Carole wrote:
>I'm trying to get off this downward spiral by building a small passive
>solar straw bale house with PV integrated into the south side's roofing
>material and by raising much of our food and some of our backup fuel in a
>permaculture type garden which I will maintain with human-powered tools.
That sounds like a great step. It should fit in most
neighboorhoods and be comfortable to live with. If you use
the PV shingles then the cost is a little high but there are
other options. I've often thought the standard PV pannels
could be used to form the roof but don't know of anyone who
has done this. A few people have talked about combining PV
technology with water heating. This would create a roofing
material that serves three functions:
1. shelter the house
2. provide electricity
3. heat the house and provide hot water
This is still fantasy but well within grasp of current technology.
The big problems have to do with develping markets and driving
the cost down by volume manufacturing. Theoritically, it would
create a very efficient house that is much less expensive than
todays housing.
Anyway, a lot is possible with urban housing and it gives me
a boost to know that someone is doing it.
jeff
