THE GOALS

The average family consumes an average of around 1,020 - 1,050 kWh a month... unlike Mr. Gore who uses about 20,000 kWh or more a month... inconvenient truth indeed... That's about $185 a month for me where I'm at, but I know this is area dependent. So, the goal is to make a house that runs on as many 'free' sources like sun, wind, water... to curb power costs and still meet the monthly power outputs... or at least close. If I can manage 500 - 900 kWh a day, consistently, then I'll consider that a victory since this will be a single person residence.

Grocery bills range from $5,000 to almost $10,000 a year depending on the family size. I'll be approaching it from the perspective of a single guy perspective first to make sure I find something functional and then try to expand it. My goal is to trim $500 - $1,000 off my yearly grocery bill.

Water is another major component of the house and people absolutely need potable water to live. My average water bill is about $25 (for just me, with my roommates it's $80) a month, so while that isn't bad, I know that can vary depending on where in the country you're at. My goal is to drop my monthly water bill $5 or less. Most homes use gas to heat their water, heat the home and cook. My house costs me about $35 - $45 a month (averaged over the year) in gas. I'd like to completely get rid of gas as a cost in my home, so the goal is $0.

Ultimately, freedom. Freedom from debt. Freedom from taxes. Freedom from the fear of losing my job. Freedom from over regulations. Freedom to go where ever I want, whenever I want. My definition of freedom.