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Self Reliance – Homesteader Depot

Homesteader Depot

Tag: Self Reliance

  • Super Easy Homemade Buttermilk

    Super Easy Homemade Buttermilk

    Buttermilk isn’t something that you only need to buy at the store. Instead, you can make it yourself. The results will be much tastier and better for you. The buttermilk that you find in the dairy section (if your grocery store even carries it) is cultured. This type takes at least 24 hours to make, and you need to start with cultured buttermilk, making it a bit redundant, or active buttermilk culture. This process is fairly labor intensive. However, if you have a recipe that requires buttermilk and you don’t have any on hand, these quick methods will work nicely. You’ll have your own buttermilk within minutes. Are you ready?

    Option Number One

    This method produces buttermilk quickly and easily. It all starts with either lemon juice and vinegar, as well as some milk. For every cup of milk, add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to it. Place them in the same glass and let it sit on your counter for ten minutes. While the results aren’t properly cultured buttermilk (this is actually an acidified version), you’ll end up with a type that will work nicely in recipes. The acid in the milk will work to activate the baking soda or baking powder in the batter, just like it’s supposed to.

    Option Number Two

    You’ll need a few more ingredients for this buttermilk. It all starts with yogurt or sour cream and some milk. Heck, even the milk is optional – you can use water instead. The ratios are 3/4 of a cup of yogurt or sour cream to a ¼ cup of milk or water. As with the previous recipe, combine the liquid and the semi-solid in a cup and let it sit on your counter for ten minutes. You may have to stir them a bit to make everything smooth, but in the end, you’ll end up with enough buttermilk for any recipe.

    Now For Something Different

    The two previous methods described how you could make buttermilk just by letting your dairy products curdle for a few minutes. The next two are more complicated, as you’ll be making actual cultured buttermilk, just like the kind that you see in the grocery store.

    Option Number Three

    This recipe starts with cultured buttermilk. Yes, this is the same thing that you’ll be making, only you’ll end up with much more it. Think of it as a good way to never run out of buttermilk. Pour six ounces of cultured buttermilk into a glass jar. A quart jar will work perfectly. Then add in three cups of whole milk. The fresher the buttermilk, the better, since the cultures will be more effective and the process will work properly. Once you have the buttermilk and the milk in the jar, put the lid on and shake it well. Then, find a safe spot to place it. The mixture needs to sit out for 24 hours at room temperature.

    At the end of that time period, check your buttermilk. It should be thick enough to coat the walls of glass and taste just like typically cultured buttermilk. If you don’t need to use it right away, place it in the refrigerator. It should last for several weeks in there.

    Option Number Four

    This method is very similar to the previous one; only you use active buttermilk cultures instead of the buttermilk itself. The mixture needs to sit out for between 12 and 24 hours, and you need to get the ratio of cultures to milk correct. This usually is written on the packaging.

    Ideally, you’ll never run out of buttermilk thanks to these helpful methods.

    HOW TO START A HIGH-PERFORMANCEHOMESTEAD FROM THE GROUND UP…Learn More Here>>>

    Here is a great video showing how simple and easy making your own buttermilk really is…

    https://youtu.be/zJbw9rXQjYI

  • Is Grass Fed Beef Really Better Than the Alternative?

    Is Grass Fed Beef Really Better Than the Alternative?

    As people work to become more health conscious, we are taking a closer look at the foods we eat regularly.  And, while some have chosen to avoid animal products altogether, others have instead made an effort to find healthier versions of the product they already know and love.

    Take beef, for example.  Most of us know from grocery shopping that it’s now possible to buy items like ground beef with different levels of fat in them.  And, you would think that when spending the extra money per pound on 93% lean beef that, that is hormone/additive free you’d be getting as healthy an option as possible.

    You may find it surprising then that you can do better.

    How?  By sourcing your beef from grass-fed cows instead of grain fed cows.

    But wait, isn’t grain a healthy food too? Well, yes, it is.  However, in a cow’s diet, it has more in common with a bag of potato chips than a leafy green salad.  The purpose of adding grain to a cows feed to fatten them up.  Not bulk them up with lean muscle but add fat so they weigh more and can be sold for more money.

    Grass-fed cows are much leaner, not because they are undernourished, but because they don’t build up excess fat. Beef from grass-fed cows is shown to be lower in saturated fat, calories, and total fat while being higher in vitamins and healthy fats.

