Could This Be Your Next Power Conditioner?

Twl-

I read the prior thread on going off the grid and was intrigued then, and the article Buscis2 referenced reinforced that. I just bought 120AC of unimproved land in the Blue Ridge mountains in VA where I plan on putting up a timberframe as a weekend retreat from DC. Can you recommend any good reading on the subject? At this stage I'm pretty flexible in terms of design. I have to have gas to cook with (can't stand cooking with an electric range) so I can avoid some major electric drain there. On the other hand, I'm not sure I'm willing to give up my ARC VT100s or my Salvatore espresso machine, so I may be in trouble on that score.

The article referenced consumers selling excess power back to the electric company--that seems particularly interesting concept for a w/e place. Plus, that means you are presumably connected to the grid so you have some backup if there is some Noah's ark-esque forty days of rain.

Where does one get started?

The least expensive and most reliable way to "get off the grid" would be to use a small motor/generator set. Usually these are used to generate DC power from a 110VAC line (for example 400VDC which some military equipment uses), but there is no reason why a 115 VAC generator couldn't be used. Of course many people in rural areas have gas or diesel powered 115VAC generators. What I suggest is similar except powered by an electric motor.

Edesilva, in the link I provided, there are many sources of solar power info. On the right hand side of the page, click on "Solar Energy And Sources For Solar Products". There is a wealth of info there regarding getting started. Also, check with the local power providers in the Virginia area concerning incentives and/or rebates available for the initial installation.

Duh... Of course. Interesting, VA has one of those netting out programs...

Twl, thanks so much for your perspective!

I am quite interested in this myself. What are the costs involved? I know the standard answer is, "It depends...". But, I would like to know, could a 4000 sf home, which is energy efficient, uses efficient appliances, flourescent bulbs instead of incandescent wherever possible, heats with a heat pump, and rarely uses the AC go to this technology practically? And, if so, can you give me some feel of the rough cost.

Thank you for your consideration,
Joe