Here comes the sun for my little darling hideaway

OFF-GRID The system was installed just as the tin roof of my cabin was being finished. When construction wrapped up, my little mountain retreat was fully electrified, powered by the sun. —Contributed photos

BATANGAS, Philippines — In 2020, COVID-19 turned our lives upside down. For me, the months of isolation in a shoebox condo in bustling Manila sparked a deep yearning for something entirely different: wide-open spaces, lush greenery, and tranquility.

The dream took shape when I decided to search for a place where I could escape, breathe, and reconnect with nature. Within two hours’ drive from the city, my quest led me to the foot of Mt. Talamitam in Nasugbu, Batangas.

It was love at first sight. Amid rolling hills and serene remoteness, the property called out to me.

By September, my birth month, the deal was done. I had found my slice of paradise. It was untouched, unspoiled, and, most notably, off the grid—no electricity, no water lines, no internet.

For some, that might sound like a deal-breaker. For me, it was the allure.

The vision for my cabin was something straight out of my childhood sketches: a small house on stilts with mountains in the background, a shining sun, and birds soaring through the sky.

Construction began in February 2021, and the challenges of off-grid living soon became apparent. Without electricity, even building the house posed hurdles. But the real test would come with living in it.

Determined to bring my cabin to life, I explored solar energy solutions. To my surprise, there were plenty of options—installers ranging from big-name companies to small-scale operators. I whittled down my choices, prioritizing recommendations for reliable after-sales support. Trust was crucial, as I would depend entirely on this system for power.

I eventually settled on a 2.75-kilowatt solar system equipped with lithium batteries. The setup cost around P250,000, including a battery upgrade after six months to increase storage capacity. That upgrade proved invaluable, especially during cloudy days when sunlight was scarce.

Having the right battery—often the weakest link in an off-grid solar setup—meant fewer disruptions to my newfound off-grid lifestyle.

Different electricity

The system was installed just as the tin roof of my cabin was being finished. When construction wrapped up, my little mountain retreat was fully electrified, powered by the sun.

Using solar power felt ordinary in many ways—electricity is electricity, after all. But two things made the experience extraordinary. First was the sheer satisfaction of knowing my energy came from a clean, renewable source. I wasn’t just enjoying the comforts of modern living; I was doing so in harmony with the environment.

Second, living off-grid changed how I thought about energy. In Manila, I used electricity mindlessly, flipping switches without a second thought. In the cabin, every watt counted. I found myself asking: “Is the ceiling fan on for no reason? Do I need this light?”

This newfound mindfulness was empowering. It made me feel more connected to my surroundings and more appreciative of the energy I consumed.

There’s no denying the perks of free electricity. My solar-powered system runs my water pump, lights up my farm, powers fans during scorching summer days, and keeps my fridge running—a true lifesaver.

But off-grid solar living isn’t without challenges. During prolonged cloudy or rainy stretches, the batteries sometimes fall short, and I face the occasional brownout. Still, these moments are a small price to pay for the freedom and sustainability I’ve gained.

Peace in simplicity

Looking back, I’m amazed at how much this journey has reshaped me. Every weekend, when I trade the confines of my Manila condo for my solar-powered mountain sanctuary, I swap convenience for mindfulness and routine for a refreshing sense of purpose.

As I sit on the lanai, sipping coffee brewed by sunlight, I can’t help but laugh at how far I’ve come from my city-dwelling habits. Who knew that chasing an off-grid lifestyle would bring so much joy—and turn me into an energy-conscious enthusiast?

Even the occasional cloudy-day hiccup feels like part of the adventure, a gentle reminder of the rhythms of nature. It’s not just my cabin that runs on solar; this entire experience has illuminated for me a way of living that’s simpler, more intentional, and undeniably brighter.

Chris Lagman is a multifaceted professional and a passionate advocate for sustainability, personal empowerment, and the LGBTQ+ community. By day, he serves as an HR leader for a global finance institution, championing people-centric and data-driven approaches to organizational growth. He is also a certified life coach, energy healer, and a steadfast supporter of marginalized communities, dedicating his time to initiatives that foster inclusivity, community development, and holistic well-being.