http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ Forums: Recent Topics en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:38:58 +0000 http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=391#post-1114 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:47:02 +0000 newdetroitsound@gmail.com 1114@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I'm Justin. Just to befriend some likeminded people near me. I live Wyandotte and currently live with my grandmother, temporarily. I will be going off the grid within the next few years, though. I've lived out in the forest before for a few months, but not in the winter. I got really lucky that time though I think, I trying busking and made about 8-12 dollars a day playing the guitar, but that usually only works in the summer when people are outside doing stuff more. I've been looking for a job since December of last year and I'm optimistic, but getting very frustrated. If anything happens to my grandmother (87) than I don't know what I'm going to do. My mom is supposed to inherit her house, so I might end up staying but than we'll have to pay the overly high city taxes. The water/heat is like 38-50 dollars month depending on the month. We usually keep it between 69 and 74. Basic Cable is 29.95 a month. I could most likely apply for food stamps if I had to but I wouldnt neccesarily get them until I start school. Going to Wayne County Community College in the spring. Can't wait to start that. Well if anyone lives in Wayne County let me know! </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=372#post-1058 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:50:33 +0000 Anonymous 1058@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello All,</p> <p>I am new to this forum wants to share one website with you guys, it is <a href="http://www.outbackwatertanks.com.au/," rel="nofollow">http://www.outbackwatertanks.com.au/,</a> it provides you with a wide range of variety when it comes to selecting the right rainwater tank or pump for your household or rural use. All of our rainwater storage products are carfully selected to meet the various needs of our customers. One can select or customize any of these water tanks and pumps to meet their requirements to suit your Rainwater Harvesting needs. </p> <p>Water tanks and pumps are manufactured in different sizes and capacities. Some of the water tank and pump products available from us range from 500 Litres to 50050 litres. If you can not find what you want on our site we will gladly find it for you. Choosing the right rainwater tank can be a difficult task, if you are unsure call our friendly staff and we will advise you on the best rainwater collection system to suit your needs. Outback Water Tanks have a large range of rainwater systems that can be tailor made to suit your needs, whether your a home gardener looking to keep you prized garden looking at its best through the dry summer or a builder needing a complete package to comply with Basics, Outback Water Tanks has the solution for your needs.</p> <p>Need you guys review for the same.<br /> Keep Sharing &#38; Reading!</p> <p><a href="http://www.outbackwatertanks.com.au/">Water tanks</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=244#post-657 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:08:39 +0000 lamar5292 657@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Anyone living off grid or want to learn how ?</p> <p>I am wondering how many of you live off grid or are seriously considering doing it ?</p> <p>With the economy the way it is and people losing homes and jobs I suspect alot of people will move to a homesteader lifestyle whether they want to or not.</p> <p>I live off-grid in a solar cabin I built for under $2000. I use solar for electricity, a solar composting toilet, solar water heater and solar oven.</p> <p>I am self employed and because I have no house payment and no monthly utility bill I can live very inexpensively and have a food storage and enouh money to survive quite well for 3 years. I raise a big garden, fruit trees, rabbits and chickens for food. I harvest rainwater and drilled my own water well. I also hunt, fish and trap as needed.</p> <p>I am very self-sufficient and I am always willing to share what I have learned with anyone willing to listen.</p> <p>You can see my cabin for free ideas and links on my website:</p> <p><a href="http://www.freewebs.com/simplesolarhomesteading" rel="nofollow">http://www.freewebs.com/simplesolarhomesteading</a></p> <p>LaMar </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=390#post-1110 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:01:18 +0000 supert8ch 1110@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I am not having any luck with someone telling me if the glass i have is to thick to use for a solar heater. it is 7/8" x 32" 72" Was going to use it to help with heating my addon room. I have 22 sheets available to make them with. </p> <p>Any help would be wonderful, thank you. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=241#post-638 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:40:24 +0000 Irribbomo 638@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>My views on being off-grid have always related to not paying for any public utilities. Just as much as I desire my freedom from the man, I want to lower my impact and footprint on the planet.