of setting up properly to make it suit our needs would stop us from doing this

    Posted by JennyC on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    Chicklet

    Absolutely I would, I think about it all the time

    Posted by Chicklet on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    Natasha

    It's not for me, I enjoy a weekend or so off grid but long term living I need my supplies close by!

    Posted by Natasha on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    merryl

    I am too lazy to live off grid. I like having access to healthcare, electricity, water, supermarkets and libraries.

    Posted by merryl on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    merryl

    I also like indoor plumbing !!

    Posted by merryl on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    Turbotom

    Not for me. Closer to schools, hospital, work etc not to mention it is better from a sanitary and health perspective

    Posted by Turbotom on 22 Feb 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    beauree

    I have lived in some hinterland areas,some snow country and some outback. I'm now in suburban central coast and trying not to leave a huge footprint on my world

    Posted by beauree on 20 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    sulter

    We catch our own water and have septic all I need now is a power source. I would love to be completely off grid! No more utility bills!

    Posted by sulter on 20 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    mact

    Probably NOT...... let's face it ....human life is longer and enhanced in societies that have treated reticulated drinking water and a comprehensive sewerage system. Living off the grid will not work with 8 billion plus on the planet. If we had to our mortality rates would skyrocket!!!!! Very good for Funeral Directors!!!

    Posted by mact on 19 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [2]
    kimberlychick

    In a heartbeat!!!!

    Posted by kimberlychick on 19 Feb 2024
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  • [5] [0]
    Eileen

    Absolutely not! At 80 years of age, I grew up in post WW2 England and my family had to move out of our bombed house into the countryside. I recall vividly the struggle to survive, growing our own food against dreadful winter weather, walking miles to school in all weather, trying to get water from a hand pump, no car, loneliness of no one nearby to play with or talk to, grandad having to kill our own pigs and chickens so we had meat, only woof fires and candles at night, being cold, always cold. I would never have to live like this again and those who say they would love to live off the grid are just romantic dreamers because they would still reply on some modern facilities especially a car or phone which we never had.

    Posted by Eileen on 19 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [1]
    LJN

    I definitely would if I knew how to do it. So very tired of living in a society that thrives on consumerism.

    Posted by LJN on 18 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    Mr Aussie Dingo

    Yes if had the land

    Posted by Mr Aussie Dingo on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    AYOMIDE

    I would personally have to answer with a convincing NO.

    Posted by AYOMIDE on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    Ytrishwa

    Saturday night 17/02/24, from Perth WA - If "postmodern society" ever becomes too negative and environmentally toxic, then my Partner and I might consider it...His father had a small farm as a family property in WA, so that would be a basic "off grid" home for us to retreat to and enjoy!

    Posted by Ytrishwa on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    Zi

    I am living off-grid from time to time as I got my own farm.

    Posted by Zi on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    jabberwock

    Its too late to stop climate change now...the only other reason I can think of is if you cannot afford to survive in our current civilisation...you can subsist...I have already had enough of hippies...so no thanks

    Posted by jabberwock on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    flymow

    If I was younger and didn't have chronic health, I'd love to live off grid. I have solar and rainwater even though in the suburbs. I also grow as many vegetables as possible and have fruit trees. I believe it's not only possible, but if people formed communities a great way to go back to community. Away from the greed, and corporate overreach we currently live under at this time. Bring back a self supporting Australia, one small area at a time.

    Posted by flymow on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [4] [1]
    John4787

    Going off-grid in Australia can be a viable option for some people, especially those seeking self-sufficiency or a more sustainable lifestyle. However, it requires careful consideration of factors such as location, access to resources, legal regulations, and personal preferences. Ensure you thoroughly research and plan before making such a decision to ensure it aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

    Posted by John4787 on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    LOVE

    Nooo, not at all.

    Posted by LOVE on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    CMA1078

    Not for me. I feel that it would take a lot of time to be properly self sufficent.

    Posted by CMA1078 on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [3] [0]
    Chin

    It sounds good in theory but I’m sure it’s not in reality.

    Posted by Chin on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    SagoLeo

    I would love to but we have lost all our basic life skills as a result of modernisation. It’s a terrible shame. Should be mandatory in schools as I believe it will be vital in the not too distant future.

    Posted by SagoLeo on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    Suzanne

    I would like to be off the electricity grid and say goodbye to energy retailers, so long as I could stay living in the city I'm in now, but managing water and waste myself would be a step too far too

    Posted by Suzanne on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [2]
    wrestling collector

    only if I had too,which looks like may happen sooner rather than later

    Posted by wrestling collector on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [4] [0]
    Paula

    I live in suburbia so no way. We have solar panels which some days power our house, some days we sell power back to the grid but some days we generate nothing. To enable us to live without a water connection we would need a dam and not simply a water tank, and anyway, I did live with a dam once and watched adults praying for rain, so no way. As for disposing of my rubbish, that's what the red bin is for.

    Posted by Paula on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    Tammy

    I would love to live off the grid! It would be amazing to be self sufficient.

