Alastair Leithead, former BBC correspondent and off-grid living advocate, shares his experience living off-grid in Portugal. He discusses the challenges of managing water, waste water, and sewage. He also talks about his ambitious project to build and run a hotel using solar power. The podcast explores advancements in solar panels and batteries, overcoming water challenges, and the difficulties of off-grid living in southern Portugal.
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Quick takeaways
Careful water management and sustainability are crucial when scaling up an off-grid project.
Advancements in solar technology make off-grid living more accessible and efficient.
Deep dives
Challenges of Off-Grid Living and Sustainable Water Usage
Building an off-grid tourist lodge in Portugal required careful consideration of water usage. The project aimed to minimize treatment and power consumption by relying on mineral-rich boreholes and rainwater. The couple behind the project realized the importance of understanding their water consumption and sought sustainable solutions, such as filtering rainwater and using a combination of treated and untreated water for different purposes. They also faced the challenge of providing enough water for the expected 20 guests, calculating that they would need around 4,000 liters of water per day during busy periods. Scaling up the project highlighted the need for careful water management and regulations, leading to a journey of learning and adaptation.
Revolution in Solar Power and Off-Grid Energy Solutions
The project also included the installation of a solar power system, which showcased the advancements in solar technology. Traditional legacy systems were replaced with higher-energy density panels and lithium batteries, allowing for scalability and modularity. The interview with a solar power company owner highlighted the transformative changes in solar power technology, architectures, and objectives. Solar power has become more accessible and efficient, making off-grid living increasingly viable. The company creating affordable batteries in Portugal exemplified the growth in off-grid living and the desire for independent power storage solutions. The scalable and modular nature of these systems allows for power production and storage according to individual needs.
Financial Challenges and Value of Sustainable Living
The couple emphasized the financial challenges they faced during the project, with expenses going slightly over budget. However, they believed that the investments made in infrastructure were necessary for future-proofing their off-grid lifestyle. They valued the ethical and educational aspects of their project, showcasing the possibilities of living comfortably while being mindful of water and electricity consumption. They hoped to inspire visitors to lower their consumption, preserve water, and explore alternative methods like water collection. The couple saw potential in a market for sustainable living ideas and aimed to provide insights and ideas for others to lessen their environmental impact.
Alastair Leithead and his wife Ana moved to Portugal during the Covid pandemic. They live off-grid, meaning they have no access to mains electricity or water supplies. They also have to manage their own waste water and sewage.
Now the former BBC correspondent is embarking on an ambitious project to build and run a hotel, meaning their solar powered utilities will not only have to work for them, but also paying guests.
Produced and presented by Alastair Leithead.
(Image: Alastair and Ana at their property. Credit: Alastair Leithead)
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