A CNET Exclusive 7-Part Series

Life changed for most of us during the pandemic. It changed a lot for Eric Mack and his family, as they moved off the grid in the high desert of New Mexico.

Each story shares a first-hand account from Eric Mack who shares what he learned about generating electricity through solar panels, collecting water, dealing with plumbing, freeing yourself from your utilities and what it all costs.

It's a personal story of independence, creativity and responsibility and has something to teach us, even those of us who only dream of leaving the grid behind.