http://permaculturetokyo.blogspot.com/2006/11/passive-cooling.html

This permaculture blog site has info on cooling without electricity. It looks interesting, and I intend to try a few of the simple projects, like the zeer pots.

The author does suggest that the aridity or humidity of the climate will affect results (best results are in arid locations), but if you lost power for a week or so in summer, maybe some of the ideas would provide some improvement, if not perfection.

Please keep in mind that it is for cooling, not refrigeration.

I am also wondering if the solar heater concept would be a way to provide heat in winter during a power outage (as long as the sun was shining, I guess). I know heat siphons do work, but how to but them to work as an addition/in place of electric heat?

I need to do more research.

Sue