skyhightree1
Well-known member
Grey can we switch houses for a while ? I have never had a 200 electric bill. I think maybe your source you get the electricity from mas many different ways to get the power where as mine is all coal powered.
Don't forget to consult with your power provider as well Hightree. Probably want to do that as soon as you have the info from the local solar power people, tho they may be able to tell ya if your power co buys back excess energy.skyhightree1":3rwzx6d7 said:wow chippie thanks for that information I plan on calling the company that does the installs here soon
It isn't dependable and there are issues. If not, it would be the standard.skyhightree1":1i43u7wt said:Does anyone in here have a solar system that they are completely off the grid from local power companies? I have been looking into it lately but don't know anyone i can ask how dependable it is and is there any issues ? I figured id throw my question out to my C.T. family and see what I can get for info. :help:
Isomade":2kbee1q3 said:Hmmm, I could make a giant hamster wheel generator then kidnap CB and stick him in there on his hoveround chair. All I would need to do is feed him rice and beans and concrete a cedar post in front of it so he would have something to talk to....
If I could figure out a way to generate energy from his talking I could power the whole state.
I haven't looked back at it lately, but there's some posts in the Idaman thread about a hydro generator--after he moved on to the Empire Valley Ranch. It didn't sound like it was an easy thing to do.denvermartinfarms":j6kaqfwa said:The solar deal would be good, but i have always thought it would be fun to play with a small scale hydroelectric system and see if it would work.
skyhightree1":3p2g61an said:wow... It seems solar is a PAIN IN THE A so im not sure thats a good idea..
highgrit":1j1mrbxc said:Skyhigh, you should be able to save a hundred bucks a month easy off of a bill that high. Just get someone from the power company to come out and do and energy use assessment. It costs way more to heat your house than to keep it cool with electric power. We took the vinyl siding off and put 5/4 cypress boards on and now the fireplace will keep the house warm. Insulation makes a world of difference. Solar power works good for keeping the automatic gate openers, and the deer feeders charged up and working.
backhoeboogie":134ijfwx said:skyhightree1":134ijfwx said:wow... It seems solar is a PAIN IN THE A so im not sure thats a good idea..
I have looked in to this for years. Solar water heating is absolutely a positive and a money saver. It is worth its salt and cost effective. Just think of that garden hose in the summer time and how long it takes for the stagnant water in it to cool off.
Battery technology is way behind. That is the draw back.
Solar trickle chargers for the tractor/Caterpillar/backhoe are a huge plus.
Inverters have come a long way and are affordable.
Wind generation is unstable and the commercial units cause perturbations to the grid. When people put them in they need shunt devices. The electrical industry hates them. It is a dangerous situation here in Texas with "going green". ERCOT (Electrical Reliability Council) is constantly calling us up and asking us to decrease watts and increase vars so that the grid will become stable.
If you can run wind generation into a battery than covert it, you got yourself something. But then you are back to the expensive battery bank and the outdated technology.