Off-grid: water, power and heat
Water comes first on every homestead. AI is handy for the math, like how much roof, how many gallons and how many watts, and for questions to bring to a pro. It is not your electrician, your well driller or your code inspector.
What AI does well here
- Rough sizing for rain catchment from your roof area and rainfall
- Listing your electrical loads and estimating daily watt-hours
- Comparing options, like a wood stove versus propane, as a pros-and-cons list
- Writing questions for installers and drillers so you can compare quotes
Where it falls short, and where the red line is
- Electrical work, wiring and battery systems: follow code, get permits and use a licensed electrician.
- Drinking water must be tested by a state-certified lab. AI can’t tell you your water is safe.
- Rainwater, greywater and well rules vary by state and county.
- Wood stoves need the manufacturer’s clearances and local code.
Check it here
- Your county health department (well testing, septic)
- Your local building department (permits, code)
- National Weather Service for local data