Lesson: Off the Grid

Contributed by: Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of

Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

Keywords: 

dam,  efficiency,  efficient,  electricity,  energy,  energy efficiency,  energy resources,  grid,  home,  house,  housing, hydroelectric energy,  power,  power grid,  renewable energy,  solar energy,  wind energy,  wind turbine,  water power,  work

Learning Objectives 

Define renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Describe some advantages and disadvantages to using renewable energy sources to power a home.

Explain what it means for a house to be "off the grid."

Introduction

From where do most homes and businesses get their power?

How does a power plant generate most of that power?

Are there any other ways in which power can be generated?

Introduction

What is the difference between renewable energy sources and non-renewable energy sources?

Renewable Energy 13%

Solar

Hydro

Wind

Geothermal

Tidal

Biomass Fuel (Wood, Peat, Manure,..)

Non-Renewable Energy 87%

Coal

Oil

Natural Gas

Propane

Nuclear

Pros of Renewable Energy

Less Polution

Less Greenhouse Gases

Endless

Cons of Renewable Energy

Unreliable (Sun doesn’t shine, wind doesn’t blow…)

Expensive

Unsightly

Solar Power

Minimal environmental impact.

Sunlight is inconsistent

Southwest best location

Wind Power

Produces No Pollution

Older Design turbines killed birds

New designs are large and move slow.

Hydro

Dams must be built.

Efficient and water is endless due to the water cycle.

Biomass/Biofuels

Wood

Ethanol (corn)

Methanol (bacterial decomposition)

Peat (bogs)

Manure (burned)