The Problems: When discussing the topic of energy it is no secret that Utah is known for its coal production. As a result 95% of Utah's public energy is generated from the burning of Coal. Although coal-burning is an inexpensive way to generate power, it is the dirtiest. Utah is also known for its unique climate with some 243 average days of sunshine each year and temperatures that range from hot summers and frigid winters (Salt Lake City suburbs have average July highs 92˚ F, lows 64˚ F; average January highs 36˚ F, lows of 18˚ F; source: www.noaa.org).

Another problem is that energy available in rural Utah is relatively inexpensive which prompts most people to do the "easy" thing of simply hooking up to the utility companies for their electrical and natural gas needs without any thought to financing their own alternatives. This behavior perpetuates the problem we are trying to overcome. In the long-term we want clean alternative energies to become the inexpensive solution.

The Solution: Design a home that will produce its own electricity and heat. Some technologies to be considered include but are not limited to photovoltaic solar, solar thermal, berm insulation, passive solar, passive cooling, day lighting, and wind generator.