Zoebess
I really like the work of Mike Reynolds
who developed Earthships~~
http://www.earthship.net/
and this~~
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthship
I have used solar where we live only for
cooking and of course laundry. I would
like to learn how to use it more. The
ways I have used it are passive. I have
used jugs of water in the early spring
and late fall as passive collectors in
a garden to extend the garden by keeping
it warm on a cold night. I like the ideas
you offered too. I have some of those
crank lights. I have just seen too many
shows which show the latest in solar tech
which can do amazing stuff. Batteries
enable you to store energy for when there
are days without sun.
Your idea of the generator would be a
hit, if it works. There is plenty of
room for lots of concepts which would
be best suited for the place you live
and the seasons you have to go through.
blessings,
Zoe
-_-