http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ Forums: Recent Posts en Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:30:56 +0000 http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=269#post-767 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:09:05 +0000 Shaguf 767@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>World Leaders Gather at Green Energy Summit 2009 to Plug Bailout Scenarios<br /> Clean Technology, Renewable Energy, and Sustainability as Sound Engines for Economic Growth</p> <p>BANGALORE, November 14, 2008 -- Don't wait for a bailout. There is none. This deepening understanding is bringing together leading green energy experts, heads of state, top government officials, heads of large international organisations, policy makers, sustainability experts, environmentalists and global investors at Green Energy Summit 2009 (GES 2009), March 4-7, 2009 to be held at the Palace Grounds, Bangalore, India. </p> <p>Going green is both a corporate advantage and an opportunity for humanity to enable change. GES 2009 (www.greenenergysummit.com) will bring together the government, civil society and private business leaders in a bid to develop and drive new initiatives, provide insights, showcase sustainable product development and green business opportunities, and facilitate interaction between entities from all over the world and India. The summit will also address policy options and practical applications that have proven successful in ramping up development of environmentally and economically sound solutions that truly benefit all stakeholders.</p> <p>At GES 2009, participants can:</p> <p>-&gt; Tune in to four focus areas - Green Power, Green Buildings, Green Fuels &#38; Transportation, Green IT.<br /> -&gt; Discuss solutions to some of humanity's most compelling issues: energy security, climate change, renewable sources of energy &#38; sustainable human development.<br /> -&gt; Unlock sales opportunities in India: must-attend for International companies interested in meeting Indian buyers, partners and representatives.<br /> -&gt; Find your match and shortlist potential business partners: the GES concierge will work away at your shortlist and arrange up to 6 one-on-one appointments.<br /> -&gt; Expertise, advice and strategy: benefit from the expertise, credibility and mandates of a powerhouse team of influential RE and clean technology experts.</p> <p>SPEAKERS AT GES 2009</p> <p>“GES 2009 will be a wholly interactive event with accent on the application of renewable energy and clean technologies in green power, green buildings, green fuels and transportation and green IT. The program will comprise high-level keynote sessions, expert case studies on specific themes, awards function, networking dinner and guided tours of green energy installations”, says Dr. Arcot Ramachandran, chairperson of the organising team.</p> <p>Speakers include Dr. Hermann Scheer (Member, German Parliament; President Eurosolar; General Chairman, WCRE), H.E. Corrado Clini (Director General, Ministry for the Environment Land and Sea, Italy &#38; Chair, G8 Global Bioenergy Partnership), Dr. Mohamed T. El-Ashry (Chair, REN21), Prof. Arthouros Zervos (Chairman, GWEC), Dr. R.K. Pachauri (Chairman, IPCC), Dr. Dan Arvizu (Director, NREL), Dr. Jamshed J. Irani (Director, TATA Sons Limited and Chairman, Tata Quality Management Services), Michael T. Eckhart (President, ACORE &#38; Co-chairman, WCRE), Dr. Marianne Osterkorn (International Director, REEEP), Dr. Yogi Goswami (Former President, ISES), Dr. Pramod Deo (Chairman, CERC), R Seshasayee (MD, Ashok Leyland), Nitin Desai (Special Adviser to the Secretary General for the World Summit on the Information Society), David Bohigian (Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce), Dipal C Barua (MD, Grameen Shakti), Dr Ajay Mathur (Director General, BEE), Dr. Jose Achache (Director, Group on Earth Observations) and several other important stakeholders.</p> <p>ASIA'S LARGEST EXHIBITION FOR RENEWABLE AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES</p> <p>Green Energy Expo is spread out over 10,000 sqm and will enjoy a footfall of more than 100,000. The exhibitions will have separate pavilions for Green Power, Green IT, Green Buildings, Green Fuels &#38; Transport, Sustainable Brand Showcase, Nano in Sustainability and Biotech in Sustainability. Featuring Indian and International exhibitors from the US, Europe, Canada, Middle East and Asia Pacific, meet manufacturers, builders, vendors and investors of unconventional energy technology (solar, wind, biofuel, thermal), enterprise hardware &#38; software technology vendors, semiconductor companies, financial institutions, venture capitalists and government bodies.</p> <p>The summit is supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; EUROSOLAR, World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE); Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Confederation of Real Estate Developer's Associations of India (CREDAI) and Karnataka Renewable Energy Ltd. (KREDL).