Ep#252 The Tech Stack Behind Living Off-Grid

What does "off the grid" actually mean — and is anyone ever truly disconnected? In this episode of the Jon Myer Podcast, JD, founder of CommandProm, breaks down what life is really like living off-grid on unzoned land in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.JD walks through how a school-bus RV "snowbirding" habit turned into a permanent, mortgage-free life off-grid: buying raw land on a whim, converting a one-room cabin into a full living space, and building a solar power system from scratch — all without giving up modern tech like Starlink internet, an Xbox, a 4K TV, or even AC.🚌 Off-grid didn't happen overnight — it started with weekend school-bus trips that grew into a full move. ⚡ Watts, not voltage, are what actually matter when sizing a solar system. 💰 Grid power quoted at $40K — solar ended up cheaper and more capable. 🔋 40,000 watts of battery storage covers overnight use, even in winter. 📡 Starlink + incoming fiber prove off-grid doesn't mean offline. 🛒 The real tradeoff is convenience — grocery runs are a half-day trip, not a quick errand. 🪓 Don't romanticize it — off-grid living is real work, so check local zoning first.YouTube Timeline (Chapters)00:00 – Introduction: What does "off the grid" really mean?00:35 – Where JD lives now: remote Montana, 5 miles from the mailbox01:44 – How it started: snowbirding in a converted school bus03:04 – Finding the land on Zillow and buying it on a whim07:34 – Life without indoor plumbing: outdoor bathroom & shower in Montana winters08:38 – Electricity reality check: $40,000 grid quote vs. DIY solar10:44 – Understanding watts: sizing a solar system that runs AC, dryer, and well pump13:49 – Battery bank capacity and surviving a week with zero sun17:11 – Staying connected: Starlink, incoming fiber, and remote work23:13 – JD's advice for anyone considering going off-grid