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Self Sufficient Energy Production
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WIND ENERGY

ADVANTAGES
1. Usually available during the time of year when it is needed most.
2. Can be used to make hydrogen.
3. Can be directly converted to kinetic energy instead of electricity
   or hydrogen.

DISADVANTAGES
1. Scars the landscape and can be noisy if not properly maintained.
2. Summers are usually low wind periods.

WINDMILL LINKS
Energy Production
Wind Energy
Wind Generators
Wind Power Book

HYDROGEN GENERATION LINKS
Windmill Hydrogen Production
North Dakota State University - hydrogen tractor

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BEASTS OF BURDEN

ADVANTAGES
1. Still very efficient as pack animals, pulling small carts, 
   kinetic energy generation, vineyard weeding, and local transportation.
2. A donkey is ideal in warm or temperate climates.
   An ox is better suited for very cold climates.

DISADVANTAGES
1. Not efficient for large loads, plowing, harvesting, or long distances.

DONKEY LINKS
Oklahoma State University - Breeds of Livestock
The American Donkey and Mule Society

OX LINKS
Tillers International

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GREEN HOUSING

off-grid.net
Self Sufficient energy links
Self Sufficiency education

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WATER WHEEL

ADVANTAGES
1. Proven method.

DISADVANTAGES
1. Not many farms have access to water with kinetic energy potential.

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SOLAR ENERGY

ADVANTAGES
1. Perfect in the desert or outer space where there is lots
   of room not better used for something else.

DISADVANTAGES
1. The sun is often clouded when energy is needed the most.
2. Cannot be converted to kinetic energy directly.
3. Uses up valuable solar space on the farm.
   Roofs of heated buildings should be used for growing plants.
4. Direct solar energy may be better used by a drying barn.
5. Batteries are not very efficient and are expensive.
6. Electricity cannot be used by combustion engines.

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BIO-FUELS

ADVANTAGES
1. If manure accumulation cannot be prevented, 
   methane from manure is a profitable local long term alternative.

DISADVANTAGES
1. Methane is very dangerous since it can cause asphyxiation and is explosive.
2. Methane generation requires a large farm to provide adequate manure for the 
   benefits to exceed the costs.
   Avoid methods that allow manure accumulation in the first place,
   such as dairy operations. 
3. Growing crops specifically for fuel alcohol is often not a good long term 
   solution. It usually uses up agricultural resources which could be used 
   for food.

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