    Additionally, since the cattle are allowed to graze in open fields more than those who get crowded into feedlots, there is little to no need to give them antibiotics.

    Finally, another side effect of some cheaper grain feeds it its ability to allow E. coli bacteria to breed much easier in the cows’ stomachs.

    Still not convinced?  Take a look at some more advantages grass-fed beef, and farming has:

    • Lower Omega 6-fats (These are linked to heart disease)
    • Higher Omega 3 fats (good for your brain)
    • Higher CLA levels which help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer
    • Higher vitamin C and E levels
    • Better quality of life for cattle (Less stress)
    • Higher quality of Dairy products
    • Pastures provide reduced flooding and soil erosion versus grain fields
    • Self-fertilizing of pastures provides a more nutritious and more sustainable food source without costing extra money.
    • Reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to produce unsustainable corn and soy feed.

    Disadvantages of Grass Fed Beef

    Like organic produce, especially when the movement was just getting off the ground, it may be difficult initially to find a local supplier.  The lack of farms producing grass-fed beef also tends to make it more expensive for now.  But, if you are in a position to take advantage of this healthy and more sustainable beef source, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages.

    It Just Tastes Better!

    One last advantage to mention that anyone who’s made the switch will tell you, grass-fed beef has a much better taste to it.  Of course, the best way to find out is to try it and see.

    Where to Buy Grass Fed Beef

    If you have a locally owned butcher shop or similar, you may be able to find it there.  Whole Foods stores also carry it, but it tends to be more expensive.  Buying from Whole Foods initially would give you an opportunity to assess the differences yourself before looking too hard in your area for a supplier.

    Two resources online that provide information about where to buy grass fed beef are:

    • Eat Wild at www.eatwild.com
    • US Wellness Meats: 100% Grass-Fed Beef https://grasslandbeef.com/

    Once you’ve made the switch, its time to fire up the grill and cook up the best burger or steak you’ve ever had.

    [Bonus] This strange method will make your food last for 2 years without refrigeration.  Learn More>>>

  • 9 Practical Emergency Foods And How to Store Them

    9 Practical Emergency Foods And How to Store Them

     

    Long term food storage is a good idea in many, many circumstances.  There are several basic food types that you should consider stocking up on that will last for years if needed.

     

    Beans

    Dried beans of every variety are super cheap and even easier to store.  Store them in a dark, dry and cool place for best results.

     

    Coffee and Tea

    Most of us consider ourselves in an emergency situation if we run out of coffee.  So, try to imagine going through an actual emergency without it…OH…THE HORROR!!!

    Just make sure you keep it in the right forms so it can last the longest.  Whole bean coffee stored in an air-tight container will last the longest.  This means you will also want to invest in a manual coffee grinder, in case the power goes out.  Of course, if all else fails, stick the beans you want to grind into a paper or plastic bag and start hammering.

    Tea is usually sold in sealed containers, so they store nicely until opened.  Then keep them in a cool, dark and dry place to avoid them becoming stale before you have the chance to brew them up.

     

    Fats

    The human body requires a certain level of fat intake to function properly.  We also use it to cook and bake, making it a staple of any person’s pantry.

    Butter, lard, olive oil, coconut oil and more can be stored for extended periods of time.  Butter can also be frozen if you have some in surplus.

    Additionally, coconut oil can also be used as a moisturizer and for a whole bunch of other functions including:

    • Body Moisturizer
    • Cuticle Softener
    • Face and Eye night cream
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Hair Conditioner
    • Lice Treatments
    • Shaving Cream
    • And soooooo much more.

    Store your all your non-animal fat sources at room temperature and away from heat and excessive light. Butter can also be stored at room temperature for easy spreading.

    Honey

    Honey never goes bad and is one of nature’s miracle foods.  Store honey out of direct sunlight.  Sometimes older honey may crystallize or harden.  If this happens, you just need to place the container its stored in, into hot water until it “melts” back into its thick syrup-like consistency.

     

    Oatmeal

    Oatmeal is inexpensive and can be used a number of ways including ground up to use as a flour substitute. Just keep it in a dry place.

     

    Rice

    When it comes to really long-term storage, white rice is the best option.  While not as nutritionally packed as brown rice, it contains less oil so it won’t become rancid.  Rice is a good item to have to make meals stretch a little further and then when paired with other foods, can add a variety of flavor and texture to your meal planning. Keep rice in an airtight container for freshness and to keep out the bugs.

