Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?

Generation

Making electricity, or taking it from the grid. What is available depends on the site: sun on a roof, wind in an open position, a stream with a fall. The options differ in what drives them, in how predictable the output is through the year, and in how much of the work a household can do itself.

Solutions

• Solar PV array: Solar panels on the roof or the ground that turn sunlight into electricity. The panels produce direct current, which can power suitable devices straight away or
• Small wind turbine: A small turbine on a mast that turns wind into electricity for the house. The blades spin a generator, and the power is used straight away or stored in batterie
• Micro-hydro turbine: A small water turbine placed in a stream or fed by a pipe from higher up. Flowing water spins the turbine, which drives a generator. It makes electricity day an
• Mains electricity: Electricity supplied by the public grid through a meter. Power stations far away produce it and cables bring it to the house. It is the most reliable supply in
• Pedal / hand-crank generator: A small generator driven by pedalling or turning a handle. Your muscles turn it and it charges a battery or powers a small device. It gives very little power, b
• Water motor for direct mechanical drive: A water wheel in a stream whose turning shaft drives a machine directly: a pump, a mill, a washing drum or a workshop tool. There is no conversion to electricit
• Electric motor (mains or battery driven): An ordinary electric motor, run from the mains or a battery, that turns a shaft to drive a machine. It is quiet, controllable, efficient and ready at the flick
• Small petrol or diesel engine (direct drive): A small petrol or diesel engine that drives a pump, a log splitter or a winch straight off its shaft. It does heavy work away from any wiring, and keeps running