</p> <p>SPONSOR GES 2009 AND JOIN THE WINNER'S CIRCLE</p> <p>“Climate change and sustainability strategies, renewable, green and clean technologies are as important for our planet as was perhaps financial jurisprudence to the current economic downturn. When the chips are down, customers and prospects will always look up to brands and businesses that are sustainable, conservative, and willing to assume corporate social responsibility for a cleaner future,” says Dilip Thomas, Steering Committee Member/Program Chair &#38; CEO of Saltmarch Media, the organizers of GES 2009. </p> <p>If you have a sustainable brand, product, or service, your presence as a sponsor at GES 2009 sends out the right signals to your various marketing initiatives including customer touch points, CSR and branding, besides demonstrating clear commitment towards a clean, green and sustainable planet. GES 2009 is the world-class forum for varied stakeholders from the Solar, Wind, Biomass, IT, Transport, Construction, Aviation, Nanotechnology, and Biotechnology, to showcase your brand, propagate your leadership message, and unlock sales opportunities.</p> <p>About Saltmarch Media</p> <p>GES 2009 is conceived and organised by Saltmarch Media in association with the Renewable Energy Action Forum (REAF) -- like-minded bodies that believe passionately in the role of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in national development, reducing our dependency on fuel imports and protection of the environment. </p> <p>The organising committee is chaired by Dr. Arcot Ramachandran (Chairman TERI Governing Council, Former Under Secretary General UN, and Secretary, DST). Committee members include Dr. J Gururaja (Former Sr Adviser, United Nations and Adviser, MNRE, GoI), Dr. V Balasubramanian (Former Additional Chief Secretary, GoK), Dilip Thomas (Chairman &#38; CEO, Saltmarch), A K Vora (Former MD, Tata BP Solar India, K Jairaj (Principal Secretary, Energy, GoK), Indu Britto (Group Publisher, Saltmarch Media), Shri. M N Vidyashankar (Ex-officio Principal Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka), K Subramanya, CEO, Tata BP Solar India Limited, Dr. Bhaktavatsalam (Former Chairman, IREDA, GoI), and Dr. Harish Hande – Founder &#38; CEO, SELCO India. </p> <p>For more information on GES contact the GES Hotline:<br /> Mobile: +91 99015 08099, Tel: +91 80 4005 1000<br /> Email: <a href="mailto:info@greenenergysummit.com">info@greenenergysummit.com</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=268#post-766 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:05:20 +0000 bringit 766@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello all. I need some advice on what pump I should use to bring water from my stream to a water tank that will sit outside my cabin. I will be running approx 100-150ft of black tubing down to the water. I would guess that the lowest to highest point is 35-50ft. Great site and thatnks in advance for your help. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=267#post-765 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:05:06 +0000 fogs 765@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello all, my name is jon I am currently building an earthship in Gokarn, Karnataka, India. Gokarn is a magical and colourful ancient Hindu temple town, the home of Shiva's atma lingum, where there is a festival everyday and a few carnivals through the season, many pilgrims and tourist pass through this medium sized (10.000 population) town/fishing village. Gakarna has three beautiful beaches- Cudly, Om and Paradise, each quite unique in its natural formation and people style.<br /> I have completed phase1 of the project<br /> Phase1- escation and landscaping, However it seems there has been some monsoon damage that will have to be repaired. I have a local family who have been helping with phase1.<br /> I will be returning in late december - early January to commence with phase2.<br /> Phase2- tyre collection and construction of foundation walls, to complete as much as possible depending on circumstances. I have learnt India isnt the same as Europe when it comes to getting things organised and completed.<br /> my site is 400m from the Arabian ocean overlooking a palm grove on a still night you can hear the waves breaking on the shore.<br /> look forward to hearing from you , my time is about to expire at the library so must finish this post now, please contact me at <a href="mailto:fogs@live.co.uk">fogs@live.co.uk</a> . . . It's okay just got a 15 minute extension. phew!<br /> Thanks jon. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=59#post-764 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:25:30 +0000 avenir.jim 764@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>The basic design of a Batch Solar Water Heater consists simply of a water tank within an insulated box with a glass top.It is used to preheat water before it enters your conventional water heater. Thus it cuts down on the amount of conventional energy needed to heat the water up to the required temperature.But keep in mind, on sunny days a batch solar water heater can eliminate the need for conventional heating entirely.<br /> Here is a link that might be useful: <a href="http://www.lincenergy.us">solar heat information</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=61#post-763 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:42:11 +0000 artenergy 763@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I have been looking for 2 years to locate any studies on the health effect of gas lamps, there were a tonne of examples of the effects (see below). I have no doubt if a serious private or govt study was made it would lead to banning them all and not just filament globes with the excuse that it is energy saving. I have a vested interest in solid state lighting, greater efficiency than LED and this all came about because we, like all, had experienced years of abuse under fluoros. There is not enough public 'noise' about mercury contamination, poor colour use in offices with fluoros, poor streetlighting with sodiums and enormous wasted old technology energy. Did you know that