Size your solar, plan your water, handle waste and heat, and build an off-grid system that works in winter, not just on paper.
Most off-grid problems start the same way: someone buys panels and batteries before they know what they actually use. Then the first cloudy week hits, the batteries die, the pipes freeze, and the "simple" setup turns into an expensive redo. I've lived tiny and off-grid for 7 years, and this 75-page guide walks you through power, water, waste, heat, and internet in plain English. You'll do a real load audit, size panels, batteries, and inverters with worked examples, choose your water and waste systems, and learn where safety rules and licensed pros come in.
What's inside
The load audit: find out exactly how much power you use, with a full worked example
Solar sizing step by step: panels, charge controllers, battery banks, and inverters, with worked math
Lithium vs. lead-acid batteries: cost, lifespan, maintenance, and cold-weather tradeoffs
Wiring safety basics and exactly when to hire a licensed electrician
Backup generators: sizing, fuel, safe connection, and carbon monoxide safety
Water: rain catchment math, wells, hauling, storage, filtration, pumps, hot water, and freeze protection
Waste: composting toilets, greywater, and septic basics
Heating and cooling: wood stoves, propane, mini-splits on solar, and insulation
Propane safety, from tanks and leak checks to what to do if you smell gas
Internet off-grid: satellite, cellular, and fixed wireless options
Three budget tiers (bare-bones, mid, comfortable) with general cost ranges, labeled as estimates
Monthly, quarterly, seasonal, and annual maintenance calendars
8 printable worksheets: load calculator, solar & battery sizing, water budget, system shopping checklist, budget tier planner, maintenance calendar, maintenance log, and safety checklist
Who it's for
You're planning an off-grid tiny house and want to size your systems before you buy gear
You already have land (or a tiny house) and need power, water, and waste that actually work
You've been watching off-grid videos and want the full picture in one place, in order
You want to know which jobs you can DIY and which need a licensed pro
Not for you if you want a step-by-step wiring manual or brand-specific product reviews. This guide teaches you how to plan, size, and stay safe.
This guide is for general education only. It is not professional electrical, plumbing, gas, structural, or engineering advice. Codes and permit requirements vary by location and change over time. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your local codes, get the required permits and inspections, and hire licensed professionals where required. Cost figures are rough estimates for planning only.
Why I made this
Power, water, heat and waste are what make off-grid living work day to day, and they're what people worry about most. I've been living tiny and off-grid for 7 years, and at my old tiny house I built and lived off of my own systems, including a rainwater system. I'm putting what I learned into the new build now. This guide is the plain explanation I wish I'd had: what each system does and how to choose.
No. Everything is explained from the ground up, with worked examples. The guide is also clear about which jobs should go to a licensed electrician, plumber, or gas fitter.
The method works anywhere, and it's built around planning for your worst month, usually winter. You plug in your own sun hours, rainfall, and temperatures.
They're general ranges, clearly labeled as estimates, to help you plan. Prices vary by region, supplier, and year, so always get current quotes.
No. It's practical education. Always follow manufacturer instructions and local codes, and hire licensed professionals where required.
Yes. The free guide gives an overview of going off-grid. This is the full version with sizing math, water and waste systems, safety, budgets, maintenance calendars, and worksheets.
8 printable worksheets
Load calculator, solar and battery sizing, water budget, maintenance log, and more
Start with your load audit
Work out what you actually use before you buy panels, batteries, or a pump. The guide walks you through the load audit with a full worked example.
Off-grid power, water, and heat that work in winter
Most off-grid problems start the same way: someone buys panels and batteries before they know what they actually use. This guide walks you through power, water, waste, heat, and internet in plain English, with worked sizing examples, budget tiers, maintenance calendars, and printable worksheets.
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Interested in my other guides?
I've lived tiny and off-grid for 7 years, and these are the guides I wish I'd had at the start. Add any that fit where you are right now.
