Self sufficiency
Discussion
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Interesting reading. So lets say that like me, you live in a typical brick-built house (terraced in my case) of reasonable size, with an average size garden(s). You're sick of paying the price of gas and electricity, and maybe even your water.
So how do you become completely self-sufficient? Obviously cutting down on wasted energy use is the first step, but what measures would get you to the stage where you only needed energy from the grid in an emergency?
Interesting reading. So lets say that like me, you live in a typical brick-built house (terraced in my case) of reasonable size, with an average size garden(s). You're sick of paying the price of gas and electricity, and maybe even your water.
So how do you become completely self-sufficient? Obviously cutting down on wasted energy use is the first step, but what measures would get you to the stage where you only needed energy from the grid in an emergency?
Buy a massive great diesel generator 
you'll be popular with your neighbours!
I went to an old farmhouse in Northumberland once that generated nearly all it's energy from free sources. They had a few solar panels, wind thingies, and I think a turbine in a nearby stream. The impressive thing though was that they had a few huge batteries, so that they stored all the energy created and still had electricity when there was no wind or sun. They also had a diesel generator for when all else failed, as they weren't on the grid, but he reckoned they hadn't used it for over a year.
I believe they also heated some hot water from the sun. Not to hot tap temperature but to reduce the amount of work the boiler had to do. Lots of little things like this saved them energy. They also heated the house with a heat pump, which if you have the space and the inclination to put one in is a good source of heat.
All that said, a sneaky wire coming off a street lamp would save a lot of money and trouble.
you'll be popular with your neighbours!I went to an old farmhouse in Northumberland once that generated nearly all it's energy from free sources. They had a few solar panels, wind thingies, and I think a turbine in a nearby stream. The impressive thing though was that they had a few huge batteries, so that they stored all the energy created and still had electricity when there was no wind or sun. They also had a diesel generator for when all else failed, as they weren't on the grid, but he reckoned they hadn't used it for over a year.
I believe they also heated some hot water from the sun. Not to hot tap temperature but to reduce the amount of work the boiler had to do. Lots of little things like this saved them energy. They also heated the house with a heat pump, which if you have the space and the inclination to put one in is a good source of heat.
All that said, a sneaky wire coming off a street lamp would save a lot of money and trouble.
AJS- said:
Buy a massive great diesel generator you'll be popular with your neighbours!
I went to an old farmhouse in Northumberland once that generated nearly all it's energy from free sources. They had a few solar panels, wind thingies, and I think a turbine in a nearby stream. The impressive thing though was that they had a few huge batteries, so that they stored all the energy created and still had electricity when there was no wind or sun. They also had a diesel generator for when all else failed, as they weren't on the grid, but he reckoned they hadn't used it for over a year.
I believe they also heated some hot water from the sun. Not to hot tap temperature but to reduce the amount of work the boiler had to do. Lots of little things like this saved them energy. They also heated the house with a heat pump, which if you have the space and the inclination to put one in is a good source of heat.
All that said, a sneaky wire coming off a street lamp would save a lot of money and trouble.
In that situation you've no choice but to use alternative methods though. All the things you mention above must have cost an arm and leg. you'll be popular with your neighbours!I went to an old farmhouse in Northumberland once that generated nearly all it's energy from free sources. They had a few solar panels, wind thingies, and I think a turbine in a nearby stream. The impressive thing though was that they had a few huge batteries, so that they stored all the energy created and still had electricity when there was no wind or sun. They also had a diesel generator for when all else failed, as they weren't on the grid, but he reckoned they hadn't used it for over a year.
I believe they also heated some hot water from the sun. Not to hot tap temperature but to reduce the amount of work the boiler had to do. Lots of little things like this saved them energy. They also heated the house with a heat pump, which if you have the space and the inclination to put one in is a good source of heat.
All that said, a sneaky wire coming off a street lamp would save a lot of money and trouble.
Parrot of Doom said:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Interesting reading. So lets say that like me, you live in a typical brick-built house (terraced in my case) of reasonable size, with an average size garden(s). You're sick of paying the price of gas and electricity, and maybe even your water.
So how do you become completely self-sufficient? Obviously cutting down on wasted energy use is the first step, but what measures would get you to the stage where you only needed energy from the grid in an emergency?
From a cost perspective on such a small place I cannot see it viable. You'd need a water collection & purifaction system, electricity generator (Honda IIRC were working on a Dishwasher sized nuclear powered system which you could put power back into the grid - this would in effect wind back your meter readings.Interesting reading. So lets say that like me, you live in a typical brick-built house (terraced in my case) of reasonable size, with an average size garden(s). You're sick of paying the price of gas and electricity, and maybe even your water.
So how do you become completely self-sufficient? Obviously cutting down on wasted energy use is the first step, but what measures would get you to the stage where you only needed energy from the grid in an emergency?
The thing is though you would possible need the entire street/close/postcode area to all be in on it for it to be really viable as the start up costs are so large and payback time so long its highly restrictive + you may not get planning ....
In reading a business park - behind the Majeski Stadium has a 300ft Windmill - huge you can see it for miles, personally I like the look as its very flat here that is supposed to power the entire business park. BUT its not windy or windy enough to allow that & if its too windy it has to be stopped.
If your talking about growing Veg. firstly you will need a green house & you will need all your lawn dug up and ready for seeding. This is hard work and clearly would mean you have no usable outdoor space - might not be an issue. On the plus side no need for any additional exercise on the downside if you go away someone will need to be round every evening during the summer to water your garden if not forget about it they will perish.
My parents have a huge garden with loads of strawberry plants - thing is for about 3 years we went on Family holidays at slightly differing times but within school hols, it turned out that while away they all turned ripe but when we got home all rotten/dregs left.
You need to fertalize - or find a farmer/stables and then take it back for the garden. Downside you have a terrace so the s
t will be taken through the houser - other downside you will need to hire or buy a trailer not ideal for a terrace house.Best bet I'd say food wise is a local allotment - many others up there and you look after each others so watering & getting manure is communal/easier.
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