Archives July 2025

Canadian designer Thom Fougere has introduced a minimalist outdoor hot tub under the brand Goodland, aimed at those who want to enjoy a soak off the grid. Crafted from durable aluminum and western red cedar, the wood-burning tub combines sleek design with sustainable materials and no need for electricity. It heats water through a submerged aluminum stove powered by firewood, making it ideal for remote locations or eco-conscious users.

The tub includes a cedar step, a hose adapter for easy drainage, and an insulated cover. With its compact size and elegant form, the Goodland hot tub provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing way to unwind in nature without reliance on modern utilities.

Read more about Off-Grid Water.

California faces a challenging balancing act between its agricultural heritage and its renewable energy future. As the state pushes to meet ambitious climate goals and transition to clean energy, experts say it will need to convert some farmland—particularly in the Central Valley—to solar power installations. This shift is driven in part by decreasing water availability, making traditional farming increasingly unsustainable in some regions, while the state’s demand for solar-generated electricity continues to rise.

However, the move to repurpose agricultural land for solar development is not without controversy. Many farmers and rural communities are concerned about the potential loss of jobs, disruption to local economies, and changes to the landscape. Yet, policymakers and environmental advocates argue that with careful planning, some farmland can be transitioned in a way that supports both energy needs and economic stability, helping California advance toward its climate targets without completely abandoning its agricultural roots.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

When housing prices skyrocketed during the pandemic, many people looked beyond urban areas for affordable living. One such individual was Jacqueline Sauter, who left New York City and headed to rural New Mexico. Having grown up in the city, she never expected to own land, but in 2023, she became a first-time homebuyer, purchasing an off-grid house on 55 acres outside Santa Fe. Motivated by affordability and her desire to live in tune with nature, she embraced a lifestyle that includes hauling water, using solar power, and raising goats.

Despite the challenges of rural infrastructure and learning to live self-sufficiently, Sauter finds great satisfaction in her new lifestyle. She says the slower pace and connection to the land offer a level of peace and fulfillment she never experienced in urban life. While the transition wasn’t easy, especially navigating real estate as a first-time buyer, she believes that moving off-grid has brought her closer to her values and long-term goals.

Read more about Off-Grid Water.

A new report reveals that, in nearly every part of the United States, 91% of renewable energy sources like solar and wind are now more cost-effective than existing fossil fuel power plants. Despite this promising development, efforts to further modernize and upgrade the national electric grid have faced serious setbacks, particularly after former President Trump slashed funding for key grid improvement projects. Experts highlight that a cleaner, cheaper energy future remains within reach, but requires renewed federal investment to expand clean power infrastructure and ensure reliability as the nation transitions away from coal and gas.

This stalled grid modernization threatens the pace at which the U.S. can adopt renewables, potentially undermining both financial savings for consumers and climate goals. Advocates urge policymakers to restore and increase funding dedicated to grid upgrades, emphasizing that rapid progress could create jobs, boost the economy, and reverse the impacts from previously defunded initiatives.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

After years of grappling with rising rent in Albuquerque, 33-year-old Dairo Romero decided it was time to make a bold move. A first-time homebuyer originally from Venezuela, Romero purchased a 55-acre property in rural New Mexico and moved into an off-grid house to escape the financial pressures of city life. The property came with its own energy and water infrastructure — a major shift from his previous lifestyle. The transition has brought Romero not only financial relief but also a sense of autonomy he couldn’t find in an urban setting.

Romero’s rural setup includes solar panels, a well for water, and other sustainable systems, allowing him to live without dependence on public utilities. While he still works remotely and commutes occasionally into the city, Romero embraces the quiet of the high desert and the personal empowerment that comes from managing his own land. His story reflects how some Americans are looking beyond traditional housing options to gain more control over their lives and living expenses.

Read more about Off-Grid Water.

The U.S. solar energy market is experiencing significant growth, with solar and wind power now outpacing new fossil fuel installations. According to a recent report, clean energy made up a majority of the country’s newly added electricity for the first time last year. This shift is credited to a combination of federal incentives, decreasing costs for solar panels, and increasing demand from businesses and individuals seeking greener energy solutions. Arizona, already a leader in solar generation due to its sunny climate and supportive policies, has seen rapid expansion in solar projects across both residential and utility scales.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Opposition from some utilities, changes to state policies, and the need for more storage and transmission capacity create hurdles for continued growth. However, experts believe that with ongoing investment and public support, solar power could continue its upward trajectory, providing both environmental benefits and job opportunities across the country.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

Tucked away off the coast of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Patience Island is home to a single cottage — a modest, solar-powered retreat owned by Don Levesque and Tracey Hall. The couple, who bought the property in the late 1990s, has embraced a fully off-grid lifestyle on this largely uninhabited island. With no public ferry access, they commute by boat and use solar panels, battery storage, and a rainwater collection system to keep their island retreat functional and eco-friendly.

Despite its remoteness, the cottage has become a haven for Levesque and Hall, offering peace, privacy, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Over the years, they’ve improved the property while still preserving the island’s quiet charm. Although a few other lots exist on Patience Island, most are undeveloped, making the couple’s home a rare and self-sustaining venture in one of Rhode Island’s most secluded spots.

Read more about Off-Grid Water.

A new report from the United Nations highlights a global surge in solar, wind, and other forms of green energy, signaling a historic tipping point that could lead to even lower energy costs worldwide. The data shows that renewable energy accounted for a record 86 percent of new power capacity added in 2023, with solar power leading the charge, reflecting an “unstoppable shift” toward cleaner, more affordable sources.

This rapid growth is being driven by falling technology costs and increasing policy support, particularly in countries like China, the U.S., and members of the European Union. The UN stresses that this trend not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also gives more people access to reliable electricity. However, the report warns that further policy reforms and grid upgrades are still needed to fully unlock renewables’ potential and reach global climate goals.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.

Tucked away on Rhode Island’s Patience Island is a secluded cottage that has sparked curiosity for years. Owned by the Tavares family, the off-grid home has been in their hands since the 1990s and functions without electricity or running water. The family uses solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and other sustainable solutions to enjoy summers on the island. Despite occasional rumors about the property’s mystery, the Tavareses have quietly embraced a minimalist, self-sufficient lifestyle in the cottage.

The house, initially built in the 1950s by another family, was passed to Manuel Tavares, who fell in love with the land’s quiet and seclusion. Today, his grandchildren continue to enjoy the retreat, maintaining traditions like fishing and nights under the stars. The family travels to the island by boat, carrying supplies and prioritizing preservation of the surrounding environment.

Read more about Off-Grid Water.

An Arizona homeowner who built an off-grid cabin powered entirely by solar energy has shed light on the real costs of living independently from utility companies. The owner explained that while there’s an initial investment—about $20,000 for land, solar panels, batteries, and other essentials—living off the grid offers long-term savings by eliminating monthly electricity bills. He noted that proper budgeting and research into reliable solar technology are key factors in making the venture successful, and emphasized the satisfaction that comes from sustaining his property with renewable energy.

The process involved a steep learning curve, particularly regarding power storage and usage limits, but the experience has ultimately proven rewarding. The homeowner has inspired others by sharing tips for selecting high-quality solar equipment and practical advice for managing energy consumption during peak sunlight hours. Living off-grid has not only reduced his financial burden but also allowed for a more sustainable lifestyle tailored to his needs.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.