Ep 1. Solar-Powered Abode

Building Off the Grid is a captivating reality TV series that takes viewers on an exciting journey as they watch innovative builders leave behind the luxuries of modern life in order to create their own shelter. The show is back with a ninth season, and the first episode is entitled "Solar-Powered Abode."

In this episode, viewers will meet a couple, Beto and Emily, who have dreams of escaping the city and living off the grid. They want a quaint, eco-friendly home that is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Beto and Emily have found an ideal location in Southern Colorado, where they plan to build their solar-powered abode. The couple has little building experience but is determined to create a home that is functional, cost-effective, and that they will be proud of.

The couple has decided to create a 760 square foot home, powered solely by the sun. This decision was grounded in both their desire to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and the fact that Southern Colorado is blessed with ample sunshine. They have chosen to use solar panels to generate electricity and a sun-soaked greenhouse for heat. Emily and Beto's solar-powered house will be made entirely with natural materials, including straw bale walls and a compressed earth floor. They hope to not only create a home that is functional and environmentally sound, but also a beautiful space that blends with the surrounding wilderness.

The couple's dreams don't come without challenges. Living off the grid requires that they have a deep understanding of the land, and a willingness to be flexible, adaptable, and efficient. Emily and Beto must acquire all the necessary permits from the local authorities, which isn't always easy for off-the-grid homes. They also have to figure out how to source and process all their materials, arrange for water and waste disposal, and build everything without any power tools.

Viewers will witness the couple facing these obstacles head-on throughout the episode, working diligently to make their dream a reality. Beto and Emily learn to use a variety of natural building techniques, such as sculpting with compressed earth bricks and installing a solar hot water system. They also learn to use the land and surrounding resources to their advantage, such as using fallen trees from the nearby woods for flooring material.

As they work hard to build their solar-powered abode, Beto and Emily are continuously inspired by the natural beauty of their surroundings. The couple's designs take into account the dramatic seasonal changes of the area, and the breath-taking views of the snow capped mountains. They want their home to blend in with the surrounding landscape, with earthy tones and natural textures that mimic the surrounding wilderness.

By the end of the episode, viewers will see Beto and Emily's dream come to life. They've created a beautiful, eco-friendly home that they can call their own, and proudly off the grid. Their house perfectly reflects their philosophy of sustainability and minimalism. The beautiful house allows the couple to pursue their other passions, such as rock climbing and rafting, while living minimally and efficiently.

Building Off the Grid season 9 episode 1 is a captivating and inspiring story of a couple who follows their dreams and builds their dream house from scratch. The episode is full of jaw-dropping moments as the couple figure out how to build their home without any power, tools, or experience. This episode of Building Off the Grid is a must-watch for anyone interested in eco-friendly and off-the-grid living.