looking to get off the grid totally

Hi Ed. Getting off the grid is relatively easy. Just give up using everything that requires power. All you really need is an axe, a good knife, a loincloth and I would recommend picking a climate that you can live with.

Now that the joking is done (well, at least for the nonce), There are many many sites dedicated to the components of eco-living as well as many good blogs on here dealing wth the various components and technologies that go into it.

The first thing you need to determine is what you want your system to do for you. You have to deal with things like heating and cooling, water, waste and power. After that, it's just a matter of money.

There are many sites that deal with off the grid living, but beware the eco-predator...like any buzz word, many are just trying to sell you crap. You will need to do much research, grasshopper, or have much money to get there.

But here's a start:

http://offgrid.homestead.com/

Take a look, absorb some knowledge, find some more specific questions and we'll still be here to ask. And be sure to use the search function to your right as there is a lot of useful information on this site, but it can sometimes be in the dark corners and tough to find.

I hope this helps, now scamper on my eager beaver and save your portion of the planet, and then hold your sucesses up high as a beacon for the multitudes. (hmmm, too preachy? Sorry, been watching Easter epics too long - going to part water now...bathwater that is).