The decision to live off the grid signifies freedom and peace for many who make the leap to live autonomously. But, this choice also comes with a few challenges that require strategic thinking — and lighting is no exception.
Fortunately, there are many lighting alternatives open to those without access to electricity. Here’s a look at a few worth considering:
1. LED Lanterns
LEDs have now become a familiar source of lighting for residential and commercial applications. More specifically, LED lanterns are powerful and reliable — making them an ideal alternative to traditional light sources for an off the grid home.
Did you know that some LED lanterns contain 50,000 hours of usable light? Unlike light sources that require fire or manual stimulation, an LED lantern is easy to use and maintain. As an added bonus, these bright sources are eco-friendly when compared to lightbulbs containing mercury. You’ll find it easy to control the direction and strength of your light, too.
2. Candles
Before the invention of electricity, candles were a primary source of light for homeowners scattered across the globe.
Candles are simple, affordable yet effective as a light source. They don’t require any batteries or prior preparation, either. As long as you have a few candles and matches, you can easily light up your home.
Invest in soy and beeswax candles, which are natural alternatives to candles that undergo the crude oil refinement process.
3. Solar Power
One of the most environmentally-friendly ways to light up any home is via solar light sources. While the sun may not be out all day, you can certainly take advantage of this natural light source to store and use for the future.
For many, solar power contributes to a comfortable off the grid lifestyle. You can use solar light virtually anywhere in the world — so no location is off limits.
4. Generators
If you’re looking for a reliable source of light that gives electricity a run for its money, generators may be your next best choice.
Generators are available in watt ranges between 1,000 to 30,000+ watts — meaning you can invest in the right size for your homestead’s needs. These light sources provide ample power to supply light when local power isn’t an option.
As a homeowner, you can have the added peace of mind of knowing that your house will have light — especially during an emergency.
5. Oil Lamps
There’s no denying the effectiveness of an oil lamp. For centuries, many homeowners relied on this lighting device to navigate through their home during the day. While kerosene lamps have declined in popularity since the invention of electricity, it’s certainly still an option for those who decide to live off the grid.
6. Natural Light
The sun is a source of light that you can consistently count on to light up your home. As an added bonus, natural light is tied to a myriad of health benefits, too. Simply opening up your curtains and allowing sunshine in your home can improve your sleep quality, ward off seasonal depression and boost your vitamin D levels.
An off the grid home may benefit from a few alterations that make it more likely to enjoy natural light indoors. Consider adding more windows in certain rooms and building a sunroom. While natural light isn’t as effective at night, it’s an incredibly helpful light source you can enjoy during the day.
7. Glow Sticks
What’s a fun way an off the grid homes guests and home owners can navigate through their homes? With a few glow sticks, of course!
While glow sticks shouldn’t be your only light source option, they’re a light source that is easy to pick up and use. If you’re having a party or get-together, offer glow sticks to your guests to add light to your space in a fun and unique way. If you plan on using this option as a primary light source for the night, be sure to have many readily available on hand.
How will you power your off the grid house? With a few of these suggestions in mind, you can live autonomously while still enjoying the comforts of reliable lighting, too.
1 Comment
I Imagine ,that a day-time, a sun tube,/ skylight 9 or 2) on your roof that is connected to a flex tube to shine and de-re-flect sunlight into your home, it would de-flect some of that light onto some night time solar powered lights to charge when not in use. Then,at night , they all should light up,in strategic places around the house where light is needed most . Also, some of that solar power could go to a solar battery pack , and of course a total length of the house i would make into a “winter” garden ( glass top to bottom, as a heat source in winter , as the sun would heat it , and a home growing place for herbs and perhaps some veggies . this is my description of a good /dreamed up ,homestead, while still open “airy” with some assistance of a pellet heater or just a fireplace. in winter.