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, housi ng, 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)