if these great CFL's break in your office or home it is extremely dangerous!! Have you ever been around in an office or school when a fluoro breaks!! Ever been around when someone at school or in a supermarket suffers epilepsy fit and think about fluoros. Ever been around when some poor bugger suffers from migraines after reading under fluoros. Forget about that, if you think sitting in an indoor stadium is safe where they don't use fluoros, check out <a href="http://www.uvlightburns.com" rel="nofollow">www.uvlightburns.com</a> I have emails from Kellie and at least she has made an effort to move legislation in her own state. Forget that too, have you heard about house fires started by downlights, factory fires started because the lamp in the overhead lights burst at 1,100degC dripping hot glass. Whilst there are billions of $ to be made from junky unhealthy lamps the facts will always be hidden from population until someone has the gumption and collaborate. These are some of the sites I visited <a href="http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/disability/staff_learning.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/disability/staff_learning.shtml</a><br /> <a href="http://www.mdsupport.org." rel="nofollow">http://www.mdsupport.org.</a><br /> <a href="http://www.voxpopnet.net/megaphone.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.voxpopnet.net/megaphone.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.benningtonenergy.org/faq.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.benningtonenergy.org/faq.php</a><br /> <a href="http://browse.guardian.co.uk/search?search=Michaele+Wynn-Jones+&#38;sitesearch-radio=guardian&#38;go-guardian=Search" rel="nofollow">http://browse.guardian.co.uk/search?search=Michaele+Wynn-Jones+&#38;sitesearch-radio=guardian&#38;go-guardian=Search</a><br /> <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/research/mercury-bulbs.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/research/mercury-bulbs.pdf</a><br /> <a href="http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhealth/products/urburns.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhealth/products/urburns.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.nema.org/gov/ehs/committees/lamps/upload/NEMA%20Recommendations.Jan.%202003.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.nema.org/gov/ehs/committees/lamps/upload/NEMA%20Recommendations.Jan.%202003.pdf</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=250#post-762 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:00:49 +0000 dapiglet 762@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>J&#38;K Sales is the manufacturer representative of Baxi covering New England and upstate New York. Perhaps they can assist you; they helped me locate a local shop.</p> <p>~Ken Lajoie<br /> J&#38;K Sales Associates<br /> 1-800-654-0415<br /> <a href="mailto:ken@jandksales.com">ken@jandksales.com</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=266#post-761 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:53:16 +0000 texasoffgrid 761@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Check out your local Planning and Zoning...I would assume they have that government function in your area... </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=265#post-760 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:38:39 +0000 texasoffgrid 760@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>You can try to Google "Intentional communities", hit up Ebay Real Estate for the property...Craigslist...Arizona has some cheaper property way out in the sticks...Wyoming is probably gonna be expensive...try westtexasrealty.com they have property in Oregon, IIRC..I found my property thru them on Craigslist I think it was... </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=249#post-759 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:27:39 +0000 Jeorge 759@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Wind power is such a good growing in U.S. The cost of photovoltaic power can be reduced with organic solar concentrators. These are planar wave guides with a thin-film organic coating on the face and inorganic solar cells attached to the edges.<br /> Here is a link that might be useful:www.lincenergy.us.com/ </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=244#post-758 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:32:41 +0000 avenir.jim 758@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Passive solar is one of the simplest methods of acquiring solar heat for homes. Passive solar heating collects and distributes heat from the sun without external, mechanical pumping systems.<br /> Here is an information that might be useful:http://www.lincenergy.us </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=61#post-757 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:32:58 +0000 ecosav 757@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I just bought a high output LED with 3 1 watt LED's as a replacement for a halogen GU10 bulb. </p> <p>Nice light output with warm tones at 3000k but there is a problem. There is a high pitched noise emanating from the bulb which can clearly be heard from any spot in the room. Has any one else come across this problem. I would hate to need to relegate LED's to outside use. