How to Take Your Standard House Off-Grid – No bills for £6000, Preparedness Shopping List – Your Own Power, Heat, and Food Supply Chains

Tensions are high internationally, the aim of this post is to enable off grid in general, not sensationalise crisis. I am hoping to advertise off grid to help with green issues. This is the beginning of a new series about sand batteries and growing food in an average household, aiming for zero-level bills. The content is not meant to cause irrational panic, but could also be applicable and relevant to crisis situations. I see it as a complimentary longer term informational resource similar in spirit to the Swiss Government Preparation Website which was recently released to calculate necessary supplies, and the websites that many European Governments are recently producing.

Introduction

There is an oil crisis. The real problems will not be visible immediately, even now the phenomenon is apparent—which it is in most parts of the world. There could be a real risk to many lives. In some parts of the world, people are already unable to work or travel. This post is written from the perspective that we need to prepare now. If there is not a large‑scale solution, there will be unrest; people will become very desperate. Unfortunately, foraging and hunting are not the solution they once were, because those resources will be depleted and there will not be enough to meet demand. We cannot rely on that. However, there is real potential and space to survive and sustain everyone (for example, in the average garden). We can produce a enough of own our overall caloric needs using modern technology to sustain everyone, if managed carefully.

What should we do?

One of the most robust solutions is to sustain as many lives as possible, is to rely on off‑grid principles, using low‑power devices and renewable energy. As societies we need to help people understand that, and make this kind of preparation happen now. It needs to happen months in advance, so that there is food and energy when it is really needed later. If we do this properly, there will be stocks of food that last long enough for most of us to survive from these techniques later.

I started with a really simple list, and I’m sure that there are various other lists with better things. I decided to get most of the things on the list below. A lot of it can be had more cheaply second‑hand. The list is designed to take the average normal house completely off‑grid for food, heat, and power, as well as capturing as much water as possible. It was created in the UK; colder climates will certainly want more heat (wood, compost‑based heat, gas, etc.). The list is for informational purposes only, don’t rely on only this, and don’t forget longevity—you might want spares. If you are housebound, you will need to roughly double the power and heating equipment, because you will not be warmed by 8 hours of activity during the day.

The resources here…

The list below is a realistic 2026 ballpark prices in GBP, with suggested sources that will broadly work in most countries (Amazon/global marketplaces + “local equivalent”). Spot checks on current Amazon/retailer pricing are used to anchor the main cost drivers; expect roughly ±20–30% variation by country and season. All prices assume typical “with delivery” Amazon/online offers or common local retail prices unless noted.

There are 5 × 200 W panels, because 4 panels feeding the right electric heater can stabilise one well‑insulated room at about 12–15 °C when the outside temperature is about −5 °C, for about 8 hours per day, if you also have 5 normal candles lit, body heat is a bit extra. Sharing body heat by cuddling while stationary will be a solution some people probably have to use. EDIT: Note, this is WHEN USING SAND BATTERIES TO STORE LOTS OF HEAT.

This spreadsheet contains a list of the categories budgeting‑priorities (enter your monthly budget) the full list is below this budgeting priority link, and is in this post:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-3J32t2AaF_W3eUTO82BOhfneaFyFhQK/copy?pli=1&gid=1970902183#gid=1970902183

The suggested items categories list…

Power

5× 200W solar panels – £80–90 each → £400–450 total (cheap Amazon).
4× 100Ah 12V batteries – £110 each for LiFePO4 or £80 for lead‑acid → £320–440 total.
1× Solar charge controller (20–40A MPPT/PWM) – ≈£20–60 depending on type – Amazon/Temu.
300ft DC wire (automotive 4–6mm²) – ≈£25–35 for a bulk roll – Amazon/eBay.
Various MC4/Anderson connectors & lugs – ≈£20 for assorted kit – Amazon.
Inline fuses/fuse holders and DC breakers – ≈£15–25 for a small assortment – Amazon/auto store.
2× 99Wh USB battery banks – ≈£20–30 each → £40–60 total – Amazon Basics/Anker‑style.
Various USB cables – ≈£20–30 for a mixed pack – Amazon.
12V or USB indoor LED lighting – ≈£20–30 for a small house set – Amazon/AliExpress.