<br /> I've only been researching for a short while, but it seems there are quite a few road blocks to being off-grid. I've been reading alot of county codes for Washington and Oregon and it almost seems impossible! Vegetation setbacks, water rights, laws requiring you to hook up to public utilities, can't have a well if there is city water, can't dig a septic if there is city sewer, can't get a building permit without hooking up to public power, etc...oh, and the latest one I saw for one of my possible future sites, can't pitch a tent or live in a mobile for more than six months and that is only if you have permits for a permanent structure.<br /> I'd appreciate any comments on my thoughts as this has got me quite confused as to how I can live off the grid without being hundreds of miles away from civilization. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=388#post-1107 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:44:43 +0000 jane99 1107@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>40 acre ozark retreat for sale - perfect off-the-grid opportunity ... Create your own organic village - sanctuary - retreat - camp - whatever your dreams</p> <p><a href="http://www.creatingsanctuary.net/ozark_retreat.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.creatingsanctuary.net/ozark_retreat.php</a></p> <p>Do not deny what is pure, raw, wild &#38; free.<br /> It may be the best of you.</p> <p>peace &#38; love,</p> <p>jane harlow </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=362#post-1036 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:43:05 +0000 lamar5292 1036@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I have 6 video clips on you tube describing my simple solar homestead, solar<br /> cabin, and the systems I use to run the homestead.</p> <p>Each clip is about 5 minutes long. you can watch them all or pick the ones you<br /> are interested in.</p> <p>1- Solar Homesteading Introduction:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXu45MHrnTk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXu45MHrnTk</a></p> <p>2- Simple Solar Homesteading Intro continued...</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyPkT5P5ysQ" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyPkT5P5ysQ</a></p> <p>3- Solar electrical system:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLnZLypphgk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLnZLypphgk</a></p> <p>4- Cabin Interior:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FacIm3bHbYc" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FacIm3bHbYc</a></p> <p>5- Composting toilet and solar tv:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdG6hOqFTd0" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdG6hOqFTd0</a></p> <p>6- Loft and office:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZLJ3CkgdZE" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZLJ3CkgdZE</a></p> <p>LaMar<br /> <a href="http://www.simplesolarhomesteading.com" rel="nofollow">www.simplesolarhomesteading.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.homesteadernews.com" rel="nofollow">www.homesteadernews.com</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=366#post-1044 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:06:30 +0000 anteror 1044@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello, I am new here.</p> <p>I live in western Finland, on the sea side.<br /> First I planned to build my own windgenerator, but I decided to test and seek a good one from factory made.<br /> I have tested 8 windgenerators alltogether now.<br /> Best result is giving 2kw model from ;<br /> <a href="http://www.exmork.com/windturbine.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.exmork.com/windturbine.htm</a><br /> It has been in my other mast since januari 2009. It has seen 11 storms and Finnish winter. Its running and working good.<br /> It is a 48v modell, but I have connected it via good big rectifier directly to my 24v NICAD 2000Ah batteries.<br /> In my other mast I have Bergeys XL1, it is a steady machine, but gives really power only after 8-10m/s winds.<br /> Exmork gives easily 10-30amps at 5-9m/s.<br /> Due to my experience I have ordered directly from Exmork factory their 5kw and a new one 2,5kw, models. You can buy 6 units of 2kw Exmork 2kw generators with t´he price of one Bergey !<br /> They will come here in the end off this month.<br /> I will share with you my experience about them.</p> <p>I have lived "off grid" with these machines since winter -09 and made all my energy, in heavy winds heating too.(I have grid too, but dont need it now.)<br /> My energy need is 8-12kwh per day.<br /> All my lights are LED.<br /> Newly built 115m2 low energy house.<br /> Looking forward to have an electric car !(dont by anything else before)</p> <p>Antero </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=387#post-1103 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:03:45 +0000 rainy 1103@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Underground homes stay a constant temp so you don't actually need heating or cooling. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=385#post-1101 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:40:05 +0000 Oven Lover 1101@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I posted this at another forum, but I thought the bright minds on this site might want to tackle this.</p> <p>My roommate and I disagree on this issue. I'm not sure I'm right, but he's pretty sure I'm wrong. I think he thinks that because that's what everyone else thinks.