Introduction -- The grid intertie: the interconnection of western civilization -- Sustainable living and off-the-grid technologies -- Practicalities -- The technologies -- The projects : Bungalow remodel: Solar Umbrella House ; Coastal mountain clearing: Barsotti Residence ; Boundary waters family refuge: Twin Lakes Cabin ; Grassland homestead: Fargo and Maestas residence ; Simplified living: Hill Country Jacal ; Suburban footprint: D'Souza and de la Torre residence ; Metropolitan redo: Reade Street townhouse ; Urban pioneering: House R128 ; Sustainability on a budget: Wilson residence ; Self-sufficiency: Four Horizons Autonomous House -- Projects at a glance.