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 at Center for Sustainability at Penn State University: Energy System.

To learn more about ways we can use solar energy, check out Pennsylvania Energy: Energy from the Sun.

To learn more about efforts in Pennsylvania to produce electricity using wind power, check out Pennsylvania Energy: Wind.

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