Submitted by pencil_2b t3_z5dmih in massachusetts
mtbchris t1_ixvhdzm wrote
Define what you mean by “get off the grid”
Is it 1 or 2?
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Literally cut all ties to physical grid, and produce and store all energy on site independently?
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install solar energy and use electric meter connected to grid to net-meter your total usage to 0.
pencil_2b OP t1_ixvhic4 wrote
Gas - 1 Electric - undecided
mtbchris t1_ixvm1cr wrote
Ok. Here’s a suggested approach. And your plumber isn’t up to speed on the latest low temp heat pumps.
- Replace existing hot water heater with heat-pump hot water heater. See Mass Save for rebate
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Have a whole house free energy audit performed by mass save contractor, make sure you tell them you want to do a strategic electrification project. This should give you a list of upgrades that can be subsidized with (in some cases very rich) incentives, mainly for whole house insulation and infiltration sealing. And yes, you can apply annually to have these done, since you pay into the energy fund.
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Invite at least 2, best if 3, mini split heat pump contractors to give estimates for multi head heat pump system. Tell them you want to have system designed for 100% heating and cooling, and that you’ve had insulation etc upgraded for this approach. Have them assist with applying for mass save heat pump rebates. They can be asked to provide pricing to demolish boiler and all baseboard etc, or you can leave the baseboard in place and just demolish the boiler.
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Go thru rest of house and confirm things like fridge and any other high annual usage appliances are at least 5-8 years old. The energy audit should help identify any here too. Replace if older with efficient units. Again Mass save has rebates.
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Once the house has been converted to electric, now you have an actual baseline energy use to invite solar installers to submit proposals. With a solid understanding of your homes electric use they will attempt to size a net-zero annual photovoltaic solar system for your home. Solicite at least three prices, and try to work with firms that primarily install systems that people purchase outright. Like: Cotuit Solar, Mass Renewables to name two.
I almost forgot step 6. Celebrate b/c you have removed all on site fossil fuel burning equipment.
pencil_2b OP t1_ixvo8by wrote
THANK YOU.
I am very much looking forward to steps 5 and 6, but the prior steps were a bit fuzzy to me. This is the kind of information I was looking for.
Cheers.
femtoinfluencer t1_ixw7bd8 wrote
Don't forget to give your old appliances away to broke people! The longer they stay out of the landfill the better in many cases even if they are less efficient.
Andystok t1_ixx2n2f wrote
Remember to get all those appliances first before sizing solar. I did exactly we was suggested above all at once, and was short solar output by 30-40%
boba79 t1_ixwim2m wrote
Doing most of this now (swithing from gas to electric heat pumps, installing solar).
Energy Monster and other solar installers can look at both your historical electricity use, plus do estimates based on the heat pump system you are considering and size the panels accordingly. We're doing solar first, then heat pumps. Another thing you'll want the estimate to factor in, that the panels will degrade over time and the system should be sized accordingly over their likely life (20 years).
Ksevio t1_ixw8gpn wrote
For electric I'd recommend staying connected even if you don't consume. You can sell some power to the grid to offset the connection fee, and it'll make it a lot easier to sell the house in the future
bigolebucket t1_ixwq2pi wrote
I’d recommend #2 for electric. I had a coworker go off grid and then he reconnected later because he wanted to sell power back and help support the grid when needed. Plus it helps reduce your risk.
PolarBlueberry t1_ixx3vgs wrote
I used to live on an island, everything was LP. Even the refrigerators ran on propane. Technically off the grid because nothing was wired or connected to any outside systems, but still fossil fuel.
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