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Combining geothermal, wind and solar power at a residence?
My husband I are hoping to build a home next year and would really like to make the home as independent from the grid as possible without completely breaking the bank. Our area has moderate geothermal power potential (though not as good as some other areas) and the property we're looking at buying probably has moderate wind potential (wind probably averages around 10 mph). It also has a southern-facing slope where we would probably build which could potentially utilize solar roofing panels, though our area averages 230 inches of snow per year which could be a problem (summers are VERY sunny with little rain, but winters are quite overcast). Would it be feasible to combine geothermal, wind, and/or solar power using smaller systems so that a windy but cloudy day would yield power as would a sunny day with no wind? Or would we be better off just focusing on one type of power and go gung ho with that one power source?
4 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Geothermal may give you the most consistent energy source - given the conditions you described. You could use solar as a backup .....what about passive solar heating and cooling? There's a good book called "The Passive Solar House" if you want to look into it more. Also, this webpage on planning your dream home might be helpful...http://www.building-your-green-home.com/dream-gree...
Also, if you consider building an ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) home, that alone will drastically cut your energy usage. Check out this page on ICF homes...http://www.building-your-green-home.com/insulated-...
You also might want to check out the page on the site on energy efficient home design.
Have fun planning that dream home! I think your ideas are great!
Hope this helps.
Source(s): http://www.building-your-green-home.com/ The Passive Solar House by James Kachedorian - Anonymous1 decade ago
Well if you have a good source of Geothermal heat you can tap into then you would never need to bother with Solar or Wind power generation.
- 1 decade ago
HAve you considered Earth shelter construction? A south facing slope may be ideal for just such a residence.