Week 4 - Energy

Energy systems in a Permaculture design are small scale and decentralized, using renewable sources. The video below gives a very brief glance at types of renewable energy systems commonly employed, and the links below provide further avenues for exploration and study.

Energy

The production of energy is one of the more destructive activities of human civilization, between coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil, oil shale and tar sands. The first step is to reduce consumption of energy to reasonable levels that recognize the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy sources. After conservation, sourcing renewable energy sources is the way to go. The video below is a brief overview of the most commonly used renewable energy sources that we find in Permaculture systems.

Intro to Permaculture Energy Systems Permaculture Video Transcript Download Intro to Permaculture Energy Systems Permaculture Video Transcript

Additional Resources:

Please browse the links below that provide more information about the major renewable energy types highlighted in the video. Think about what renewable energy source is most feasible in your location, and pay special attention to that section of links.

Energy and Permaculture By David Holmgren Links to an external site.

Overview of Alternative Energy Sources Links to an external site.

Energy Cycling Links to an external site.

Combining Natural Building for Energy Efficiency by Catherine Wanek Links to an external site.

Sun

Retrofitting for Passive Solar Links to an external site.

10 Stages to a Passive Solar Building from Design to Build Links to an external site.

How to Build a Simple Solar Water Heater by Dan Dorsey Links to an external site.

How to Build a Simple Solar Oven by Dan Dorsey Links to an external site.

Permaculture Association: Solar Hot Water Links to an external site.

DIY Off Grid Solar System Links to an external site.

Wind