R&C Solar/Wind Powered Home 

Introduction

This web site describes all the fun my wife and I have had building a sun and wind-powered off-grid home on remote property. Before embarking on this adventure, we found it helpful to read the stories of others, so we wanted to return the favor. We still remember what a strange concept this project seemed early on. It took a while to get past that part, perhaps it will be a little easier for those who read about our experience. The purpose of the site is to give you a feel for planning, building, and living in this home. We hope that some readers will find that useful. 

The site consists of about 20 pages, includes many links (several very comprehensive renewable energy sites among them), and some photos where appropriate (click on the thumbnail photos to see a larger version, and then use your browser's back button to return). There’s a little advice, straight talk, and editorializing mixed in. The information is detailed enough for those new to the topic, and it's arranged roughly in the order of construction. The comments aren't limited to home power systems, some of them are about rural living in general.

The links at the top are for sections, some of which have multiple pages. The links at the bottom will advance you to the next page. If you have comments, you can reach us at wmbjk@REMOVEcitlink.net (Remove the "REMOVE" part)

Initial Planning

Concept

We had a nice house in a semi-rural area, but we wanted more space and more privacy, at a location where the influence of future development would be minimized. We also hoped to have enough room for a small airstrip, and to come out with some cash in hand after the sale of our existing property. A modern home power system would make it possible to live on low-cost land previously considered too expensive to develop. By designing and building the new house ourselves we could get exactly what we wanted and keep the costs down. 

Next:  More initial planning