More people leaving power lines and going ”off the grid”

Before power lines, people had no choice. They used lanterns, lit fires for warmth and packed away winter ice against hot summers.

But now, a growing number of Americans are shunning power lines, choosing to live “off the grid,” without commercial power — and still enjoying their computers and large-screen televisions.
Off-the-grid residents have a guaranteed power supply at a time when the emphasis on “clean” energy is on the rise. Solar energy uses no resources to speak of, emits no pollution and is immune to energy price hikes.

Still, living off the grid is not cheap.

International Herald Tribune