 |
LIVING SUSTAINABLY
On this page I list all the things that we do to live
sustainably from owning 2 hybrid vehicles to simple no-cost
things like composting and turning down the water heater.
By modeling the world we want to see maybe others
will join us in living lightly on the planet without
compromising a comfortable lifestyle. |
 |
SOLAR POWER
SYSTEM
Blog that documents the process of financing, designing,
purchasing and installing a
3.6kW solar power system myself in the summer of 2009. The system consists of 21 175 Watt solar panels
with Enphase M190 inverters behind each panel that convert solar
power directly to 240 Volts AC. By installing it myself, I
saved about $9000. |

SOLAR HEATING FOR MY WORKSHOP
In 2001 I designed and built a solar augmented heating system for the
radiant floor in my workshop. The backup is propane, and I
later added a wood stove to reduce the propane consumption.
This blog documents the initial construction and the continuing
improvements and lessons learned. |
|
 |
HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATION SYSTEM IN
MY WORKSHOP
In October 2008 I installed a heat recovery ventilator in my
workshop because the building is so well sealed in the winter
that I was concerned about indoor air quality. This
inexpensive system replaces the air and recovers 86% of the heat
as it exits the building. |
 |
SOLAR DOMESTIC WATER
In July 2006 I installed a solar domestic water heating system
with the help of my friends.
This blog documents the installation of a solar system that was
purchased as a complete off-the-shelf kit, although I made a few
modifications. |
 |
SOLAR LAWN MOWER
In July 2005 I converted a gas lawn mower by replacing the
engine with a 12 Volt electric motor run from a battery that
charges from solar electric panels on my shed roof.
In my blog I have detailed every step of the process so that
others can build their own. |
 |
THERMAL WINDOWS
In 2008 I came up with a design for an interior thermal storm
window that can be made easily and inexpensively. If
placed in all the windows of a home these simple frames of
double pane shrink film can save hundreds of dollars in heating
bills in colder climates.
Complete instructions with detailed pictures show you how to
build these simple energy savers. |