Water

4× Water filters (jugs or inline) – ≈£30–40 total (e.g. 3‑packs ×2).
1000× Purification tablets – ≈£20–30 for bulk Aquatabs‑type packs – Amazon/outdoor suppliers.
2× 25L jerry cans – ≈£12 each → £24 – water/industrial container suppliers or Amazon.
200L water butt – ≈£55–65 – garden/water‑butt specialists or Amazon.
12V water pump – ≈£10–20 – Amazon (RV/boat pumps).
Water hose + connectors – ≈£15–25 – garden centres/Amazon.
Basic water‑testing kit (pH/total hardness/strips) – ≈£10–20 – Amazon.

Hydroponics

Nutrient powders, seeds and fittings are globally easy via Amazon/eBay/Aliexpress.

Seeds (pumpkin, corn, potato seed tubers, cabbage, tomatoes, beans, squash, dwarf willow) – ≈£20–30 for enough to start and keep seed.
12V air pump – ≈£10–20 – aquarium/aquaponics pump – Amazon.
Air stones and tubing – ≈£10–15 – aquarium kit – Amazon.
NPK + trace nutrient powders – ≈£50–100 per year – hydroponics suppliers/Amazon.
Planters and plant pots – ≈£20–50 – hardware/garden stores, IKEA, Amazon.

Security

2+ Door wedges – ≈£10–20 for a multi‑pack – Amazon/hardware.
3× Loud personal alarms – ≈£10–15 for a pack – Amazon.
200m fishing line – ≈£5–10 – tackle shop/Amazon.
2× 12V outdoor PIR floodlights – ≈£10–20 each → £20–40 – Amazon.
Rodent traps/pest deterrents – ≈£10–20 – hardware/Amazon.

Hunting / Protection / Deterrent

Slingshot – ≈£15–30 – Amazon/sporting goods.
Air rifle (where legal) – ≈£80–150 entry level – local gun shop.
Ammo (BBs/pellets) – ≈£10–20 – same sources.

Cooking & Food

10× Food‑grade storage buckets with lids – ≈£5 each → £50 (look for 5‑gallon/20L sets).
1000× Multivitamin tablets – ≈£15–25 per bottle – supplement brands, Amazon.
10L Sunflower oil – ≈£15–25 (often 2×5L catering packs) – supermarkets/cash‑and‑carry.
3kg Iodised salt – ≈£5–10 – supermarket in big bags.
Powdered milk (2–4kg) – ≈£15–30 – baking/prepper suppliers, Amazon.
Rice sacks (e.g. 2×10kg) – ≈£25–35 – Asian supermarkets/warehouse clubs.
Chickpeas (10kg bulk) – ≈£20–30 – same.
Lentils (10kg bulk) – ≈£20–30.
Tinned tomatoes (tray of 24) – ≈£12–20 – supermarkets/wholesalers.
Huel or similar meal powder (5–7kg equivalent) – ≈£100–150 direct or via Amazon.
Chocolate & sweets (comfort stash) – ≈£20–40 depending on taste.
Tinned fruit (24 tins) – ≈£25–35.
Pet food (1–3 months bulk) – ≈£40–80 depending on pet size.
Extra regular supermarket shop for first month – your normal monthly spend.

Heating

Camping wood burner – ≈£70–120 – choose a simple steel/titanium tent stove.
Flue sections + roof jack/through‑wall kit – ≈£40–80 total – stove suppliers/Amazon.
Drying box with fan (DIY using plastic crate + 12V fan) – ≈£30–40 in parts – Amazon/hardware.
Manual shredder for biomass – ≈£30–50 – garden shredder (hand‑crank) or heavy‑duty manual chopper.
Manual pelleting machine – ≈£80–150 (small hand pellet mills) – AliExpress/Amazon.
Materials for DIY sand‑based thermal store (if built) – ≈£50–100 (insulation, timber, piping, sand).

Maintenance, Tools & Firelighting

Recommended sources: Local hardware/DIY stores for weighty tools; Amazon/eBay for consumables and electronics.

Matches, lighters, ferro/“strike” sticks, candles – bundle ≈£20–30 for a large multi‑year stash.
Flashlight (good LED) – ≈£15–30, plus £10–15 for spare cells/charger.
2× Shelving units – ≈£40–80 depending on size – IKEA/Amazon.
225m duct tape (multi‑roll pack) – ≈£10–15 – Amazon.
Paracord (100–200m) – ≈£10–20.
Zip ties (big mixed box) – ≈£8–15.
Heavy‑duty bin bags (box of 100–200) – ≈£10–20.
Basic spare clothes (workwear, socks, underwear) – ≈£50–100 per person initial.
Woodsaw – ≈£15–30.
Axe/hatchet – ≈£25–60.
Soldering iron – ≈£15–30 – Amazon/electronics shops.
Spare electronic component kit – ≈£10–25 – Arduino/repair assortments.
Drill/Dremel or rotary tool – ≈£40–80 depending on brand.
Good quality sink/bath plugs – ≈£5–10.
Multimeter – ≈£15–30.
Basic hand‑tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, spanners, adjustable wrench) – ≈£40–60.

