Choosing Renewable Energy
(Page 6 of 7)
April/May 2008
By John Gulland and Wendy Milne
We have three ways to heat our domestic hot water. In summer, we use solar collectors. In winter, we use a heat exchanger in our woodstove. And we have the backup oil-fired water heater, which gets used mostly in spring and fall when neither wood heat nor sunlight are sufficient. Both the solar and woodstove water heating systems were do-it-yourself projects. I found that designing and installing the solar water heating system was relatively straightforward. The woodstove system was far more complicated. I learned from a series of experiments conducted in our living room, involving four different collectors and just as many plumbing configurations. My advice for anyone contemplating a similar plan is to be prepared for the technical challenges, and be aware that most home insurance companies won’t provide coverage if the house contains a water heating system linked to a stove, fireplace or furnace.
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Altogether the array of components that make up our renewable energy system cost about as much as a luxury sport utility vehicle. Their installation and maintenance have also meant a lot of work, but they’ve provided a valuable education and enormous satisfaction. No mere vehicle purchase could compare.
Why We Love Renewables
We enjoy a greater degree of energy security than most people. The wood for heating and cooking is harvested from our own land. Our supply of electrical energy is reasonably stable, and it flows more predictably than grid electricity in our rural area. Energy security was an important goal for us and it feels good, every day.
We are also pleased to be able to share what we’ve learned about energy autonomy and environmental sustainability with others. Visitors to the house take an interest in the various technologies we use and admire our efforts. The aesthetics of wind turbines are irresistible, and we steal a glance at ours almost every time we walk between the house, garden and workshop.
Depending on wood, sun and wind for power connects our thinking and planning to weather patterns and the rhythm of the seasons and has bound us ever more closely to the land and to our local community. Despite the costs and various challenges, this has been a worthwhile journey of discovery, one we would recommend to other intrepid travelers.
How To Get Started
Explore Renewable Technologies
What’s the best type of renewable energy system for your home? Before you commit to one technology, take a look at your options and consider what best fits your needs.
Mother Earth News
Click on the page for Renewable Energy, or search specific renewable energy topics including photovoltaics, solar hot water, solar space heating, passive solar design, wind, microhydro and woodstoves.
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