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?
Oversized battery bank for extended autonomy
Passive
One of 2 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.
A battery bank sized well beyond the daily need, so it can carry the house through several days without sun or wind. It stores more energy instead of relying on a generator. There is nothing to burn and no noise, but the extra batteries cost more at the start.
Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.
Oversized battery bank for extended autonomy (This page) Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: High · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Regular · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want several days of autonomy with nothing to burn and no noise.
Backup generator Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Regular · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes Choose it if you want power on demand through long, dull spells.
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Limitations of this page
We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.