Gorgeous nature, peace and quiet, and a smaller population are just a few of my favorite things about living off-grid in remote Idaho. It was once believed by many that having a fully solar-powered off-grid system up here was not possible. That was true 10-20 years ago when technology lacked the innovation of today’s choices. Luckily, with today’s technology, we can build a fully remote off-grid system that is powered by solar.
With that being said, there can be limitations and concessions that will need to be made. I want to take a moment to explain some of the pros and cons of living off-grid in remote Idaho.
Pros:
1. Land that was once uninhabitable and undesirable is now actually a possibility, especially with the accessibility of Starlink Internet. As a result, more and more people are buying land in some of the most beautiful parts of God’s country.
2. For those of you still living in the city but who THINK like an ‘off-grider,’ you might feel out of place or misunderstood. People who love the convenience of the city and don’t mind the crowded streets and spaces may look at you cross-eyed as you express your desire to live 30 minutes from town without connectivity to the power grid. However, when you move to remote Idaho, you are going to find people who think like you, understand your desire for solitude, and respect your privacy!
3. As political tension increases, more people desire to live untethered to the “system.” By living off-grid, you can get yourself to a place where you truly do not rely on anyone else to supply your needs. Generating power is a critical component of this lifestyle.
Cons:
1. The natural beauty of Idaho results from snowy winters and rainy springs and autumns, which essentially means low sunlight! This is why understanding how to engineer, or hiring an expert who can design an off-grid system for low-light factors, is a must. Often, people have a misconception that because it is daylight, they will redeem maximum wattage from their solar panels, and this simply is not true up here. Our goal is to build you a system that will supply power on December 21st when the sun is the lowest in the sky for the shortest time period.
2. Mountains and forests are glorious parts of Idaho’s nature that unfortunately can prevent the sun from hitting solar panels. To overcome this, you may need to cut trees that you admire to allow light in. Another factor is to ensure you have a property that is actually suited for solar energy systems. You may have to give up some incredible mountain views for a different property that has fewer mountains (or mountains that are farther away) so that you can capture as much sun as possible.
3. You won’t be able to run electric heaters, stoves, or water heaters because they will drain your battery bank too quickly without it having time to recharge. This could be considered a downside to off-grid living here if you were expecting to bring your electric range and space heaters to Idaho. Plan on finding alternative sources of heating such as geothermal radiant floor heating, propane water heaters and ranges, and wood stoves. These can be time-consuming to manage and also be more costly upfront, which is important to keep in mind.
Living off-grid in remote Idaho offers a blend of natural beauty, community connection, and self-sufficiency. While challenges like limited sunlight and seasonal variations exist, advancements in technology and tailored energy systems have made off-grid living more accessible than ever before. With careful planning, ideal land selection, and the support of companies like Off Grid Unlimited, you can create a sustainable off-grid lifestyle that aligns with your values and energy needs. Explore the possibilities by booking a consultation with your off-grid energy specialists in North Idaho, Off Grid Unlimited, located in Bonners Ferry, Boundary County, Idaho.
