Before you invest a lot of money in wind power as an alternative source of energy for your property, make sure it is going to work for your lifestyle.
Our wind generator system has not met expectations. It has been broken more than it has worked and is very expensive to repair. Wind testing your site is an important first step. We did not do that originally, and now we must before re-engineering the generator. Know that when one small part breaks the unit doesn’t work at all.
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There are low-tech solutions that can provide multiple benefits and continue to produce, no matter the situation. Our off grid approaches include a passive solar sunroom, masonry heater, wood fired brick oven, outdoor shower, solar chicken coop, solar powered electric fencer, solar powered water pump, and compost toilet. These have exceeded our expectations, and we have found that our lives are intertwined with these items because we use them every day. These energy saving solutions use very old technology or, in the case of our solar powered water pump, off-the-shelf technology that is easy to use and repair.
And don’t overlook the energy savings in growing your own firewood, growing your own rot-resistant posts and beams, growing trees and vines to cool your home, producing your own rustic furniture from branch trimmings, and raising perennial fruits and vegetables. These things can dramatically cut down on energy used elsewhere to produce and transport these products, and add other benefits that fit your lifestyle. |
