I built two completely off grid homes. A straw bale in Cali, and the second is in Montana which im still working on. The straw bale was built in the footprint of an old ranch house under the radar to avoid any unwanted fees. The house im building now is in an area that only requires permits for the well, septic, and the wiring. The straw bale house I wired AC to all outlets, while the lighting was 12volt. Current house im wiring completely typical, with the exception of the solar, wind of course. Cool thing about much of the available off grid stuff they have now is that no changes in modern design features are needed. ill be the first to admit that its fun to imagine all sorts of crazy gadgets into a dream house, but like other have pointed out already its wise to stay within familiar ground. Check with local codes, talk with your planning dept, and check out what other off grid neighbor's might be doing.