</p> <p>It occurs to me that, in the winter when we already have our gas furnace keeping the house at 65-68, it might be cost-neutral to keep our electric oven at 350 at all times.</p> <p>First, I do recognize that heating the entire house solely with the electric oven would likely be more expensive due to the fact that the electric heating element will not be as efficient as our gas furnace. However, the oven's main power-drain stages are during pre-heating and actual cooking. A significantly lower amount of power is needed to simply maintain the internal temperature when it's empty.</p> <p>Second, electricity is relatively inexpensive (and semi-green) in our area due to it being 95%+ provided by hydro-power sources. This makes the equation tip towards my favor far more than it would in an average American house that uses electricity from costlier sources.</p> <p>This leads me towards considering how to conduct an experiment that really finds out the truth.</p> <p>So far, I've decided that the actual wattage of the oven itself is irrelevant and near impossible to use as a means of deduction. It would be far better and accurate to attach a meter to the oven's power cable and record the power draw on warm-up as well as the average draw during a few hours of empty heat maintenance. I figure a 2 hour sample will provide enough data to determine the average on a monthly basis since the conditions will remain constant all day on every day.</p> <p>The tough part is determining how much heat the oven adds to the overall temperature of the house, and therefore how much gas use it saves.</p> <p>This is the part where you tell me I'm an idiot and/or suggest some methods. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=254#post-693 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:57:02 +0000 lamar5292 693@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hi folks, I have decided to try my hand creating a free online<br /> monthly newspaper just for us homesteaders, gardeners, and off-<br /> gridders.</p> <p>I need your help and I am asking (begging) for articles, stories,<br /> pics, jokes, classifieds, how-to's and anything you can contribute<br /> to get the first monthly issue out by January 2009.</p> <p>You can see the rough outline here:</p> <p><a href="http://www.freewebs.com/homesteadernews" rel="nofollow">http://www.freewebs.com/homesteadernews</a></p> <p>This will be a completely free online newspaper and classifieds are<br /> also free if you have something to trade or sell.</p> <p>You can send your submissions to me at <a href="mailto:homesteadernews@yahoo.com">homesteadernews@yahoo.com</a></p> <p>I will do my best to print every article that is in good taste and<br /> relevent to homesteading. There are sections on homestead animals,<br /> gardening, building, solar and wind power, current events,<br /> homesteader cooking, and lots more.</p> <p>Please help us get this going and if you are a group owner or have a<br /> link to your favorite homesteader groups please add them to the link<br /> page on the newspaper and lets help each other.</p> <p>Thank you all!</p> <p>P.S. I am looking to feature a new homestead on the cover of each<br /> monthly issue so send your pics and homesteader description for<br /> consideration.</p> <p>LaMar </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=384#post-1098 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:26:57 +0000 drylandfish 1098@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I'm looking for recommendations for an LP gas tankless hot water heater with sealed combustion approved for use in a mobile home. Preferably one that doesn't require power for ignition or venting. We have a small solar array, but power is precious in the winter here and would rather not run the genny for anything but days of darkness. </p> <p>Any suggestions?</p> <p>Thanks!</p> <p>John </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=379#post-1088 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:29:05 +0000 dannyjamesharris 1088@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hi There.</p> <p>I am looking for a partner to join me off-gridding on my land in Scotland.</p> <p>I am an easy going 21 year old who enjoys having a laugh and living differently!</p> <p>The plot in question is plentyfull big enough for a young couple of young single person.</p> <p>It would be great to hitch up with somebody and get out of this 9-5 rat race and begin to enjoy life to its full.</p> <p>I look forward to hearing from anybody who may be interested in joining me.</p> <p>Kind Regards.</p> <p>Daniel </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=308#post-882 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:55:50 +0000 tracyflynn@yahoo.com 882@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>From the producers of the Sunrise Celebration</p> <p>Sunrise: Off Grid</p> <p>20th-23rd August</p> <p>On an Organic Farm in Somerset</p> <p>A Transition Festival</p> <p>A Deep exploration of community living, creativity and consciousness produced by the Sunrise team. </p> <p>Learn to live beyond the system, create a new economy, generate your own power, eat from nature, sit in ceremony, design the future, walk on hot coals and move beyond your perceived limits.<br /> Marvel at earth’s mysteries, Rebirth your wild side.<br /> Evolve and revolve around love, celebration and joy.