How much energy a homestead needs

In short

• A watt (W) is power at a given moment, a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is energy used. Bills and batteries are measured in kWh.
• A typical UK or Irish household without electric heating uses roughly 2,500–4,500 kWh a year; a US home with air conditioning often twice that. Water heating is often the single biggest user.
• Space heating and hot water are 60–80 % of all the energy on a homestead. Electricity for appliances is the smaller part.
• At UK and Irish latitudes the sun gives roughly 5–8 times less in December than in July. An off-grid system is sized for winter.
• Every kWh saved is cheaper than one generated: measure and save first, then buy equipment.

What's inside

Chapters

1. Watts, kilowatt-hours and amps
2. Where the energy goes on a homestead
3. A snapshot of your use: three ways
4. What typical appliances use
5. Summer and winter are not the same
6. What must keep running in a power cut
7. Which system suits your homestead
8. Save first, then generate
9. Example: a family of four on a smallholding
10. Common mistakes
11. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Appliance list and daily use
• Meter log
• All homestead energy
• Priorities in a power cut
• Homestead energy map
• The energy year calendar