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Alternative Energy

SOLAR. Using passive solar as well as solar panels to convert and store the energy of the sun for hot water, cooking, and to power radios, hi-fi’s, computers, fans, lights, sewing machines, food processors etc. We’ll use a 12 volt system for our lights and and an inverter to 220 volts for other appliacnces.

WIND. As the windmills turn the energy created is stored in batteries or used in pumping or moving water. We plan to use wind energy in both ways mentioned here.

WATER. Running water can be used to turn machinery, like the old flour mills. It can also turn a turbine and that energy produced can be stored in batteries for later use.
McGregor has a ‘leiwater’ system. From a storage dam at the top of the village there is a network of slutes or small channels used to run water through the village to the inhabitants for use in their gardens. This system is used in many of the country towns. I would like to utilize this water to produce energy, as well as for the ponds we‘ll develop in our gardens.

WOOD. We are using wood in our wood stove(s) for cooking and heating. Copper piping in the chimneys will be used to heat water. We use wood sourced from our property (eucalyptus) and from the nearby forest. A donkey boiler is already being used for heating water in the outdoor bathroom.