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=266#post-756 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:43:29 +0000 mynameistom 756@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello, Does anyone know how long you can legally stay in a camper van for on your own land (non residential) in the UK England/Wales? </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=265#post-755 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:20:29 +0000 rlrueter 755@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I am in St. Cloud Mn but I am looking here and to the west. Seattle area, Wyoming, Arizona, Oregon, The Black hills.<br /> Let me know if you find anything out this way. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=265#post-754 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:39:06 +0000 joelhenderson@hotmail.com 754@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Where are you located? I've been looking for something similar for the past decade or so; I've looked at various ecovillages, vacant lots of land, etc etc...I think (for me, at least) that finding like-minded community will be the key.</p> <p>I'm in the Boston, MA (USA) area - I think that I'd like to find land/community within a few hours of here (in order to maintain my current job, at least while building/paying for the home).</p> <p>I *definitely* welcome input/suggestions/questions from like-minded people. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=265#post-753 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:28:51 +0000 rlrueter 753@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I'm considering selling and relocating. I want to build a passive annual heat storage home. Does any one know where there is land available for cheap where like minded people could be neighbors and there would be fewer hassles with the building inspectors? </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=264#post-752 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:58:40 +0000 tundrawolf 752@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I have an APC SU3000NET UPS (2,250 KW) that puts out a pure sine wave. I am very impressed with this UPS, however I no longer have need for it as a UPS.</p> <p>I am wondering, the unit will not power on unless it has both battery voltage and AC voltage-has anyone ever used a UPS like this to be a standalone full time inverter? </p> <p>I have a theory, that manually bypassing one or more of the relays on board may "Trick" it into thinking it has AC power, thusly letting it be used as an inverter.</p> <p>I really need help with this one, guys, I appreciate any replies I can get! </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=256#post-751 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:05:42 +0000 EVangelist 751@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Thanks Adam you are my first reply-won't be the last!I will concentrate my efforts in the South West and Wales otherwise I will be too far between recharges.<br /> Hope you win the battle to live where you are!<br /> Mike the EVangelist </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=139#post-750 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:13:31 +0000 SmallerCostBiggerLifestyle 750@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Jim,</p> <p>I'd like to know if you've had any success in this particular area since your last posting. I think this is a critical area of transitional research and that your line of thinking on this issue is technically sound.</p> <p>Don </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=263#post-749 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:03:39 +0000 tlevy 749@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>You can definitely do what you are proposing to do. Batteries are actually happiest when they are fully charged. You will need a good charge controller to ensure proper battery charging, and management of your dump load. You wil also need to check your batteries on a regular basis (say once every 30 - 60 days). You may want to consider purchasing a generator as well. I would suggest you do not cheap out on a generator, especially since you are likely to be there for a long time. Get a diesel generator that has an automatic transfer switch so that when the batteries get to low when there is no wind, the system will automatically start itself, even when you aren't around. The dump load can be your water heater for winter time. </p> <p>As for type of battery - you are also correct that you cannot use car batteries. You will need to purchase probably four or more deep cycle lead acid batteries. When you see them, compare them next to a car battery and it will quickly become obvious why the car battery just doesn't cut in off grid scenarios!</p> <p>The pump I use at my house is an AC powered Grundfos SQFlex. It is designed for remote pumping solar and wind operations, and can draw up to 250 ft of head at about 7 amps - which is quite amazing. The trick is to purchase a large enough expansion tank, which provides the needed water pressure for your piping system.</p> <p>Hope this helps!