    Suggested Article: 5 Simple Methods to Preserve Food

     

    Salt

    Salt can be used as a seasoning and a way to preserve food.  It’s also difficult to come by if the stores run out and it can’t exactly be grown in your garden. To keep salt safely stored and prevent its clumping together into one giant mass, store it in a sealed container, in a dry area.

     

    Sugar

    Essential for canning and baking, sugar is another one of those products that is hard to get if the stores run out.  Make sure it is stored in an airtight container to keep out pests, and placed in a cool, dry place.

     

    Wheat Berries

    Contrary to many other long-term storage food lists, flour isn’t the most idea.  While it can last for many months or even a year if stored perfectly, it can go rancid before you use it all, plus it can attract pests.

    Alternatively, wheat berries and other types of grain can be stored for several years.  Then, you can either grind them into flour or soak them to use as hot cereal. Two types to consider are hard white wheat and spelt. They should be stored in a cool, dry location.

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  • Can You Grow Miniature Fruit Trees and Non-Native Plants?

    Can You Grow Miniature Fruit Trees and Non-Native Plants?

    Can You Grow Miniature Fruit Trees and Non-Native Plants?

    Well, the short answer?  Yes.

    It is possible to grow just about anything on a homestead or even in an urban environment, with the right care and maintenance. And, if you are successful, you can provide yourself with your own rice, coffee, citrus fruit and more.

    The main trick?  Growing everything in planters and pots, essentially creating a mobile farm.  During the summer they can be kept outside.  When it turns cold you have a few options:

    • Cover the plants with clear plastic to create mini-greenhouses
    • Move them inside your home
    • Move them into a greenhouse structure

    If you have space, consider closing in a porch to create a sunroom/greenhouse.  This will make it easy to keep an eye on your “babies” and make it less obvious to passers-by that you have this food source.

     

    First, what is a Miniature Fruit Tree Anyway?

    Before you begin picturing a tidy row of little trees that Mr. Miyagi would be proud of, you need to understand whatever you choose to cultivate is still going to be fairly substantial.

    Depending on the variety, you are going to need space for anywhere from a 3-foot to a 10-foot tall tree.  The key thing to remember though is no matter how small the tree is; the fruit will still be a normal size.

    Before we get too far, you will probably be glad to know that NO genetic engineering is used to create mini fruit trees.  Instead, it uses an age-old grafting technique, allowing the new tree to develop in a natural way.  By grafting a branch from a fruit tree to a separate rootstock, the trees only grow as tall as the new root system lets them.

    While you are taking all this in, here’s a list of potential fruit trees you could add to your property.

    • Apple
    • Pear
    • Apricot
    • Peach
    • Nectarine
    • Lime
    • Lemon
    • Grapefruit
    • Orange
    • Grapes
    • Tangelos
    • Almond
    • Coffee
    • Banana
    • Cherry
    • Fig
    • Olive

     

    Or, you can get really adventurous and get one of those new-fangled “fruit salad” trees that have three types of citrus trees grafted into one.  While there is a part of me that considers this to just be so wrong, if it means you only have to care for one tree instead of three to get the variety you want, why not?

    Non-Native Plants

    Besides the standard lettuce, spinach, zucchini, carrots and other native veggies and grains we are accustomed to including in our gardens, have you considered others, such as rice, cotton, and peanuts, or beans? If you’ve done any research on long-term food storage options, you’ve probably seen rice come up on everyone’s list of suggestions.

    You can produce rice in multiple containers to provide yourself with an excellent source of this long-term storage food. As with the mini-trees, your mini “rice paddies” will need to be moved indoors in winter, whether that’s in your home, or into a greenhouse.

    If you live in a fairly temperate climate, you may not need to rely completely on containers to grown rice.  If you have an area you can “flood” and make marshy, you may be able to grow an entire crop between frost cycles.

     

    You CAN take it with You!

    Another great advantage of cultivating mini fruit trees and planter foods, if you decide to move, you can take it all with you. Granted this would have to be during a carefully planned move, not a bug out scenario.  But, if you find you are ready to try a new place, you can make arrangements for your “movable feast” instead of starting over from scratch.

