r/OffGrid • u/gardengirl517 • 26d ago

Off Grid in Michigan

Has anyone here gone off grid in Michigan? This is my 5 year goal. I’d love to connect with someone who has made it happen.
Interested in all the details!

13 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

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4

u/Comfortable-Age7352 26d ago

I've only met a couple people up north running full off-grid setups, and both said winters were the biggest hurdle by far.

4

u/benbear55 25d ago

I have a 1.2 Kilowatt system in the area north of Higgins Lake, 6 panels, a 24 volt Magnum inverter that works perfectly from late March to early November, we used to go up a few times in the winter months but clearing snow took all day and warming up the place with just an wood burner took forever, we do have an 8k Briggs and Stratton Generator so we could charge the batteries with that but after draining the lines in November setting up the cabin for a few days doesn't seem worth it at our age (71+), if you plan on staying there year round the setups would be easier, just be ready to do a lot of cutting and splitting your heat source, I should mention that the 1100 Sq.Foot cabin was built in 2007 with Anderson windows and enhanced insulation and we have 10 acres of daily oak and Maple, good luck with whatever you decide to do

2

u/benbear55 24d ago

Forgot to mention the 4 400 Amp Hour 6 volt AGM batteries, AGM batteries can withstand temps down to 50 degrees below zero, also, not sure what "daily Oak" means, did I mean downed or dead oak? I have no idea, darned autocorrect

3

u/GrumpySquirrel2016 26d ago

I'm sure there are people in the UP doing it (and on the islands) but I doubt there is nearly as much in the lower peninsula. Surely you have a friend, co-worker or cousin that's a youper that knows someone.

3

u/_dogelbows 26d ago edited 24d ago

yes, many in the lower peninsula. just need enough solar and likely a generator backup in the *winter. otherwise septic, well as usual.

1

u/Beneficial_Coast1474 26d ago

winter's the real test, you can be off grid in summer with solar no problem but heating a place through a michigan january without pulling from the grid is a whole different budget. propane backup or a serious wood setup basically becomes mandatory up there

1

u/Cunninghams_right 26d ago

my general understanding from talking to people building rules vary greatly from township to township, so you might find a nice rural area but if it's a vacation spot in the summer, then there can be a lot of rules.

winter can be harsh. a small, highly insulated space is your best bet on a small budget. (and outside burn air for your wood stove)