Development of DC house prototypes as demonstration sites for an alternate solution to rural electrification

This paper presents the development of DC house prototypes that will serve as demonstration sites for an alternative solution to rural electrification. The DC house offers a distributed low-power low-voltage DC residential electricity rather than the legacy centralized AC system. DC house method therefore is a family-based approach that is scalable, affordable, and flexible. The DC house runs DC loads; thus, bypassing losses associated with the traditional AC system. The DC House may utilize human-powered energy sources, making it even more sustainable in producing off-grid electricity. The development of DC house prototypes in the U.S., Indonesia, and Philippines will be presented. Main components that make up the house will be described. Recent status of the prototype including the various projects that are being undertaken to complete the house will be discussed. Plans to enhance the DC house system and for its pilot project will also be summarized.