Is it possible with today;s technology to build a completely self reliant home free from utility bills?

Question

I am looking for Solar, biological and regenerative aspects of building an economical house. I want to be independent of any major utilities since the place I plan to build is remote.

Answer 1

its very possible, some of the hippies around here have built houses way off in the woods so they can grow their dope in peace.

the thing is, most folks dont want to do without the modern convinces.

do u want to cut wood to heat with?
do u want to have gas, or kerosene light?
can you live w/o air conditioning?
can you live with a very small water allotment?
can u deal with a propane or kerosene fridge


basically, think of it like this,
can you live in a big camper for the rest of your life?

Answer 2

I agree with Porterhouse.

Your success with this venture will depend on how much solar and wind energy you are able to harvest in your area. Once you've established an independent source of electricity, a well pump, ground-water heat pump for heat and cooling and lights can be powered.

There is a secluded settlement in my county which is too far from the power lines to hook up. The expense of running the lines to their property was more than the cost of the electricty generating windmill they installed on a hilltop near the main residence building. On the days it is windy enough to generate power, they save enough power in batteries to run the complex on calm days.

Of course, you will want to build 6" walls, insulate thoroughly, use the newest window technology, and consider alternative methods of heating water besides propane (electricity from your windmill or solar panels or direct heating in black barrels).

Some states provide energy tax credits for using certain technologies. Others require power companies to buy back power from self-generating homeowners (Michigan and California, for example).

Household waste such as paper, glass, cans, and yard waste can be recycled to some extent. My relatives live on a farm, and between composting kitchen waste and taking recyclables to processing centers, they have no need to pay for trash removal. If you cannot compost, an in-sink waste disposal machine can process most food scraps into a slurry that flushes down into a septic system.

You can use a satellite dish system for telephone and internet access or avoid a phone bill entirely by using a computer based telephony system like Skype.

Good luck! Sounds like a lot of fun planning it and getting all the details worked out. You can check with Rodale Publishing and Organic Gardening magazine. They're a great resource for self-sufficient living ideas, and have been working on the issue for years.

Answer 3

I would venture a guess and say that yes, with today's technology, you can do that. The real key is going to be the enormous initial expense building the house, utility systems and transporting your building materials to the site. After a few years of use, the utilities will pay for themselves and the ecological footprint will be immediately beneficial. Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 4

Not only possible but quite easy. all you need is a wind generator. they are the rage now you know. add a few solar panels and you're good to go. If you're willing to go back to the basics you can go really cheap. Pump your own water, heat with wood, and hav gas lights. I"ve seen remote cabins that are very nice.

Answer 5

Of course it is, it's quite easy. The only question is how deep are your pockets for the initial investment.