Can a modern home be designed in a way to supply all energy needs?

Question

Can a home be built from scratch with enough solar panels and windmills to supply the family with all their modern energy needs including electric cars?

Answer 1

Yes but before anyone gets the bright idea that this would save the world. A solar panel is a battery. It takes more energy to make that panel than it will put out in it's life time. They're great for what they are made for,remote power.

Windmills are a good power source.

Answer 2

Absolutly.  I've actually got some friends back home that don't use any electricity from the power company.  they don't use an electric car, however bio-diesle takes care of that, and they own the local processing plant.  Most of the power they use is wind generated.  about the only thing they use solar panels for is water heating for heating their home, heating the pool, and the standard uses of hot water.  Since they do live out of town, they also use well water vice city water.  They do use a windmill for water as well.