Help! Help! need info on alt. energy source's

2 Posts

Oct 13, 2003 07:47 am

We just bought 40 acres in NW Pennsylvania and it is going to cost us a bundle to hook up to the elec. grid (then we have to pay for the power too)we are in the planning stage of building our home and we want to explore the alternitive power generating options for single family homes. we have 3 teenagers so we will probably have to double up (ha ha). any help or sites to refer to will be greatly appreciated.
Lost and in the Dark.

Don Meares

1 Posts

Apr 11, 2005 06:00 pm

Off the Grid

Sounds a little like my situation. I'm building a cabin where the cost to join the grid was about what cost of going solar. From what I can determine the monthly electric bill will be greater than maintenance of the system, so the breakeven point is very early, maybe on startup of the system.
I wonder what the family thinks about this. If you a have mainstream high energy consumption American family the transition might not be too easy. If you're more adventurous you will have a great time.
It can be done.

Tom M

462 Posts

Jul 28, 2005 10:20 am

Re: Help! Help! need info on alt. energy source's

Keith, first step would be to go DC as much as possible, lighting, pumps etc. Then determine what needs to be AC and size the system accordingly to what you think your demands will be each day. A small generator can supply extra power if needed. You can use LP gas for cooking and the possibly the generator and even maybe even a refrigerator.
You may want to explore hot water and heating options to further your savings and reduce electric loads. Think passive for heating so you can minimize the size of the heating system. Solar hot water can be utilized for domestic hot water and heating. SHW is dramatically cheaper than PV and can easily be increased at less cost.

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Help! Help! need info on alt. energy source's

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