</p> <p>A participatory family focused camp with:-</p> <p>Expert speakers and facilitators<br /> Forums<br /> Workshops<br /> 3 Music Venues<br /> Art installations<br /> Temple space<br /> Innovative Performance<br /> Kids Area and Activities across the site</p> <p>And loads more...</p> <p>Hot showers, sweat lodge, saunas and hot tubs.<br /> Site wide organic, local, food and drink. </p> <p>Family friendly vibe.</p> <p>All powered by micro generation of entirely clean, renewable energy.</p> <p>Sunrise off grid is run by a Community Interest Company, building a world beyond monetary profit.</p> <p>Tickets on sale from April 15th 2009</p> <p>£75 Adult/£25 Kids<br /> Available through Bristol Ticket Shop<br /> <a href="http://www.bristolticketshop.co.uk" rel="nofollow">www.bristolticketshop.co.uk</a><br /> 0845 108 0259</p> <p>Info: 0845 009 4463</p> <p><a href="http://www.sunrisecelebration.com/off-grid.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.sunrisecelebration.com/off-grid.php</a></p> <p>PRESS RELEASE</p> <p>Sunrise Off Grid Camp<br /> Transition times</p> <p>Sunrise goes Off-Grid from 20th-23rd August 2009 on a gorgeous organic site in Somerset. This new camp is a deep exploration of community living, creativity and consciousness, with hands-on activities, talks, workshops, performance, music, art and celebration.</p> <p>The event will be participatory and family focused, exploring the emergent culture of environmental awareness and the ways in which everyone can create a sustainable future together. Times are changing and knowledge is growing of the human impact on the natural world and upon each other. Off-grid will explore humanities potential to improve the lives of everyone on this planet.</p> <p>“Creating a festival is like building and servicing a small town, then taking it down again, all in the space of a month. In the process we can explore solutions that can be applied in our everyday lives and throughout the world. For this event we will be moving away from using bio diesel generators, and working on micro generation of power from solar, wind, cycle and possibly hydro power, and aiming to use that power really efficiently”, said Dan Hurring, Sunrise Spokesperson.</p> <p>Off Grid is about creating a space for empowerment, where festival goers will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience on the steps that need to be taken to increase energy efficiency. There will be lots of practical information, from how to make a boiler use less fuel to installing a wind generator. Whether the dream is an inner city vegetable patch or living on the land, Off Grid will be a showcase of what is possible and available to everyone, no matter what their lifestyles. </p> <p>As a family focused event Off Grid will have loads of activities for children, with a kids’ village and fun workshops especially tailored for them on how they can help their families help the environment. They are the ones who will inherit the planet and the knowledge and information on how to look after it is something that can be given to them right now.</p> <p>“We are really excited about Off-Grid, and are looking forward to an event that is inspiring, fun and radical, where we can all journey together into a Greener future. So bring along the whole family to eat from nature, sit in ceremony, design the future, walk on hot coals and move beyond your perceived limits. It’s an opportunity to marvel at earth’s mysteries, Rebirth your wild side, or just relax and soak up that famous Sunrise vibe of love, celebration and joy”. </p> <p>Off-grid will be powered by clean, renewable energy, with site wide organic food and drink, compostable packaging, plates and cutlery, and numerous other initiatives making this the Greenest event of the year. Sunrise Off Grid is run by a Community Interest Company, CIC’s invest their profits back into the community, building a world beyond monetary profit.</p> <p>Tickets: Adults £75 in advance/Kids £25<br /> Info: 0845 0094463 - <a href="mailto:off-grid@sunrisecelebration.com">off-grid@sunrisecelebration.com</a> - <a href="http://www.sunrisecelebration.com." rel="nofollow">www.sunrisecelebration.com.</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=381#post-1091 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:03:36 +0000 passivesolardesertharmony 1091@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hi, I'm a newbie and have always had a yearning to be self sufficient. Its not a learned idea, its in my genetics. A primitive need. A connection that has been lost through our capitalistic society. Sorry. Anyway has anyone considered a sustainable off grid hiatus to a tropical setting? Does any one have suggestions? Life is outstanding. Cheers, -shad </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=228#post-610 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:02:37 +0000 lug 610@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Please could someone giv me some info on reliable installers and providers of solar panels and water heaters. I have been looking on the internet but feel drowned by all the different companies who promise this and that. Plus does anyone know what i need to look out for and what i need to watch out for! </p> <p>Any help would be great as would like to have solar panels and solar water heater for our house in eastbourne for next summer. </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=332#post-945 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:36:30 +0000 GreenEnthusiast 945@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Has anybody had any success with do-it-yourself solar power systems? I came across this website, <a href="http://www.creepyspammersolarpowerguides.