This page is for those who may be interested in owner-built solar adobe homes, alternative energy and passive solar power. For over 30 years, I have lived in a solar adobe home which I designed and built with the help of many friends (including some past EEB students). To see some of the steps involved, click on making the ranch. The house is a passive solar Santa Fe style adobe with greenhouse, wood stove and fireplaces for heat. A greenhouse is on the south side of the house and collects heat in the winter. Clearstory windows provide cooling in summer. During hot summer months the house is opened up at night to allow the cool night air to come in and cool down the earth walls. During the day the house is closed up like a thermos bottle and stays comfortable. Exterior walls are double adobe (20" thick) and all interior walls are adobe for thermal storage (store heat in winter and cool in summer). We cut the wood and vigas on Mt. Lemon, the adobes are the sun-baked kind made locally, and the rock comes from the surrounding area. We live off the grid, no power company--electricity comes from a bank of photovoltaic panels and a wind generator and is stored in batteries (there is a backup propane generator). The house is wired for 120 V DC and AC. Water comes from two wells and is conserved in many ways. For example, the toilet water (special 3 quart flush) is not mixed with the greywater (from sinks and bathtub) which is used to water plants and the garden. There is also a composting toilet.