About Us
We started our house in 2002 with one 120 Watt solar panel and two batteries. We now have a 1 KW system, that in thirteen years has never failed, not even once. We are amazed at this level of dependability. The most gratifying moment came when the meter reader arrived. He looked at the solar panels and said, “I see now where your electricity comes from”. They thought we were hooked up illegally. We never understood that, since we are 1/4 mile away from any existing lines. Mother Nature and Off-the-Grid are waiting to help with your energy needs.
Contact us to discuss your journey to energy independence. We will contact you as soon as possible to analyze your unique situation. The initial consultation is cost and obligation free.
Contact us to discuss your journey to energy independence. We will contact you as soon as possible to analyze your unique situation. The initial consultation is cost and obligation free.
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Hi, I’m Jeff Chaney. My career began in a convenience store in 1977, while in high school. My duties were checking out customers, cleaning up, pumping gas, stocking shelves, and helping the meat cutters.
Morristown Foam & Fiber plant-2 hired me at a time when they did not need a particular position filled. I cleaned toilets, then proceeded to learn every position in the plant except two.
I then worked for Daniel Construction, at the Bath County Virginia project, in maintenance in the rock crusher area, as an oiler & welder.
I next joined the Navy as a sonar technician, earning a certificate in the operation, maintenance, and repair of all sonar related equipment including transmitters, motor generators, and cooling systems.
In the mid-1980’s, I acted as construction supervisor for a log home project for a friend. Jim Barna Log Homes offered my crew a contract to erect log shells, which was declined.
I was then hired by Britt’s Machine Shop to help design a cooling system for, then install and fine tune a heat induction machine, which uses radio waves to heat and weld metal parts.
For the next eleven years, I was an ASE certified auto mechanic, during which time I worked at an equipment rental company, a Ford dealership, Rockwell International, Mahle aftermarket engine components, and owned my own shop.
I then entered the turf maintenance field, filling the position of equipment mechanic at a golf course. Duties included supervising the shop and an assistant, reel mower grinding, purchasing parts & supplies, and maintenance and repair of mowers, tractors, golf carts, and all related machinery.
In 2002 I began the homesteading journey, doing most of the work myself, which is very interesting but will never conclude.
In 2008, while riding a motorcycle, I was hit by a deer and almost killed. After a very lengthy recovery, in 2009 I founded Off The Grid Energy Solutions and it's parent, Natural Power & Light, both of which are alternative energy companies.
In the late 1970's, and again in the mid-1980's, I applied for unemployment benefits and was rejected. Following the accident in 2008, everyone I know has advised me to apply for disability benefits, which I steadfastly refuse to do! As always, if I can't make it on my own, I simply will not make it.