You are also going to need a refrigerator. We also use 12 volts DC to run well pumps, cattle watering tanks and small irrigated garden plots. The fan can be powered by 12 volts DC or 120 volts AC. You may want to tie in a very small fan coil through which you can circulate warm water if extra heat back up is needed for your space. You will also need hot water for bathing, cleaning, and heating. I think they are simplest to install, easier to inspect, and save a great deal of labor when finishing the interior. I have been considering using surface mounted wiring systems. The least expensive is what we call the modified sine wave, and certain equipment will not run properly on the modified sine wave units Then we have the more expensive full sine wave inverter, and all equipment runs perfect on it. There are two types of inverters on the market. Inverters do waste some power, as much as ten percent, but the 120 volt AC output is very convenient. For example, convert 12 volts DC to 120 Volts AC. An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current into alternating current. Always remember that if you are off the power grid, and want to use 120 volts AC you will need an Inverter. Solar electric systems only get expensive when you start adding on high power (wattage) consumption appliances. These new lighting systems do not require a large number of solar modules. We are also currently experimenting with a three volt very low power lighting system. These systems when powered by solar are now very simple and inexpensive. These can be done with either low voltage 12 volt direct current, or in the higher voltage 120 volts alternating current. The systems that you will need to consider include a LED, or a CFL lighting system. The underground home systems will be less expensive though because less energy is required, so therefore less energy has to be collected. Today I want to discuss the systems that are common to all homes above, or below ground. I like the idea of using used shipping containers myself. As far as basic construction goes, the link above should get you started in the right direction. Most of the actual building, and sealing of the “box” is just plain old common sense if you follow the insulating and sealing instructions on the foundation plans so that the water does not leak in. The saving in concrete alone is considerable. And there is plenty more where that came from. Here is some construction information from the Internet. Today I would like to discuss some construction methods, and systems for inexpensive underground homes. You can plant a vegetable garden on the roof, and by the way, the vegetables will grow faster from the heat below the ground warming the roots. It’s much better if you can have either a light well, or dig into a hillside and have a south facing glass wall which can also serve as a solar wall. We are not suggesting anyone carve out a cave, but underground living can be very economical. Starting with crude carved out cave like homes they now have elaborate underground residences. The Opal miners of Australia have been living underground for years. Plus, you can always step outside to enjoy the view and contemplate the thousands of dollars that you are saving. One of the main differences is that the underground home design will certainly use far less energy, and it will be far less expensive to build if designed properly. If you miss the view of an above ground home, assuming there is a view to begin with, I suggest a TV wired to a web cam with a 360 degree sweep. Now an underground home can be as simple as a pure survival model such as burying an old van, school bus, truck body or shipping container in the side of a hill or a hole in the ground with a combination stair well – light well, or it can be a well designed, and insulated modern home complete with all the necessary systems as a totally modern above ground home. Starting from an average underground base temperature of 55° F it’s an easy jump to hold a small underground home to a temperature range of 65° to 75° Fahrenheit. We have already established in a previous article for the tiny house blog that by building a home underground there are huge advantages when it comes to heating, and cooling.
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