Electric lines, Wi-Fi, cable television and tap water are just a few of the daily luxuries that most people take for granted. However, these little conveniences can become difficult to maintain when your home is in a secluded location. Whether you’re living in the middle of nowhere for a more sustainable lifestyle or just because of circumstances, here are four ways to keep your home running off-the-grid.

Keep the Lights On

One of the biggest challenges for homeowners living off the grid is establishing a reliable source of electricity, and solar panels are one of the most popular options. Solar panels have no moving parts, which means they are relatively maintenance-free, but they do require regular cleaning so they can absorb the sun’s rays efficiently. Purchase a solar panel cleaning kit and give your panels a scrub at least once per season.

Service Your Septic Tank

Homes in cities connect to a sewer system and let the city handle all the maintenance, but living in the middle of nowhere means you need a septic tank to deal with your household sewage. Dropping the ball on septic tank maintenance can lead to disaster, so remember to get your tank inspected and serviced on a regular basis. If you notice signs of septic failure like puddles in your yard or a backed-up toilet, call a septic tank repair service to fix the problem before it turns into a nightmare.

Stay Connected

Internet and cell phone service are vital to modern life, but securing these services in the middle of nowhere can be challenging. Despite a few shortcomings, satellite internet is usually the best option if you lack access to cable or fiber. Do you work from home and need to stay connected? Consider having a backup provider in case you lose service.

Don’t Run Dry

If you can’t hook into a municipal water system, your best bet is to have a well installed. Although a well eliminates the monthly water bill, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The CDC recommends having your well inspected annually for mechanical problems, contaminants and bacteria. Consider installing a gasoline generator to keep your well running when the power goes out.

Do you live off-the-grid and wish that municipal utilities were available? Contact your nearest companies to see if they’re willing to bring their services out to you. You can also call your local government representatives to find out if there are any grants or programs that can help.

Guest Post By:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.