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  • 10 Amazing Uses for Lemons

    10 Amazing Uses for Lemons

    Lemons, good for making lemonade, adding to your tea with honey, squeezing over fish, the list could go on and on.

    It even goes on to some amazing home remedies!  Who knew?  Someone apparently because we’ve been able to put together a list of 12 you can try in the comfort of your own home.

    Break up Congestion in Your Sinuses and Chest

    Getting that familiar sore throat or wheezing sound?  No problem.  Heat 4-6 oz of water and mix in 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 Tsp of honey.

    The honey will soothe your throat while the lemon will help break up the mucus and provide Vitamin C to boost your immune system.

    Why Are Allergies Worse in the Fall?

    Sooth Menstrual Cramps

    First thing in the morning mix the juice from one lemon with 1 Tbsp honey into warm water.  The combination has an alkalizing effect on a women’s body that helps keep you hydrated.

    Ease Headaches

    You have two choices for this one.  1. Add a few wedges to water or tea and drink.  2. Rub a wedge or slice against the temples and forehead.

    Or, get crazy and do both.

    Fever Reducer

    To help keep a fever from getting too high, mix 1.5 Tsp Cream of Tartar, 1/2 Tsp Lemon Juice, 2.5 Cups Warm Water, and 1/2 Tsp Honey. Sip slowly.

    To Help Treat and Avoid Kidney Stones – Make Lemonade

    Yep, you read that right.  According to an article on WebMD, doctors prescribe potassium citrate for patients prone to this painful ailment.  However, it’s now known that lemon juice is packed full of natural citrate.  And, while it doesn’t work as well as the medication, if you are trying to avoid adding another prescription to your routine, this “treatment” may be an option.

    The article gives a recipe of ½ Cup Concentrated Lemon Juice mixed with 7 cups of water.  To avoid excess sugar intake, use as little as possible, or a substitute like honey or stevia.

    If you would prefer to use fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp of concentrate equals one whole lemon.  Don’t worry; I’ve done the hard math for you.  Use 4 lemons for this recipe.

    Can Apple Cider Vinegar Boost Gut Health?

    Helps You with Your Weight Loss Goals

    Lemon juice helps detox your body, curbs your appetite and aids in better digestion.

    Help your weight loss along by drinking lemon water.  Need a little sweetness?  Add a touch of honey.

    Consider making this in large batches and keeping it in your fridge for easy access.

    4 Reasons Apple Cider Vinegar Works For Natural Weight Loss
    (Will Open In A New Window)

    Treat Acne

    Losing your battle with acne? Here is a completely natural way to go about it.  First, wash your face with mild cleanser and rinse.  Rub a slice of lemon over affected areas or dab fresh lemon juice on with a cotton ball. DO NOT RINSE.  Leave overnight.  Rinse first thing in the morning and moisturize.  Repeat every night.

    If you discover your skin is sensitive to lemon juice, dilute it with water before applying.  For more ways to use lemons for fight acne, check out this post at HomeRemediesForLife.com.

    Take the Itch Out of Insect Bites

    Insect bites are annoying at the least and can lead to infection at the worst if scratched into an actual wound.  To ease these irritations naturally, simply apply a lemon slice over the area and let it soak for a few minutes.  Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in fresh juice and apply liberally to the bite area.

    Related Article: Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Get Rid of Pesky Blackheads

    This remedy only takes 5 minutes and doesn’t require ripping an adhesive strip off your nose at the end. This will be the quickest solution you can find for your blackhead problems. Take half of a lemon and pour approximately 1 Tsp honey onto the cut surface.  Rub the lemon all over your face but pay extra attention to the areas you are prone to blackheads.  Leave this mixture on for 5 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

    Turn Yellow Nails White

    Nail polish looks great after a manicure, but it’s also notorious for turning your nails yellow.  If you aren’t the type that keeps their nails polished 24/7 all year round, here is your solution.

    Mix approximately 1 Tbsp Baking Soda, ½ Tsp Olive Oil, and 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice into a paste.  Enjoy the volcano effect fizzle of the lemon and soda combining.  Apply the paste to your nails and let sit for 5 minutes then rinse and moisturize.

    So, now you know, when life gives you lemons…use them!

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  • How to Make Delicious Homemade Butter

    How to Make Delicious Homemade Butter

     

    Imagine the smell of freshly made homemade bread. Now imagine spreading your own homemade butter on a slice of steaming hot bread. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is! One of the things about my mom that I miss the most is her homestead cooking and one of my favorites was that creamy homemade butter that melted on my tongue.

