LIVING THE OFF-GRID VAN LIFE: IS IT POSSIBLE IN THE UK?

Is It Possible to Live the Off-Grid Van Life in the UK

Van life offers many opportunities to discover new areas and meet new people, which can be a welcome change of pace from the regular lifestyle. Overall, living in a van gives a unique and fulfilling experience that is difficult to attain in a conventional residence. It is a significant reason why an estimated 150,000 people live off-grid in the UK.

Despite all the out-of-this-world adventures that come with van life, it also comes with some obligations and, at times, challenges. Behind the inviting image of van life in social media, van lifers face many struggles. Nonetheless, people living off-grid often find inventive and sustainable alternative solutions to those challenges.

Here are some fundamentals of living an off-grid life in the UK, to help one become comfortable enough to enjoy the ride to the fullest.

WHAT DOES THE TERM "OFF-GRID" MEAN?

The word "off-grid" refers to the state of not being connected to a grid, typically in the context of not being linked to the main or national transmission system. It refers to living independently without reliance on one or more public utilities, primarily the electrical power grid.

IS IT LEGAL TO LIVE OFF-GRID IN THE UK?

Living off-grid in the UK is completely legal. Due to their classification as temporary structures, vans, and converted shipping containers are often free from the need for a planning permit.

People can freely live off the grid in the UK, and there are no regulations restricting people from doing so.

THE RULES TO LIVE OFF-GRID IN THE UK

While living off-grid in the UK is legal, there are important rules to keep in mind. Here are some important rules for people planning and living off-grid in the UK.

  • A person can only perch on a plot of land for 28 days at any one time without planning permission.
  • Off-grid living is possible as an “ancillary accommodation,” which entails living on another property, such as a garden, land, or a front driveway.
  • In the UK, residential or holiday sites open year-round for living off the grid. But even then, with a van, there may be restrictions on how often people may use the sites. These restrictions include a limited number of days and a specific span of time when van lifers can stay on a site.
  • People working on the land can reside in their work region. For example, if someone works as a woodland ranger, the person can legally reside in the woods. People can utilize this advantage to learn how to live off the grid in the forests in the UK.

TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP LIVING THE OFF-GRID VAN LIFE IN THE UK

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when living in a van:        

  • Only place lighter goods in the upper lockers for safety and stability.
  • There is a need for only a few utensils, such as a spoon and fork, to stock a cutlery drawer.
  • It is necessary to use a vacuum cleaner twice daily to prevent dirt from quickly accumulating in small spaces.
  • Use a hard-standing pitch to prevent the dragging of muck inside the vehicle, particularly during rainy conditions.
  • It is essential to have adequate lighting inside the van.
  • Prepare to get used to one-pot meals because cooking can be difficult due to the minimal counter space.
  • It is important to organize a small, proper, clean wardrobe, especially during the winter when extensive winter clothing is required.
  • It is best to organize wires and devices neatly. A labelled container may help van lifers organize wired gadgets and devices better.

LIST OF EQUIPMENT TO HAVE FOR OFF-GRID LIVING IN THE UK

It is highly encouraged to carry an off-grid essentials kit. Here are some suggestions:

  • First aid kit for health emergencies.
  • Soap for washing and bathing.
  • Disinfectants to kill germs on surfaces and objects inside the van.
  • Portable power solutions, such as portable wind turbines and solar panels.
  • A fire extinguisher for sudden incidences of overheating and burning.
  • DIY tools, such as portable tents and chairs.
  • Some medium-density fibreboard or planks for repairs.


UK Van Life | Texenergy

HOW TO SOURCE ENERGY AND ELECTRICITY?

Living off the grid in the UK would not be possible without access to energy. A stable power supply will provide comfort and functionality to a van. Included below are practical and sustainable portable power sources.

Portable Solar Panel

A portable solar panel converts direct and indirect sunlight into electricity to operate electrical equipment. 

It is necessary to know the estimated amount of energy needed, as it would help to determine the size or capacity of the solar panels. For example, a 400W solar panel can charge a power station in four hours, thus allowing it to operate a standard refrigerator for up to twenty hours.

Portable Wind Turbine

Portable wind turbines are an excellent energy source for power stations, as they can harness the energy around the clock, as long as there is wind. The greatest advantage of a portable wind turbine over solar energy for off-grid living in a van is the ability to take over at night or in the winter when there is lesser sunlight.

    Portable Power Station

    Unlike conventional generators, portable power stations are more environmentally friendly since they can utilize renewable energy sources, through solar panels and wind turbines. Portable power stations do not have harmful emissions, making them ideal for usage in enclosed spaces like a van.

    HOW TO SOURCE FOR WATER?

    Finding land with a spring or deep well for off-grid water collection can be challenging. Therefore, one needs to find alternative means to obtain water. During the wet season, rain is a great source of water and it is also an opportunity to store water for future use. 

    Alternatively, during other seasons, van lifers can rely on nearby bodies of fresh water. Water filters are helpful in ensuring the fresh water sourced from nature is safe to drink.

    IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIVE AN OFF-GRID VAN LIFE IN THE UK?

    Living off-grid in the UK is legal, but following the rules and regulations is important. It is essential to be familiar with existing laws and stay on guard while having fun living spontaneously in a van. There will be lesser violations with a self-sufficient and functional living space.

    A stable power supply can make life in a van easier and more comfortable. A portable wind turbine such as the Texenergy Infinite Air 18 and Texenergy Infinite Solar 24 solar panels would be an excellent choice to help van lifers to be self-sufficient and harness wind and solar energy to power up gadgets and devices.

    Back to News