Clothing

Spare shoes/boots – ≈£40–80 per pair (durable, not fashion).
Thermal base layers (top/bottom set) – ≈£20–30.
Warm Bedding and sleeping bags – =£100-200.
Warm hat/gloves/neck gaiter – ≈£15–25.
Waterproof jacket – ≈£40–80.
Sewing kit – =£5.

Medical & Hygiene

Spot checks: bulk multivitamin already above; OTC prices are very country‑specific, so these are rough.

Recommended sources: Local pharmacy/online pharmacy, supermarkets for soap/toilet paper.

Paracetamol and common OTC meds (ibuprofen, antihistamine, loperamide, etc.) – ≈£30–50 for a year‑scale household stash.
Prescription medications – depends on system; plan for at least 3–6 months extra if legally possible.
First‑aid kit (bandages, dressings, gloves, alcohol wipes, tape, scissors, etc.) – ≈£40–70 – ready‑made + top‑ups.
Soap (bars/liquid for 6–12 months) – ≈£20–40.
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss – ≈£20–30 for a year+ for a small household.
Feminine hygiene products (6–12 months) – ≈£30–60 or ≈£20–30 for a reusable cup + some disposables.
Toilet paper (6–12 months) – ≈£40–70 if bulk‑bought.

Entertainment, Education & Comms

Recommended sources: Amazon, second‑hand/refurb electronics stores, local bookshops, archive.org/Kiwix for digital.

AM radio – ≈£20–40 – simple world‑band set.
Children’s toys (durable, non‑electronic) – ≈£20–50 starter set.
Handheld radios / Meshtastic‑capable (LoRa or VHF/UHF HTs) – ≈£30–60 each for Baofeng‑class units.
USB OTG adaptors (2–4 pieces) – ≈£5–10.
USB pendrives (4–8× 64–128GB) – ≈£20–40 total.
Low‑power phone/tablet (Android) – ≈£80–150 (refurb can be cheaper).
Low‑power laptop (fanless/low‑TDP used Thinkpad/Chromebook) – ≈£150–300 used/refurb.
Spare laptop batteries or USB‑C power bank that can run the laptop – ≈£40–80 each.
Local AI models + Kiwix ZIM files – mostly free downloads, but budget ≈£20–40 for storage (extra SSDs/USB drives).
Books (Where There Is No Doctor, Where There Is No Dentist, SAS Survival, Ultimate Survival Medicine Handbook, First Aid Guide, Smallholder’s Guide, local foraging guide) – ≈£10–20 per title → £80–150 total – Amazon/Bookshop.
Notepads/paper – ≈£10–20.
Pens/pencils – ≈£5–10.
Notice boards + thumbtacks – ≈£15–25.
Waterproof document pouch / folder – ≈£10–15.

Travel & Load‑Carrying

These vary a lot by quality; below is “cheap but functional”.

E‑bike – ≈£200–1,200 for a basic hub‑motor commuter from Amazon/Decathlon etc.
Regular bike – ≈£150–400 for something reliable, new or good used.
Wheelbarrow – ≈£50–100 – builders’ merchant.
Collapsible hand cart/trailer – ≈£70–150 – Amazon/outdoor shops.
Bike cargo trailer – ≈£100–200 – Amazon/bike shops.

Very rough total budget?

If you stick to budget/entry‑level options and buy smart (Amazon basics, local surplus, second‑hand where possible), the above list is in the rough territory of:

Core power, water, hydroponics and heating hardware: ≈£1,500–2,000 for a household.
Food, medical, tools, books, clothing, comms, travel, etc.: another ≈£1,500–2,000 depending mainly on e‑bike choice and how much food you pre‑buy.

So a very coarse “all‑in” baseline is ≈£3,000–4,000 for a solid, multi‑month resilience setup for one household, with lots of room to shave costs if you skip e‑bike, buy more second‑hand, or scale some items down.

As time progresses we can shift to modern biodigestion approaches that can produce gas (equivalent to 2kwh of electricity weekly), as well as fertiliser for your garden. This approach involves 2-3 1m2 IBC tanks in a home DIY solution. It produces these resources in a nutrient cycle, from compostable waste produced by the average home (sewage and plant/food waste).

Good Luck.