Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

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.

Technology Stocks : Y2K (Year 2000) Personal Contingency Planning -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: John Mansfield who wrote (471)	9/27/1998 5:33:00 PM
From: John Mansfield	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 888

Solar cells are useful in independent power production but by themselves are only capable of limited amounts of power whenever used in an area that has limited daylight, extensive cloud cover, etc. HOWEVER, the newest versions are extremely long lived and can pack surprising amounts of energy when the sun is on them. Check out the Real Goods site (www.realgoods.com) for their "Solar Living Sourcebook and info on how independent homestaeders use hybrid systems that use combinations of wind, solar, and fossil generators to produce all of the electricity that a household needs. I'm already planning one of these systems for myself which will use all three suources to keep a bank of industrial batteries (Pacific Chloride 12v) charged which, in turn, will provide the juice to run the house inverters (which make 110v AC out of 12v DC). The windy winters, sunny summers and around 100-200 hours of propane-powered generator use per year (a necessary back-up for long periods of calm, sunless days)will produce all of the power I need. A propane powered refrigerator, propane dryer, and a low power washer reduces the house load on the system and makes the entire project less expensive. Solar power is not "pie-in-the-sky but neither is it a cure-all. It is one of several technologies that can be used together to make it possible to live off-the-grid. Good luck. All success Keith Answered by Keith L. Karolyi (keithk2@worldnet.att.net) on September 15, 1998. greenspun.com

To: John Mansfield who wrote (471)	9/27/1998 5:35:00 PM
From: John Mansfield	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 888

' I have been researching the matter of standby power generation for some time now. There is a lot of info out there on this matter, but in a nutshell, I'll address the matters asked. (1) How big? First, determine exactly what you absolutely cannot(or will not) live without if your power supply fails. Look at the data plate or specifications for the device in amps and add them up. As a 'buffer', I doubled my figure. The first stage, deciding, is important. You don't want to over-buy, neither underbuy: standby power generation sets are expensive. I am looking first for used from a known source, then new. Now, if one of those items you wish to run is a PC, this creates further problems, mostly technical. You can email me and I'll pass this on. (2) Manufacturers? Best? At best, somewhat relative. I have scoured the marketplace and found these to be my top picks: a: Cummins-Onan b: Honda c: Kohler. I am not affiliated with any of the firms whatsoever and own no stock in them either: I'm not here to PR for them, but all three have solid reputations. The Cummins-Onan gensets just powered the world record-breaking circumnavigation of the earth on board the Cable and Wireless Adventurer; check out their site. (3) Gasoline or Diesel? Pretty much similar to buying a vehicle like this: Diesel costs more up front, but there are advantages. First, they are more efficient. Secondly, diesel fuel does not evaporate or degrade nearly as fast as gasoline. You will have to cycle your fuel: gasoline at no more than every 3 months, diesel at around a year. (4) For the balance of your inquiry, and on other matters of Y2K interest, start with garynorth.com. I hope this helps. EMail me if I can assist further. greenspun.com