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.creepyspammersolarpowerguides.com</a> and I'm not sure what to make of it. Worth giving a try? Anybody have any experience with this type thing?</p> <p>Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!</p> <p>EDITOR COMMENTS: THIS IS EXAMPLE OF SLEAZY SPAM FROM EARTH 4 ENERGY - THE SPAMMER IS PROBABLY SOME SAD FRANCHISEE WORKING FROM HOME. PLEASE ALERT US IF YOU SEE ANY MORE OR IF YOU HAVE IDEAS ON HOW TO STOP THE WHOLE NASTY PROCESS AT SOURCE. THEY KEEP COMING BACK WITH DIFFERENT URLS AND IPS - SO HARD TO JUST BLOCK THEM </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=223#post-584 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:33:48 +0000 richiemack 584@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hi guys I live on the west coast of ireland and am hoping to setup a small solar panel setup. my lounge is on the 2nd floor and has big windows with maximum amount of sunlight coming in. What I was hopng to acheive is to put a solar panel behind the window that will be enough to power my television, dvd player etc. and other small items when needed. Could anyone advise me on size of panel, and batteries that would do the job? Thanks </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=363#post-1037 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:45:24 +0000 lamar5292 1037@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I have 6 video clips on you tube describing my simple solar homestead, solar<br /> cabin, and the systems I use to run the homestead.</p> <p>Each clip is about 5 minutes long. you can watch them all or pick the ones you<br /> are interested in.</p> <p>1- Solar Homesteading Introduction:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXu45MHrnTk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXu45MHrnTk</a></p> <p>2- Simple Solar Homesteading Intro continued...</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyPkT5P5ysQ" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyPkT5P5ysQ</a></p> <p>3- Solar electrical system:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLnZLypphgk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLnZLypphgk</a></p> <p>4- Cabin Interior:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FacIm3bHbYc" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FacIm3bHbYc</a></p> <p>5- Composting toilet and solar tv:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdG6hOqFTd0" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdG6hOqFTd0</a></p> <p>6- Loft and office:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZLJ3CkgdZE" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZLJ3CkgdZE</a></p> <p>LaMar<br /> <a href="http://www.simplesolarhomesteading.com" rel="nofollow">www.simplesolarhomesteading.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.homesteadernews.com" rel="nofollow">www.homesteadernews.com</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=301#post-859 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:55:59 +0000 davej 859@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Does someone know how to (or whether it's possible to) get hold of a <strong>plot of land in Ireland (e.g. 1-2 acres) for a few thousand euros?</strong></p> <p>Building plots sold for sky-high prices until the economic depression started, and the countryside is full of big vulgar 4-5 bedroom houses which are on the market with zero interest from potential buyers, or which the owners have decided to let for relatively low rents just to pay off some of their debts. In many cases these houses are new or even still to be finished. The owner may have bought a building plot for 150k, built the house in garish money-no-object fashion for say 200k, and then put it on the market for 700k, now knocked down to 500k but still with no takers.</p> <p>But there are <em>still</em> so-called "building plots" on the market (albeit again with no takers) for ridiculously high prices, e.g. 100k for 1-2 acres.</p> <p>Me, I'm not interested in building a house. I would just want somewhere to plonk a yurt or plant a caravan. Might pay a little over the agricultural price, but no more than 3k or 5k euros. The more remote the area, the better. Somewhere on one of those remote peninsulas in the southwest, maybe?</p> <p>Unsurprisingly, the estate agents aren't advertising anything like this.</p> <p>Does it exist??</p> <p>David </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=374#post-1063 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:24:12 +0000 fuzzflyer 1063@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Are there any groups out there in Galicia or other areas interested or involved in the off the grid lifestyle, advice on grants for solar etc? Geo Thermal is an interest for us as is Hydro power anyone with advice on these subjects? We are off to look at possible properties in Galicia soon and would love to meet people living there..