Living off-grid sounds like a big leap, but for Mike and his wife, it was a no-brainer. Between the sky-high cost of connecting to the grid and their dream of a self-sufficient lifestyle, going off-grid just made sense. Now, a few years in, Mike shares what it’s really like and what he’s learned along the way.
Why Did You Go Off-Grid?
"Connecting to the grid would have cost us around $250,000 just to get power to our boundary - plus another 280 meters of trenching to the house. Instead, we put that money into an off-grid system. We also wanted to be self-sufficient, harvesting our own water, growing our own food, and being completely independent for power."
How Does It Compare to Grid Power?
"The biggest perk? No blackouts. Our power is rock-solid no matter what the weather throws at us. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about knowing we’re using the sun to power our lives. We’ve also gotten smarter about when and how we use energy - like running high-power appliances when the sun is shining."
Any Surprises Along the Way?
"Nothing major. Just one thing - always keep fuel in the generator! When we first moved in, we were running everything- air conditioners, pool pump, electric heater - all at once and maxing out our system. It didn’t happen often, but we eventually added another Victron inverter, which doubled our capacity. Now it’s smooth sailing."
Have Your Energy Habits Changed?
"Big time. We time our energy-heavy tasks for daylight hours - dishwasher, washing machine, that sort of thing. On scorching days, we crank all five split systems in the morning and let them run all day on solar power. Works like a charm."
How Often Do You Run the Generator?
"Over four years, it’s only clocked 142 hours. The only time we really need it is during hot, cloudy summer days when solar struggles to keep up. But that’s just part of the deal with off-grid living."
Can Your System Handle Big Power Loads?
"Easily! It even runs my welder with no trouble."
Any Advice for Someone Thinking About Going Off-Grid?
"Do your homework. Talk to off-grid experts and if possible, chat with people already living it. A well-designed system should let you live comfortably - without constantly switching things off to use something else."
Is It Cheaper Than Grid Power?
"Looking at it over 20 years, yes. If you factor in what we’d be paying for line rental and usage charges—without even accounting for price hikes—we're looking at a 45% savings. And no blackouts!"
Has It Changed How You See Energy?
"Absolutely. Living off-grid, especially in the country, is a game-changer. You pay for your power upfront, but in return, you get total freedom. You’re not limited to where the grid runs."
What’s the Biggest Myth About Off-Grid Living?
"People think it means sacrificing comfort. Totally wrong. We have all the modern conveniences, even in a remote area. And if we ever need more power, we can just expand the system. Friends visit and are always shocked when they find out we’re off-grid."
From Customer to MyEnergy’s Victorian BDM
Mike’s experience with off-grid living didn’t just stop at his own home—it inspired him to help others make the switch. Now, he works as MyEnergy’s Victorian Business Development Manager, sharing his knowledge and firsthand experience with customers looking to go off-grid.
Based in Maldon, Victoria, Mike is happy to chat about off-grid systems, what works best for different setups, and how to future-proof your investment. If you're considering going off-grid or have questions about making the switch, feel free to reach out - he’s always keen to help others take control of their energy future.
You can read more about Mike's off-grid power system here.