    Butter Basics

    Homemade butter does not have an oily taste like margarine. The cream and butter that comes from grass-fed cows are high in vitamin E, beta-carotene, and it can lower cholesterol. Even though butter has saturated fat, it is better for you than margarine as long as it is raw organic butter made from organic cream.

    You can make butter with just a few steps. You do not need one of those old-fashioned butter churns or a cow to milk. Although having a cow or two that eat green grass may be a good idea when homesteading, this recipe uses an electric mixer instead of a butter churn. You can even use a mason jar with cover and shake the cream instead of using a mixer. Shaking it will take more time but would be a fun thing for your kids or grandkids to do. If you don’t have cows, you can make butter from organic heavy whipping cream (butterfat content of at a minimum of 35 percent) from your local grocery store.

    Making the Butter

    The amount of cream needed depends on how much butter you want. It should be kept at room temperature for about 12 hours before mixing. About 15-20 minutes (or amount of time that water can be kept in the freezer before freezing) before mixing you need to place 2 cups of water in the freezer so you will have ice water for the recipe. You can make butter with any amount of cream and here is the typical breakdown for a pound or half a pound:

    • 1 quart of cream = 16 ounces (1 pound) butter and two cups of buttermilk.
    • 1 cup of cream = 8 ounces (1/2 pound) butter and about 1/2 cup of buttermilk.

    If this is the first time making butter, you may want to start out with the smaller amount of 1 cup of cream. Pour the cream into a mixer bowl and blend with an electric mixer at medium speed for 10 to 15 minutes. When the cream turns into curd-like lumps, keep blending until it starts to thicken and a watery/milky liquid forms at the bottom of the bowl.

    Stop the mixer and pour off the liquid into a sealable container that will hold about 1-2 cups. The buttermilk will not look like the kind you buy at the store. It is thinner but still can be used in place of water for cooking and baking.

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    Use a stiff spatula to press the butter up against the walls of the bowl to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Add about 1/2 cup of ice water and press up against the walls of the bowl to release the buttermilk liquid. Repeat two more times or until water loses its cloudiness.

    Continue to pour the liquid into a container and when finished, seal and refrigerate. Once all the buttermilk is collected, you can add a pinch of sea salt (per pound) to the butter unless you want to keep it unsalted. This process will give you buttermilk to cook with and keep the butter from spoiling.

    Storing the Butter

    Pack the butter you plan to use for the next week into a container with a cover and refrigerate. To store the remainder, wrap in parchment paper and then in foil or plastic wrap. You can store in the freezer for up to six months. Enjoy!

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  • Treating Your Homestead Wounds the EASY Way

    Treating Your Homestead Wounds the EASY Way

    As the name suggests, an open wound is an injury that has resulted in an opening in the skin. Minor versions are commonplace and can be treated at home with over the counter first aid products. Fundamental wound care is a useful skill to have in any situation.  Keeping a First Aid Kit handy can go a long way to ensuring they don’t develop complications.

    In this post, we’re going to take a quick look at the different types of open wounds that can happen as well as basic instructions on how to care for them.

    TYPES

    There are four different types of open wounds.  Knowing their classification can be very helpful in an emergency situation.  Often when calling 911, the operator will ask you the nature of the injury.  The ability to accurately describe the different types of open wounds will help EMT’s prepare for what they will be dealing with on arrival.

    Abrasion

    Probably the most common, an abrasion is essentially a scrape.  Most of us probably had scraped knees (and elbows, and ankles, etc.) more than once growing up. If you were one of us, you probably remember there isn’t a lot of bleeding.

    Avulsion

    This type is probably the least common since they usually happen as a result of violent incidents such as explosions, gunshots, or severe traffic accidents.  Avulsions involve a partial or complete tearing away of the skin as well as the tissue underneath. They bleed heavily. These injuries should definitely be treated by a professional.

    Laceration

    Deep cuts or tearing of the skin are referred to as lacerations.  They usually involve sharp tools, knives or broken glass.  Shallow versions will have mild to moderate bleeding, while deep cuts can bleed much more quickly and at a faster rate, especially if an artery is severe in the process.

