0 not connected to the main electricity grid (= system of connected wires and power stations):
We're interested in independent self-sufficient living, off-the-grid.
1 not connected to the public supply of electricity, gas, etc.:
These are innovative green homes for an alternative off-the-grid lifestyle.
A month into the show, the cast goes on an off-the-grid vacation.
Usually the system is off-the-grid because of difficult access or lack of infrastructure.
Earthships are generally quite often considered to be off-the-grid homes, minimizing their reliance on both public utilities and fossil fuels.
Nowadays, the vapor absorption cycle is used only where heat is more readily available than electricity, such as waste heat provided by solar collectors, or off-the-grid refrigeration in recreational vehicles.
Many off-the-grid domestic systems rely on battery storage, but storing large amounts of electricity in batteries or by other electrical means has not yet been put to general use.
Technologies have included an off-the-grid photovoltaic system for limited electricity, wood stoves for heat and cooking, and passive solar design as another source of building heat.
Off-the-grid homes are autonomous; they do not rely on municipal water supply, sewer, natural gas, electrical power grid, or similar utility services.
