On-Grid... or Off?
Our new coop and resident chickens forced us to reconsider our plans to live completely off the grid. The cinder block supports the weight of the water bucket, and protects the 60W lightbulb from chickens and their mess.
Last summer our construction schedule was augmented by the arrival of 7 white rock hens and 11 guinea hens. As they quickly matured in our garage, we realized a full-sized coop was necessary, and nothing gets a project underway like the motivation of getting chickens out of the garage!
As the coop neared completion and the chickens moved into their new home, we were presented with several challenges, most notably, how to keep their water from freezing when a Wisconsin winter throws multiple -30F degree days at you in one week! We explored several options including setting up a solar system ahead of schedule, running extension cords from a neighbor's garage (quite a distance through the woods!) and bringing power in from the road ourselves... essentially, going "on-the-grid."
Advice from a friend tips the scales...
For a time in my life I worked as a wilderness guide for White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures, owned and operated by Peter McClelland and Christine Hegenbarth. A number of years ago they moved their operation to a remote portion of the Superior National Forest in Isabella, MN to take advantage of deeper snows and convenient trail systems. Being miles from Hwy 1, they have taken the plunge and created a homestead and business that operates off the grid. Peter's advice to me was:
If your goal is to live off-grid, then by all means go for it. It can be expensive and frustrating, but it is very possible.
If your goal is to be more environmentally responsible, consider the damage batteries inflict, and the frequency with which they must be replaced.
If your goal is save money, the cost of installing and maintaining a solar system is quite high, and the recurring cost of replacing old batteries can add up quickly.
When not in use, a solar system that relies on batteries "spills" energy when fully-charged batteries cannot accept any more input.
Using the grid as our battery would allow excess production to reduce our electric bills or even begin to recoup our costs. In addition, it would allow others to use electricity produced from the sun.
In the end (or at the beginning?) we decided to call the power company and drop a line. It cost us $1,300, and for the time being, powers a single, 60 watt light bulb under the chickens' water supply. At first I thought the bright green power cord would be far too conspicuous, but about 5 feet of snow has eliminated that concern for now.
Some of the Consequences of Going "On-Grid"
The immediate consequences of powering the coop are live chickens! The bulb has burned out a couple of times, but we are getting better at protecting it from melting snow, and we have always managed to catch it in good time.
A second bonus has been the peace of mind that we no longer have to think about buying a gas-powered generator for construction and back-up power supply. How to limit the noise and smell of a small engine had occupied many of our conversations, but no longer.
Another consequence, however, has been weighing the many opportunities easy power provides. Along with all the "good" things, so many temptations have begun to drift into our planning. If living simply and responsibly is the goal, where do we draw the line on well pumps, pressure tanks, laundry machines, electric stoves, space heaters, and all those things that make life so much easier? Environmental stewardship versus our own needs and wants. Let the great balancing act begin!