    Puncture

    Just like in a tire, punctures are small holes through the skin into the underlying tissue.  They can be a result of nails, needles, or any other thin sharp objects.

    Punctures may not bleed excessively.  You should determine if the wound is deep enough to damage any internal tissue or organs.  If it is, or you’re not sure, seek medical help immediately.

    TREATMENT

    For minor wounds, such as shallow scrapes, cuts, and tiny punctures, home treatment is usually standard. The primary concern is generally to make sure its cleaned thoroughly to get rid of all dirt and other debris.

    To control bleeding, just apply light pressure until it stops. Smaller scrapes can be covered with an antibiotic ointment and finished with an adhesive bandage.  If the area of the scrape is more extensive, an antibiotic ointment can still be used.  After application, a sterile dressing created from gauze, and medical tape can protect the whole area.

    Any pain management can be accomplished by taking over the counter non-aspirin products like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

    Just avoid aspirin since it is also a blood thinner that can make bleeding more challenging to keep under control.

    If bruising or swelling also occurs, treat with an ice pack.

    When to see a doctor (If Possible)

    If any of the following can be answered with a “Yes” about the wound in question, seek medical care instead of trying to address it yourself.

    • Is the open wound deeper than 1/2 inch?
    • Does the bleeding continue despite applying direct pressure?
    • Has the bleeding lasted longer than 20 minutes?
    • Is the bleeding a result of a severe accident?

    If any of the above applies to your situation, or if you aren’t sure, its best to let a professional assess and treat the injuries to help avoid any complications in the future.

  • Solar Energy Options for Homesteaders

    Solar Energy Options for Homesteaders

    You want to live off the grid, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need electrical power to operate your lights and appliances.

    You can use a generator, but generators require gasoline. A generator is a good backup solution for people who are on the grid when they lose power.

    However, if you want to be independent, the best way to do it is to invest in solar energy options for your home and property. It used to be that solar panels were prohibitively expensive. That’s no longer the case.

    In this post, we’ll detail some of the solar energy options for homesteaders. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have the information you need to make the switch to solar power.

    On Grid vs. Off Grid

    The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to live off the grid or on the grid. For some homesteaders, making a switch to solar power is best done incrementally.

    In other words, you might start with a few solar panels and switch to solar for heating your water. Then, over time, you may add additional panels to help you ease into off-grid living.

    If your goal is to get off the grid as soon as possible, you’ll need to evaluate your energy needs and determine how much power you need to collect and store to keep things running the way you want them to.

    Calculating Your Power Needs

    The next step is to determine your power needs. There are many easy online calculators that you can use. Here’s what you’ll need to make the calculation:

    • The number of Kilowatt-Hours (kWh) you use per month
    • The percentage of your energy use you want to offset with solar power
    • The state you live in (determines the average days of sun where you live)

    The calculator uses these three things to calculate a minimum and maximum size for your new solar power system.

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    Solar Power Options

    Regardless of your power needs, you need a system to collect solar energy, convert it to the proper form, and store it so you can use it to power your home.

    If your goal is to be only partially dependent on the grid, then you have a few options to choose from. For example, you might:

    1. Invest in a solar water heater. You’ll need to place it in an area that gets as much direct sunlight as possible, but you won’t need to add solar panels to your home.
    2. If you have a swimming pool, get a solar pool heater. The same principle applies – you’ll need to place it in direct sunlight for the best results.
    3. You can buy and install just a few solar panels, store the energy in batteries, and use it as needed.

      Related Article:       “4 Excellent Ways to Generate Your Own Electricity” 

    The other option, of course, is to make the switch and move off the grid. In that case, you’ll need to purchase:

    1. Photovoltaic (PV) panels to collect sufficient power for your needs
    2. A combiner box where you’ll plug in the panels
    3. A charge controller to prevent your panels from storing too much energy
    4. Solar batteries to store excess energy
    5. A DC to AC inverter to make the power you collect usable

    Of course, the expense of buying these things can add up. If you’re an experienced electrician (or you know one who’s willing to work for cheap) then you don’t have to buy a combiner box – you can make one. Keep in mind that it’s important to get the wiring right and to protect your system so it doesn’t fail.

    Making the Switch to Solar

    Switching to solar power can help you save money in the long term. We like it because it gives us a reliable source of power that we can count on even if the grid fails or is compromised.

    Have you made the switch to solar power? Tell us in the comments!