1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

the Off-grid FuturHaus: PassivHaus + EV + PV

Discussion in 'Environmental Discussion' started by SageBrush, Sep 17, 2014.

  1. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    11,627
    2,530
    8
    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Now that US and German orgs are fighting over the right to use the 'PassivHaus' name, it seems time to pick another while incorporating ideas for off-grid siting. This really comes down to my desire to build my own house with the following attributes:
    1. Set in nature, at least a couple minute walk to my neighbors
    2. Green
    3. No utility hook-ups, no fossil fuel use except in emergency.
    4. Aesthetic PV; battery or hydrogen FC for storage
    5. Clean EV
    My basic premise, that remains unproven, is that the savings that accrue from not requiring centralized utility infrastructure, hook-up, and service will more than offset the costs to build a self-sustainable, reliable, and comfortable green home and transport.

    Opinions ?
     
    #1 SageBrush, Sep 17, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2014
  2. MJFrog

    MJFrog Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2009
    780
    266
    0
    Location:
    NE Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2018 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    N/A
    While it may be possible to accomplish this on an individual basis, I don't believe it would be possible, practical, or desirable for everyone. Just as there's no one-size-fits-all vehicle, I don't think there's a particular house or style of house that is for everyone either.
     
    #2 MJFrog, Sep 18, 2014
  3. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    11,627
    2,530
    8
    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Central utilities can theoretically be green and cost competitive. Dense urban cities come to mind as the obvious place(s).

    I am not interested in living in a city. Or in a town. Or in a suburb.
     
    #3 SageBrush, Sep 18, 2014
  4. Zythryn

    Zythryn Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2008
    6,167
    4,161
    1
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    Model:
    N/A
    PassiveHaus is not necessarily off grid, and going off grid does not require PassiveHaus.

    What altitude are you at? I suspect SW Colorado is a very good local for going off grid.
    As long as you are still using gas, or driving very little, a PHEV or hybrid will work fine. If you switch to EV and drive very much, you will need a lot of power production.
     
    #4 Zythryn, Sep 18, 2014
  5. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    11,627
    2,530
    8
    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Right, that is why it is a FuturHaus: PassivHaus + PV + EV ;)

    6000 ft

    My longest drive is 90 miles. Figuring 30% hit in winter I need a nominal 120 mile range to cover transport. For the rare occasions I go further afield I'll take public transport or rent a gasser in town. We drive up to 300 miles in a week, so up to 100 kWh a week or 14 kwh a day production to meet peak demands. Our non PassivHaus in this region consumes 7 kWh a day, so PV sizing would be for 20 kWh a day production during the least productive season.

    The PV sizing is easy. The overall integration and cost is less obvious to me. You make a very good point though: a 20 - 40 EV range PHEV with generator back-up for the house may be a smarter choice and appeals to my green but practical nature. I'm OK with a couple percent fossil fuel use.
     
    #5 SageBrush, Sep 18, 2014
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)