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The Hewitt family uses around 2.75 kilowatt-hours of electricity each day — less than 10 percent of the U.S. average. All of their power derives from the system shown here.

If you're worried about dependence on fossil fuels, the RuralZed timber-frame kit house can make you self-sufficient. The house's energy-conserving features include south-facing windowed walls, a solar-thermal water heating system, natural ventilation that exploits air pressure differentials, heat-absorbent cement or masonry walls and floors, and an airtight polymer membrane that seals seams and joints. Thanks to the resulting savings, the house's energy requirements can be met by roof-mounted solar panels and specially designed wind turbines that rotate around a vertical axis.

This blog describes the building of an off grid passive solar monolithic dome. After the building of the dome is finished, I will write about living off the grid, wind and solar power, energy efficiency, sustainable living and growing organic food. Start at the bottom for the chronological story.

What does a off-grid energy system look like for a beach side cabin in the Caribbean?

Imagine using only the energy from the sun to power your home. You would never have to pay an electric bill again and or be impacted by power outages.  It may sound great, but there are numerous advantages to having a solar home that is on-the-grid when available.

While grid connected homes have been given a 30% tax rebate on all new solar installations in the recent Bailout Bill, off-grid homes receive nothing. What’s more there is no cap on the size of the solar installation so wealthy grid-tied homeowners will receive the biggest subsidy.