<br /> tom </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=263#post-748 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:41:24 +0000 teresa 748@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I have a 35 acre lot in WY. It is planned to be my retirement home so I can get away from the crowds as soon as I don't have to be near work. In the meantime I'd like to put in a travel trailer --easy to remove when I'm ready to build, septic, well, power, fence some pasture so I could bring some of my 4 horses and camp there. </p> <p>Well I had the power company out and was dismayed by the estimate. $3300 to start, 5 year contract, $26 monthly fee + however much electricity I would use. It seems quite a lot just to spend a several days a year there; plus politically I'd just as soon stay off the grid if I can. I am reasonably capable to set things up; but I cannot build any kind of system from scratch. </p> <p>So I have a ridge near where I would site my living quarters with great wind. Hmm maybe I can just buy a small-scale wind generator? There are 600 watt systems are quite reasonable in price. I need to be able to power a well and the depth is likely to be 300-350 foot. I'm not sure how much head draw that will be. I was thinking it would be most of the well depth which is putting me into $$$ DC pumps; and now I am reading that car batteries will not hold up for much usage and one needs higher end deep cycle batteries, its not clear to me if I can set up a wind turbine and just leave it run while I am 200 miles away working, but I think I would want to power the well at least minimally to keep the pump components from freezing when it gets to -20C in the winter and so on. </p> <p>So what is the reality? Is a wind turbine robust enough to be left spinning while I am 200 miles away for weeks at a time --possibly with every other day checking from the neighbor? Am I going to have battery life issues if they are charged most of the time and excess power being dumped and then under draw for 3-4 days when I'm there? </p> <p>Thanks for all advise,<br /> Teresa </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=244#post-747 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:49:21 +0000 TreasureGift 747@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>My hubby and I are living off grid, this December will be one year. We started off small and inexpensively, the biggest cost was the land, and that was not too bad. We did everything ourselves, from building our cabin to hauling our water. We gave up our "traditional" 9-5 jobs, but we still work, everyday on our property, life is good!</p> <p>Wretha </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-746 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:32:42 +0000 TreasureGift 746@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>In your on grid as well as your off grid homes, you have to watch for phantom loads, assume that everything that is plugged in is drawing power whether or not it is turned on, including the power strips, I use lots of power strips in my off grid home, each one has an on and off switch so I can turn them off, therefore cutting all power from anything that may be plugged into the strip, BUT the strip itself had a tiny little light inside the switch, so even if nothing is plugged in, if the power strip is turned on, IT is consuming power.</p> <p>Also be aware of any wall wart, those big, clunky transformers that usually take up 2 spaces on your power strip, even if you aren't using the item that it is plugged to, the wall wart itself can be drawing power, feel them when you aren't using it but while it is plugged in, is it warm? That means it's consuming power. Every little bit helps.</p> <p>Wretha </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=76#post-745 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:05:21 +0000 f0nd004u 745@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>You can also buy lithium ion or nicad AA/AAA/9v batteries that can charge off your solar/wind/hydro/biofuel power systems, which will reduce power consumption and also be environmentally friendly. Just be sure to dispose of them correctly. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=262#post-744 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:02:13 +0000 f0nd004u 744@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Yes, it does require a subscription, just like satellite television services (unless you're a pirate). It's pretty impossible to get around subscribing to something, though on the west coast there are underground subnets that work in somewhat of the same manner as an ISP.</p> <p>Another cheaper and faster option if you're in a rural area might be a WISP, or Wireless ISP. These services broadcast subscription-based wifi out of large antennas usually attached to grain silos and the like. Check and see if there's some in your area. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=262#post-743 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:33:05 +0000 Jeech 743@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I was wondering if satellite internet requires any subscriptions to any ISP?? Can someone please enlighten me on that. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=176#post-742 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:29:01 +0000 jetsetjason 742@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Reading the book 'Off-Grid' by Nick Rosen made me realise that some locations are far more 'off grid' friendly than others. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=176#post-741 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:57:40 +0000 Anonymous 741@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Maybe take a look at buying on the Queen Charlottes (Haida Gwaii). Property is relatively cheap. Government is very local. I am living in Masset and enquired of our mayor if there was any bylaw against or regarding wind turbines on my property (which is in town). He said no problem.</p> <p>Outside of towns there is a Skeena Regional Management District. Lots of people do many innovative things on their properties. However most do have septic. Our local Coop has been selling composting toilets for the past few years though.</p> <p><a href="mailto:zooey@mhtv.ca">zooey@mhtv.ca</a> Any help I can be. