Dear James Rawles,
We have lived in a Earthship for 12 years. It is an excellent way of life and very fulfilling to be able to build your own house. But living in the the dry desert southwest does not provide enough [captured rain or snow-melt] water to grow enough food to survive. We need a well to provide water. It is run by solar panels and a jack pump. But in the summer monsoons or with the winter clouds we have to use a generator, for both pumping water and enough power to run the house. In times of really expensive gasoline or lack of gas we will be in trouble.
In the winter it is true that it doesn’t freeze inside but living in a house colder that 65-68 is uncomfortable. A wood stove is an excellent idea when the weather outside is -20. With all the windows, the heat escapes at night. Learning to live in more extreme temperatures help, wearing sweaters, more blankets at night et cetera, but the extremes in the summer are more difficult. Fans are okay, air conditioners are prohibitive in their electric usage, so wet tee-shirts and spending as much time outdoors is the answer.
It is true we don’t have a regular electric bill or water bill, but when we do it is a doosey. (Calling the well driller to haul the guts out of the well or buying heavy batteries, when needed.) And when the septic system fills up you either dig it out yourself or call a professional.
If you keep all your amenities including your big screen television, electric clothes dryer, electric freezer then the cost of your solar system will be astronomical. Learning to be conservative with your electric usage is necessary.
The design with all the windows is wonderful for all the passive solar heat collecting, but does make it a high safety risk in security. We live beyond the boonies so that isn’t a concern for our chosen level of preparedness.
I don’t mean to sound pessimistic, just realistic. We have no mortgage and that has made it possible to make lots of other preparations. We love our house and our lifestyle, but like any house it has its limitations and upkeep. Thanks, – Craftyam