    Posted by Tammy on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    Dippy

    Never I couldn’t relax in case something went wrong and especially snakes or other creepy crawlers were around

    Posted by Dippy on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [1]
    bmlglp

    I wish that i could live off grid one day as the idea itself sounds great.

    Posted by bmlglp on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    Tara Rata

    I live in the country and it's off grid enough for me but good on those who can do it.

    Posted by Tara Rata on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [1]
    Zac

    That's a good idea, and maybe it'll save me money

    Posted by Zac on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [1]
    YvetteP

    That sounds great.

    Posted by YvetteP on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    out

    Its a great idea but I’m not sure if the technology is affordable to be completely out grid.

    Posted by out on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [1]
    Igor

    Total off grid is difficult, especially for city dwellers. There is no easy way of managing soft plastic or any plastic. Managing organic waste is doable on a rural property, but in the city it probably will not be approved by local council. Rain water does not contain salt, and our body needs minerals. However, people can do "near off grid". Kitchen and garden waste can go into a compost bin, plastic bags can be reused. Rain water can be collected and used for toilets and washing machine, as well as for garden. The big issue is high cost of battery storage. It is cheaper to be on grid and export excess of solar electricity.

    Posted by Igor on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    Sally

    I love the idea of it but I’m not sure if I’d actually be able to do it lol

    Posted by Sally on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    David

    No, maybe I'm just too old for this.

    Posted by David on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [2]
    John

    The idea is very tempting, get the setup right and it is very do able and potentially very cost effective without missing out on too many mod cons.

    Posted by John on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    cheyne04

    I think I'm to addicted to the modern way of life. The idea sounds good and maybe a short term experiment, but long term, not for me.

    Posted by cheyne04 on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    mscott

    Hmmm... Living off-grid sounds good, but I'm concerned about sustainability, I don't think this can be maintained all year round, unless a proper planning goes into the infrastructure of your off-grid power and solar supply.

    Posted by mscott on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [3] [0]
    vlee

    We are comfortable, have our house paid off and can afford everything we need in life. We have solar power and don't have electricity bills in the summer because we get a good feed in tariff. I like how my life is now and wouldn't change it.

    Posted by vlee on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    Kittykato

    Absolutely not. I love my creature comforts way too much!

    Posted by Kittykato on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [1]
    deborah

    Yes definitely

    Posted by deborah on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    Spike82

    Life is far too short to make this kind of radical change we have progressed well past the cave man stage of human development , but we must learn to live without damaging our planet!

    Posted by Spike82 on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [2]
    stratman

    The way the world is heading with wars, economic uncertainty and most of all the stupidity of human beings, living off the grid may be our only alternative until our species eventually reaches the point of extinction

    Posted by stratman on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    Jigsaw

    Not for me!! I need to feel connected to others that live further away

    Posted by Jigsaw on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [2] [0]
    tutti_cutie

    Probably for a holiday but I don’t think I could do something like this permanently

    Posted by tutti_cutie on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [3] [0]
    Jibberman

    Not for me as I like my creature comforts.

    Posted by Jibberman on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [1]
    sandra

    We already rely on tank water as we live out of town and have solar panels on the roof. I think that if we increased the solar panels and invested in batteries it would be great, especially after the recent power outages. A big initial investment but a long-term saving, good for the environment and the satisfaction of being self-reliant. A great idea and something to work towards.

    Posted by sandra on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [1]
    Mr Aussie Dingo

    Yes I would it would save money if I had a spot to go I would be there

    Posted by Mr Aussie Dingo on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    MS

    Living off the grid isn't a modern day concept. People have being doing this for Yonks. It's just become more mainstream. But it's not necessarily more environmentally friendly. The solar and wind farms do cause problems.

    Posted by MS on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    MS

    I think this is okay if you are willing to invest in doing so. But don't forget that many do not own their own properties, and are just renting. It would not be permissible for many to do this. So I think you need to consider the practicalities of this as you are just generalising. I personality wouldn't as I'm quite happy using normal electricity and gas. It's more reliable. I think if you live in the country it might be a more viable option. I'm not going to be sucked into feeling guilty like the labour/ green, government makes me feel.

    Posted by MS on 17 Feb 2024
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  • [4] [0]
    snakey2

    The trouble is that if you are already self sufficient in water (I have storage for over 50,000 litres) and reticulated water is laid in the street, you are obliged to connect and pay for it. I am self sufficient in electricity with solar panels and have a feed in tariff which covers the cost. However, It would be a lot more expensive to install batteries that have to be renewed. I do have a septic system though because I am fortunate to have the land that allows it, so one out of three is not enough for me to go off grid. For the ordinary suburbanite, it's not an option.

    Posted by snakey2 on 16 Feb 2024
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  • [1] [1]
    Georgette

    Yes I think it's going to be a matter of having to..alot of people aren't going to be able to afford this Unless they have the money. Would be a good thing to able to have something set up so poorer people are able to have a piece of land access to water and solar power. People can't just buy a small piece of land as land owners will not sell smaller pieces that families could afford its sold as all lot so u jv to be able to afford this.

    Posted by Georgette on 16 Feb 2024
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