SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Pastimes : Clown-Free Zone... sorry, no clowns allowed
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Broken_Clock who wrote (103097)5/17/2001 10:31:14 PM
From: Terry Whitman  Read Replies (2) of 436258
 
>I am building a home off the grid over here.<

That's really cool, PK. Keep us up on what you do. Have you studied your Mother Earth News mags? <g>

I've done some study on off grid- and photovoltaic is low power stuff. Takes a fortune to get enough panels to run much. The avg. 1500sf home probably needs 2-3KW, and much more peak. That's alot of panels. You can get that much with a small generator no problem, but peak loads may require a larger one.

If you've got enough land to build a good size pond, hydro- electric is basically free after the initial costs. Could be expensive too though- I haven't priced a water turbine or piping lately.

The key, (like that other nerd, tippet <g> said) is to have a low consumption rate. No AC, propane or wood heat and hot water (point of use propane heaters are most effc.) Low wattage flourescent lights, etc. Ideally, the house should run on low voltage, like 12Vdc I think- but Tip could tell you better there.

TW

BTW- If you want to know how much power your home is using- you can 'clock' the meter at various times of day, w/ different appliances running.

36/s = avg. power usage in KW, where s= seconds for one revolution of the wheel. At least that's how mine figures out. So 18sec per revolution would be 2KW, 4 sec = 9 KW, etc.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News