@simon5653: Are you still in the concept stages of your project? The answers to some of your questions are in my new ebook: The Truth About Simple Unhooked Living. I’m not just trying to get you to buy the book. I can tell by what you wrote and the responses that you need this for your preliminary research.
Two of the basics needed are: the LIBERTY to live a simple low impact life close to earth, and easy access to water. The first cannot be taken for granted. Also, I would say that you should consult with modern day veterans of simple off grid living, not necessarily with “established organizations that sell the stuff.” I lived w/o either conventional power or water for 14 yrs and I can say that I didn’t have most of the stuff advertised on those websites. Business is business and survival is survival and the two don’t necessarily meet.
