Off The Grid: Septic Tanks, Wells, Propane Tank Prices

By Cath Buhr


There are many reasons why people choose to live the off the grid. Perhaps they live in a rural area and aren't close to city services. Others just prefer to be as self-sufficient as possible, and others are hoping to lower their overall carbon footprint. While there are many great reasons to go off the grid, it does cost money to set up your energy systems.

While you will be thinking about everything from getting water to generating electricity, one of your easiest off-the-grid actions will be to set up propane service. Propane can be used to heat your home and run your dryer, water heater and stove. Of course, you will need to find propane tanks for sale. You will find that propane tank prices differ by size but also by condition. You can purchase a new propane tank for sale or a refurbished tank for quite a bit less. At Thrifty Propane, for instance, you can purchase new or refurbished tanks. This company also gives free tanks if you buy a certain amount of propane all at once.

It is important to note that while propane prices change daily, there are certain times of the year when the prices tend to be very low. Usually, during the warmest months, the propane prices drop and this is definitely the time to buy. This can make propane a very affordable off-the-grid energy source, and it's also greener than coal, burning wood and even a better option than natural gas.

Aside from shopping around for propane tanks for sale and researching those propane prices, you also need to think about sewage. There are a few options and building a septic tank is a popular choice. This does have larger set-up costs than options such as composting toilets, but it's a bit more like your traditional sewage system. No matter what type of sewage system you select, this will take some research to learn how to set it up and maintain it.

Water is one crucial element to consider prior to going off the grid and especially prior to buying any piece of property. You need to ensure that there will be a source of water available on the property. Sometimes there might already be a well, but you might have to have this constructed. In some cases, there isn't enough groundwater for a well or perhaps there are local restrictions regarding groundwater containment systems. In those cases, you might be forced to store and treat water in large containers for drinking and eating and bathing.

Using wells for water, propane for heat and septic tanks to deal with sewage all have been around for many years, but what about electricity? You can power your stove, heater, water heater and dryer using propane in your propane tank, but for regular electricity, you need to find an off-the-grid source. Solar power has gained a lot of popularity and for many people, this will be the best option. It is important to note that while generally those with solar panels are creating their own home energy, they are still attached to the grid and the solar power is not being stored in solar batteries in their home. If you wish to truly be off the grid, you will need a solar power system or wind system that not only produces energy but also stores it.




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