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=59#post-740 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 06:35:33 +0000 Anonymous 740@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I’ve yet to see a prefab design that I wouldn’t want to change slightly and I think this would look better with more glass up front but that would detract from the energy efficiency. The wood exterior is nice, the proprtions aren’t bad the wrap around planter is a nice touch and everythings to a purpose. I definitely prefer this design to the Sustain MiniHome, based on aesthetics. I’m not really sure why. Bottom line, if it came in under 200K, I’d strongly consider it and if they could keep it around 150K, I’d be the first one to write them a check.<br /> ___________________<br /> Alex45</p> <p><a href="http://fsbo.fastrealestate.net">For Sale By Owner</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=244#post-739 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:07:01 +0000 Anonymous 739@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Darn Lamar! Is there a 'green' site on the web your NOT getting free advertising from? I applaud your entrepreneurship!<br /> Ditch the dependency on generator fuel and propane, you'll attract more customers.<br /> Please supply links to any 'freely' shared self-sufficiency info you've provided. Prove me wrong. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=256#post-738 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:48:32 +0000 Anonymous 738@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hi come here for a recharge got free electric at carr house mallerstang</p> <p><a href="http://www.edenrecycling.co.uk/?Eco_Living_-%26nbsp%3BCarr_House" rel="nofollow">http://www.edenrecycling.co.uk/?Eco_Living_-%26nbsp%3BCarr_House</a></p> <p>and sign petiotion<br /> thanks adam </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=261#post-737 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:39:27 +0000 Anonymous 737@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hi please help to save Carr House from demolition it is off grid and completly sustainable but does not have planning permission look here if you are interseted please sign the petition I have one year to knock it down!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.edenrecycling.co.uk/?Eco_Living_-%26nbsp%3BCarr_House" rel="nofollow">http://www.edenrecycling.co.uk/?Eco_Living_-%26nbsp%3BCarr_House</a></p> <p>email any questions about micro hydro, batteries , inverters , problem etc<br /> thanks adam </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=258#post-735 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:37:00 +0000 Anonymous 735@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Solar/Wind - Generates Power<br /> Batteries - Store Power<br /> Charge Controller - regulates charging of batteries<br /> Inverter - Inverts DC to AC power and converts AC to DC power</p> <p>you need batteries. agree with michael - do not cheap out on batteries.</p> <p>The one component you are missing is a quality generator with auto start feature. This is needed for desulfation of batteries (also known as equalization). </p> <p>Cheers -<br /> Tom </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=259#post-734 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:43:05 +0000 jetsetjason 734@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I heard about these people on the radio lastnight, seems interesting !</p> <p><a href="http://www.keveral.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.keveral.org/</a></p> <p>"Keveral Farm is an organic farming community near Looe, Cornwall (in the south-west of England). The original community was established in 1973, and the farm is now owned and managed co-operatively by the members of the community. We have about 15 adult members and 9 children. We live in a farmhouse, static caravans, a wooden cabin and a converted pig-sty!"</p> <p>they even offer camping</p> <p><a href="http://www.keveral.org/camping.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.keveral.org/camping.php</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=258#post-733 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:28:40 +0000 Anonymous 733@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Theoretically, if the wind never ceases to blow<br /> (at the right speed)<br /> or the propane generator is always on, you wont need batteries.<br /> But is that really what you expect ?<br /> If not, calculate a cost of 1/3rd of the total AT LEAST<br /> for good batteries, and good batteries means<br /> the sort that hospitals and official institutions use<br /> for emergencies, heavy-duty lead-acid stuff.</p> <p>Cheers,<br /> Michael </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=258#post-732 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:20:16 +0000 Anonymous 732@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello</p> <p>I have 15 acres in Summit NY. I am at the top of a "Mountain" about 2400ft elevation. We would like to go off the grid as it will cost about 17-20k to bring in the power. I am going to go with wind/solar and a propane generator.</p> <p>What are the components of the system. So far I know I will need the turbine, and pv panels, inverter and charger, batteries. how are they tied together and am I leaving anything out.</p> <p>Does an off-grid house have to run off the batteries or if I have some good wind can the house run strictly off the turbine and solar so as to save the batteries.</p> <p>Thank You</p> <p>Al McCall </p>