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Alternate electric ideas
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We had a major storm here a few days ago, and as a result someone was
damaged underground. The electric company is suppose to replace it, but
this involves destroying my yard, as well as potentially destroying my
paved driveway and sidewalk, flower beds, etc.
In the meanwhile, they brought out a self-supportive... something... on
a hand truck, that's plugged in to my regular power meter. It's all
encased so that I can't see what it is, but I suspect that it's a deep
cycle battery and some sort of a transformer. This thing has been
powering my house effectively for well over 48 hours.
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does it make purring noises like an engine?
or are there electric wires coming into it from a pole?
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Nope, and nope. I'm in a rural area and own 5 acres of property, and
the closest actual pole is at the end of my property; say, 100 yards
away. So there is no external source available to this unit, it's
completely self supportive.
And it doesn't make any noise at all.
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So I can't help but wonder: if this stand-alone thing would power my
house for 48 hours (including my central heat and air, and my range),
then there must be something I can build myself to do the same thing.
With an electric bill exceeding $200 every month (over $300 during the
winter), I'm willing to consider just about anything!
I looked into solar panels, but from what I read online this can cost
in excess of $10,000. Even that isn't unreasonable; after 4 years, it
has paid for itself. But what other options are there that I'm not
considering?
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you know, people were able to live without electricity 100 years ago.
are you serious or are you kidding?
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Well, obviously I'm serious. Maybe I didn't explain the situation well;
I'm curious what alternatives (legal alternatives) people have come up
with to create their own electricity, without paying a separate
electric company.
I know of solar panels, and I know a local guy that uses a water wheel.
But this self-supportive unit has caught my interest, and I'm sure that
there must be other ideas out there.
- J
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It is a portable nuclear reactor. It costs much more than $10,000, so it
probably isn't practical.
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- Jason
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You have good wind in your area?
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You have greatly underestimated the price of a solar system that
will meet your needs.
To supply electricity EQUAL to the amount you are using from the
grid ( $200 a month at probably 12 cents per kwh) will require a much
much higher initial cost than the 10,000 you have stated.
Your best bet would be to buy a large generator.
On the other hand, if you cut your power useage down to the
point where a 10K solar system would supply it, you will be amazed
at the decrease in your electric bill.
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You have a hot tub and you;re complaining about the price of the
electric ??????????????????
You just answered your own question. Those things are power hungry.
Plus the AC..... I'm surprised its not higher....
If you are going to do anything to cut your electric bills, get a
solar heater for the hot tub. Actually you can make your own if you
are handy.
As for that thing the power company connected, I have no clue if it
does not have an engine. Most people ask questions to the source. I
would have asked them what it is...
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There is a LOT more to a solar system than just buying some
panels and hooking them up..... Most people who try it become
disillusioned and go back to the grid, if they have the opportunity.
The only real useage for a solar system is when someone has
no choice, such as remote cabins or sailboats......
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"Solar' does not always mean 'electric'. In the case of the hot tub, it is a
no-brainer- a solar collector (can be as simple as a bunch of black tubing
on roof), and a small electric pump, perhaps even a small windmill, would
easily take over most of the water-heating duties for the tub. Electricity
is very convenient, but sometimes stone-age forms of energy can still be
very useful at a much lower price.
aem sends...
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You are absolutely right.... I was assuming that he meant using
photovoltaic cells to make electricity for stuff.......
Solar heating is a very practical, and very cost effective idea if
one
is in a climate where the sun is readily available when needed...
Unfortunately, solar cooling isn't as practical, although I think
that
solar heat could probably be used to power ammonia cycle refrigerators.
I've never seen one, but the fridge in my RV uses a tiny propane flame
to run the cooling apparatus, so I suspect an enterprising fellow could
replace the propane flame with a solar collector..... As far as air
contitioning a house, forget it if a swamp cooler isn't good
enough....
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Andy in Eureka, Texas
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If you're really handy with tools and the like, a diesel generator can
be cost effective. They are most cost effective if you pipe the cooling
system so as to heat your house with the cooling water.
It's the owner's "sweat equity" that usually provides the greatest cost
saving. You provide "free" labor and reap the benefit. If you're not
savvy enough to provide the labor, it's no longer a good deal.
Old Al
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