Now that US and German orgs are fighting over the right to use the 'PassivHaus' name, it seems time to pick another while incorporating ideas for off-grid siting. This really comes down to my desire to build my own house with the following attributes: Set in nature, at least a couple minute walk to my neighbors Green No utility hook-ups, no fossil fuel use except in emergency. Aesthetic PV; battery or hydrogen FC for storage Clean EV My basic premise, that remains unproven, is that the savings that accrue from not requiring centralized utility infrastructure, hook-up, and service will more than offset the costs to build a self-sustainable, reliable, and comfortable green home and transport. Opinions ?
While it may be possible to accomplish this on an individual basis, I don't believe it would be possible, practical, or desirable for everyone. Just as there's no one-size-fits-all vehicle, I don't think there's a particular house or style of house that is for everyone either.
Central utilities can theoretically be green and cost competitive. Dense urban cities come to mind as the obvious place(s). I am not interested in living in a city. Or in a town. Or in a suburb.
PassiveHaus is not necessarily off grid, and going off grid does not require PassiveHaus. What altitude are you at? I suspect SW Colorado is a very good local for going off grid. As long as you are still using gas, or driving very little, a PHEV or hybrid will work fine. If you switch to EV and drive very much, you will need a lot of power production.
Right, that is why it is a FuturHaus: PassivHaus + PV + EV 6000 ft My longest drive is 90 miles. Figuring 30% hit in winter I need a nominal 120 mile range to cover transport. For the rare occasions I go further afield I'll take public transport or rent a gasser in town. We drive up to 300 miles in a week, so up to 100 kWh a week or 14 kwh a day production to meet peak demands. Our non PassivHaus in this region consumes 7 kWh a day, so PV sizing would be for 20 kWh a day production during the least productive season. The PV sizing is easy. The overall integration and cost is less obvious to me. You make a very good point though: a 20 - 40 EV range PHEV with generator back-up for the house may be a smarter choice and appeals to my green but practical nature. I'm OK with a couple percent fossil fuel use.
