About Marcus Reid

I’m Marcus Reid, the founder and editor of OffGridSage. I started this site because the information you need to live more independently — how to size a solar system, store water safely, preserve a harvest or put together a real emergency kit — is scattered across forums, manufacturer manuals, government publications and decades-old books. OffGridSage brings it together in clear, practical guides written for ordinary people on ordinary budgets.

What OffGridSage covers

• Solar & energy — system sizing, batteries, wiring basics, backup power and alternatives to solar.
• Water — rainwater collection, filtration, testing and long-term storage.
• Food & garden — growing, seed saving, root cellars and preserving food without electricity.
• Preparedness — emergency kits, first aid, heating and communication when the grid goes down.
• Gear guides — comparisons of equipment based on published specifications, warranties and owner feedback.

How I research and write

I want to be clear about where the information on this site comes from. Guides are built from:

• Primary and official sources — the U.S. Department of Energy and NREL, the EPA and CDC for water safety, the USDA and university cooperative extension services for food and gardening, and the National Electrical Code for wiring guidance.
• Manufacturer documentation — specification sheets, installation manuals and warranty terms.
• Real-world owner experience — long-term owner reviews and reader feedback.

Gear guides compare products on their published specifications, price and reputation. Unless an article explicitly says otherwise, they are not the result of laboratory testing. For electrical, gas and structural work, always follow local codes and use a licensed professional where required.

Corrections and updates

Prices, products and regulations change. I review guides regularly and update them when information changes. If you spot an error or have hands-on experience that would improve a guide, please get in touch — I read every message, and corrections are made quickly.

How the site is funded

OffGridSage is free to read. It is supported by display advertising and by affiliate links (for example, Amazon Associates): if you buy through a link, the site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never decides which products are recommended. See the affiliate disclosure and editorial policy for details.