Resource: Center for Sustainability at Penn State University Tour

Print Background Essay

In 2005 a graduate student lived off the electrical grid on an 8.5 acre homestead in the shadow of a college football stadium. Despite a harsh Pennsylvania winter, David Lettero reduced his energy needs with the help of alternative energy.

Life was surprisingly comfortable. Each morning he swung his feet onto a radiant-heated floor in a wooden yurt. On rising he checked the wattage available from his alternative energy systems for essentials -- his cell phone, his computer, and breakfast. In a separate building that was his sun-filled kitchen, he ground coffee beans with a recycled coffee grinder. While most people would not release the details of their bathroom, Lettero was clearly excited about his because it was built with salvaged, renewable materials and included a garden and hot water heater, as well as the usual toilet, sink and shower. He also has a winter garden in an insulated greenhouse that provides him with a variety of greens for the cold months.

When Lettero needed a few things he couldn't provide for himself (propane or food or company), he walked or hopped on his trusty bicycle and headed toward the traditional campus just a few pedals away.

To see how solar and wind power are converted into electricity on a small scale, watch Dr. Andrew Lau's explanation in the video Invalid resource code: psu06.energy21.sci.energysystem.

To learn more about ways we can use solar energy, check out the video Invalid resource code: psu06.energy21.sci.pasun.

To learn more about efforts in Pennsylvania to produce electricity using wind power, check out the video Invalid resource code: psu06.energy21.sci.wind.

Print Questions for Discussion

• Though David Lettero was living an energy lean existence, he budgeted power for two communication devices. What were they and why were they important to someone living off the grid? Are they equally important to you?
• To provide himself with a variety of greens during the winter, David Lettero nurtured plants in an insulated greenhouse. By December the sun was in the sky for only a short time. What did David have to do before the light levels got too low? How did he ensure that the plants stayed warm enough?
• Based on the perspective that David Lettero expressed just before he rode away on his bicycle, is sustainability a concept that has all the lifestyle solutions worked out? Would you be excited about living off the grid in a similar fashion?