<br /> We will also look at building all or part of a home with polystyrene Blocks, has anyone done that in Spain( we have built two) </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=33#post-80 Sat, 03 Nov 2007 05:27:58 +0000 DaveBoat 80@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Does anyone know of a compact woodburning stove that burns clean, and can also be used for hot water and central heating. Ideally it would also be well insulated for summer use. Many thanks </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=373#post-1062 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:49:42 +0000 fuzzflyer 1062@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I recently heard about a community project that has taken off, started in thre UK I believe, groups get together then approach councils as a group rather than an individual to obtain grants to go off grid etc. </p> <p> Does anyone have the web addres or any info? </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=59#post-163 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:34:46 +0000 gimmeldee 163@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I am a home builder in the Washington DC metro area, and I wanted to let everyone know that the time for energy independence is here!</p> <p>My company can build you pre-fab, zero-energy solar homes at an affordable cost. The home includes integrated solar panels, integrated solar water heater and radiant floor heating with full-plate heat exchanger, appliances, fixtures, the works! You can decide just how far off grid you want to go with options for composting toilets instead of sewer, and a natural gas option (or opt-out as the case may be). Homes that are good for people (no VOC) and good for the environment. </p> <p>You could even travel zero-energy with an electric car, too!</p> <p>I am telling you that it is time for individuals to take the initiative and go SOLAR! Don't just ask for change- effect change!</p> <p>E-mail me at <a href="mailto:gimmeldee@hotmail.com">gimmeldee@hotmail.com</a> and together we can make this a cleaner, happier world!</p> <p>JB </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=370#post-1048 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:51:17 +0000 Jim Anderson 1048@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>I'm Planning to install suntouch electric raidant floor heat this<br /> winter, But I've heard of some electric radiant products burning out<br /> prematurely. How is SunTouch better than others? </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=169#post-474 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:34:11 +0000 pander 474@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>hey i'm new here. thinking about building a water heater out of a wood burning stove. like this:</p> <p><a href="http://www.dixieproducts.com/images/CFMS135_lg.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://www.dixieproducts.com/images/CFMS135_lg.jpg</a></p> <p>i was thinking about running water thru an s curve of iron pipe in the back of the box via a thermosiphon. does anyone have experience doing this? if so what rate of flow can i expect? </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=171#post-481 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:08:56 +0000 tony-nic 481@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>Hello all,</p> <p>I'm Tony - living in the Pennine area of the UK.</p> <p>I'm really interested in sustainable energy and using the power of nature to help with todays problems, without recourse to the 'easy' technological modern route.</p> <p>For anyone interested, I have just designed and built my own ram pump</p> <p>For those who don't know what this means, its a pump which uses a steady fall of water (in this case, a dammed stream) to pump a small proportion of that water to a lot greater height.</p> <p>The 'fall' driving my pump is about 5 mtrs, yet I'm pumping to over 42 mtrs delivery head and over a distance of 240+ meters</p> <p>At this height, I'm delivering sufficient water for the daily needs of 12 horses with PLENTY of spare capacity. The next step is to plumb the overflow into the well which feed the farmhouse - which always 'struggles' in the middle of summer.</p> <p>My reckoning is that I can 'spare' over 1500 litres a day, without any degradation in the supply for the horses.</p> <p>Best of all, my pump uses no electricity.</p> <p>It also uses no wind or solar but steadily pumps 24/7</p> <p>My long tern plan is to link it into a much larger storage tank at a height where it can deliver a downward 'on demand' head sufficient to drive a small turbine.</p> <p>For anyone interested, I have put a small video on YouTube at :</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRg4OsQ-kv8" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRg4OsQ-kv8</a> </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=320#post-911 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:13:23 +0000 rachelk 911@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>My Victorian house has a brick lined underground rain water tank and all the down pipes run into it. I have a pond pump connected to a repro cast iron pump, I allready use it to water garden. I would love to be self sufficient in water, but am on a very low income any suggestions.</p> <p>I'm saving up for a cheap log burner to make my free wood go furthur if I install it in the kitchen can I boil water/cook on it?</p> <p>Thanks Rachel </p> http://www.off-grid.net/forum/topic.php?id=57#post-161 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:29:27 +0000 steinersapien 161@http://www.off-grid.net/forum/ <p>my wife and i are buying a house without winter water. what is the best way to store water? our house is in the mountains, stays below freezing in the winter, and the ground is pure rock. thanks for any suggestions! </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>