Ryan Mitchell never thought he would go off the grid. Yet this self-described desk-jockey with no carpentry skills today lives on 11 acres in a house he designed and powers with solar, gets his water from a well, has a composting toilet and septic system, eats from his garden, raises baby quail, and runs his own business. His bills are a fraction of what they were when he paid rent and utilities, and he has infinitely more free time to pursue the things he loves. Life is far from perfect: there are times when the generator stalls or the water pump quits. But he has independence, self-sufficiency, and the support of a like-minded community.

If you’ve ever dreamed of this lifestyle, Living Off Grid will help you navigate the most important decisions you’ll need to make to create the reality that’s right for you. Whether you’re an urbanite who just wants to save some money (and carbon) with small solar arrays or you’re ready to purchase land or you’ve already taken the plunge and want a better way to deal with your wastewater, Ryan has done the hard work to set you up for success. He will also help you steer clear of common pitfalls, including purchasing land in a flood zone, underestimating your water needs, trying to rely solely on wind power, or simply biting off more than you can chew—or afford. Finally, he will explore little-discussed topics such as living off grid when you have a “regular” job and aging in place.

As someone who has done it himself and guided countless others on their journeys to unplug, Ryan knows that going off the beaten path can be daunting. But with the right knowledge, you can choose the road less traveled – and it could make all the difference.