Off-the-grid a popular choice for secondary homes

By now, you know the drill. Fuel and food and energy costs have skyrocketed. Bikes are hot. SUVs are not. Green is, most definitely, the new black. And as you grow more aware of managing energy and other expenses, don't discount what is likely your biggest expense—your home.

Sure, we all know to unplug unused appliances or opt for ceiling fans and closed blinds instead of frigid air conditioner settings. For a true investment, however, consider taking your home off-grid—defined as places or buildings that work without reliance on public utilities, as written in everyone's favorite encyclopedia. And if you're not ready to commit to the large-scale project in your primary residence, this story demonstrates that it's a popular choice for vacation homes or any secondary dwellings.

Features of off-grid homes include the use of solar power (coupled with the installation of back-up power sources like batteries and generators) or wind power, depending on your area's climate. If you're contemplating taking your home off the grid, log some hours on this site for a wealth of resources, pointers and discussions that will help guide your ecological transformation.