this post was submitted on 19 Jan 2026
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Heh ... I just finished reading this story from another source.
I've been offgrid on solar for over two years at this point. The future is here, it's just not going to be evenly distributed.
And, hey, if you feel like you need to provide corporate welfare to utilities that are endlessly raising rates, that's certainly your right. But it's very nice to have neither a monthly power nor natural gas bill.
Is it perfect? No. Sometimes I have to plug in to rebalance the batteries, and when things get truly frigid, I have to flee to shelter. Still, a few days in a motel a couple times a year is far cheaper than paying for power each month.
any issues with your pipes freezing during those months? heating seems difficult to come by without much sun
I live in a van, so there's no plumbing to worry about. Just turn the master switch on my power system so that the batteries aren't trying to charge in too cold of an environment.
If you're worried about frigid temps I would recommend a diesel heater. I've been living in a tent for about two years now. It's gonna be sub-zero this week and I expect no problems staying warm with mine.
I'm currently running my diesel heater. I've just learned over two prior winters how low temps can get and still have it livable in here. Last night was 39, and thanks to my down comforter, I didn't even have to run it until I woke up. 22 is another story entirely.