[dogf]

Question I guess for those in the industry or in the know...

When will I be able to build a house where the technology of alternative/sustainable energy be as cheap or cheaper than being hooked to the grid?

I live about an hour's drive north of Toronto and it seems there are very few companies with any knowledge of geothermal/solar etc. I plan on building again in about 3 years when the prices should be well into crash mode. Plans are to hopefully buy some acreage and while building, get the trees planted, install the fencing, find some rusted out cars for the visable area of the entrance then start to build. But If I am going to be on well/septic, I might as well go all the way and not even bring the grid in. But I am told geothermal starts around 30K (twice what a normal HVAC would cost) and I have no idea what a proper windmill/storage system would cost.
Anyone have any experience in starting fresh instead of replacing conventional systems?

[nwildmand]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('dogf', '
')When will I be able to build a house where the technology of alternative/sustainable energy be as cheap or cheaper than being hooked to the grid?

[napoleon]

How about goverment grants helping out improving your current home?

[rogerhb]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('napoleon', 'H')ow about goverment grants helping out improving your current home?

[dogf]

If there are grants available, it's a well kept secret.
My perception is that here in Canada, we are very behind in this technology at a personal level. Yes we have the usual anouncments of windmill farms etc., but there is nothing designed for the home other than the big box store selling a 15 watt PV panel for $215.00

[gnm]

What I don't get is why people have no problem spending an extra 10k on a kitchen upgrade but they all piss and moan about solar being too expensive why doesn't the government subidize me etc.... I see it all the time... A 300k house refi to pull out 30k for a new deck, bathroom etc but not one damn cent towards self sufficency. I think the simple answer as to why is because they don't have to...

-G

[Dreamtwister]

Remember, Canada is basically America-lite. Off-grid homes run counter to the ideals of perpetual consumerism, and are actively discouraged. The reason you can't find any competitive alternatives to Hydro-1 is because there are none. You can pick up a decent 400 watt windmill for around a grand, but then you need an inverter and storage batteries, all of which cost money. Plus, you need really good wind supply. If you are looking an hour north of Toronto, you might want to consider somewhere around Orangeville. There's already a wind farm up there, so you can bet the geology is well suited.

You can try giving a call to a company called Green Breeze Inc. They are at 191 The West Mall in Toronto and thier phone number is (416) 622-7007. I don't actually know anything about them, I just found them in the Yellow Pages. Apparently, they do consulting. Unfortunately, they have no website that I could find. You can also contact Windshare at (416) 977-5093. They are the co-op who owns the the turbine down at Exhibition Place. They are at 401 Richmond St, right downtown. You might also want to stop by http://www.canwea.ca/. That's the Canadian Wind Energy Association.

Oddly enough, there are several more options for solar than wind in Canada. Figure that one out.

As for septic systems, you may want to consider a tree bog instead. If built properly and not overloaded, they are self-sustaining and never need emptying. Just make sure there's no seepage into the ground water.

Edit: Keep an eye out at Home Depot. My father in law picked up a pack of 8 15W flourescent lamps for $20 a couple of weeks ago. That's FAR cheaper than the coupons Hydro-1 sent out.

[sciencegirl]

Why not build a straw bale house. It is cheaper to build than a conventional house. It would reduce heating costs from 50 to 80%, then you just need a wood stove for emergancies (like when it is minus 40). $3000 worth of solar panels would give you light.
A solar stove could replace you regular stover. Their are a million things you can do.