Project Licht 'n Stein is an off-the-grid, off-the-furnace, off-the-well year-round residence in southeastern Minnesota with a wind generator and photovoltaic cells with batteries, passive solar design with radiant heating and rainwater harvesting. Call it a Passive House, call it a Green House — this is not your father's off-the-grid cabin. Rather, Project Licht 'n Stein is a house with a modern design and 21st Century amenities like wireless Internet, a whole-house audio system, a dishwasher, washing machine, garage door openers and a (planned) home theater with a 120" projection screen. Yet the house does not need any fossil fuels (like coal, oil, or gas) for its electricity or heating. In fact, as energy prices are increasing at a rate of about 10% per year, this house will save about $300,000 in utility bills over the next 25 years when compared to an average American household.

System Components

Additional Sustainable Features

Designer/Engineer

Christian Milaster

Installer

Christian Milaster and Dennis Pottratz

Date of Installation Completion

November 2005–August 2006

System Cost, Payback, and Financial Incentives Utilized

Electrical: $25,000

Solar Hot Water: $5,000

Percentage of Total Energy Needs Delivered

100%