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Hi Farmfresh, I found this really neat channel on YouTube that describes just what you are talking about. It looks like the key is the grid-tie inverter. This guy is running a single panel into his outlet using the grid-tie inverter. It looks pretty simple...

Many years ago, I was given a cheap pair of Motorola 10mi? I think. They worked good from a mountain top down to my house about 1 mile straight, with some trees and terrain between. But they have since cr*pped out for some unknown reason.

I hope some others have some battery advice cause I'm an alt. energy newbie too, but here goes. I'm going to go the same route as you with the marine battery. Cause they are cheaper here, and cause I know I'm going to fry one or two in my learning process :P If I'm very lucky maybe can get 6...

The reading pleasure was all mine. Nothing catches my eye more than something like 45- 315watt panels. Thanks for providing the technical information as well. john

Yeah, that is a giant panel! I've never seen 300+ before. They have mostly 200's or so round here, and they're really pricey. I see you want a 14kw system, right? My relative in the US has that size grid-tie. He's looking at 7 year payback. I guess you're figuring on something similar...

Hi again John, Sorry I don't have a solar awning but I like your plans. My home is also situated North-South. In summer we get too much sun into the kitchen and have been considering some kind of awning for a long time. Your idea seems perfect. 1.5kw system isn't that tiny by the way ;)

Very cool indeed, I believe that is similar to the ancient Korean form of heating. http://holzhueter.blogspot.com/2008/12/natural-building-in-korea.html (Some great natural building links there BTW) Thanks so much for this

Hi John, That is some serious looking copper. Yes, at first glance it does seem a bit much, but given your other power positives; solar and wood, I get where you are coming from. Hot water, especially in winter is probably our biggest utility expense here as well. Given your climate, a...

Welcome, and er.......wow! Good luck with it all and very much looking forward to asking you some questions in the future. Besides your apple catalog the 12,5kbtu heating system sounds interesting. Merry Christmas, john

Thanks for letting me know about your panels, Yeah I agree a big setup can run the meter backwards of course. But our small ones really aren't worth the expense to connect to the grid. I'll look for more small watt grid-tie info. Have a Merry Christmas, John

Hi, Thanks for the replies. Same here, just trying to learn. I'm hoping to order them this week, and a deep cycle battery next month. Don't think you can wire them to the house though. You still need a battery, and an inverter. I've got a cheap car cigarette lighter inverter that will...

Lots of good ideas from your lists, Mine are, 1. Also scaling down, from 2 fields, to 1. (1/4 acre) 2. Use black plastic mulch to keep the weeds from going bonkers 3. Buy or scrounge 100yds. of pipe for micro-hydro. 4. Install gutters and make rainwater collection tank for ducks and...

Anyone using solar panels for off grid? I'm about to purchase three, 50watt panels for a project/hobby with the hopes of eventually getting some of the house lighting onto a bigger, hybrid , off grid system. If you've got any: What brand, size, batteries, controllers, specs etc? Thanks...

Thanks for the welcome backs, It seems I am by far not the best wood burner here, Great for those of you that can get slab for about 20bucks, that is a great deal, even if you do have to "feed the dragon" more often. Seems like the way to go. Lately I've been cooking on top with a Dutch oven...

Wow! good idea for the vegetably challenged like myself. I've been trying the very same thing. 1 meal per week from homegrown ingredients = 5% of your food bill. But I didn't consider the petroleum aspect, now that is tough. Great homepage, funky and nice

Eddie Vedder and Neil Young lately

Hi all, long time no post, We've been heating 100% with wood for 4? years now. We have no central heating system. Overall I love it. We can get green wood free or almost free, picked up myself of course. I do the main part of collecting in a big push in spring or early summer. This will...

Looks very fishy to me, it is not that easy, they are trying to sell the books. The theory is correct - magnet generator, that is about it. It takes a lot of wind , or water to turn a generator to power your home.

Yes, it would probably be a little cheaper in the US, but the subsidy may not be so large. I did a little comparison a while ago between 1. gasoline car 2. hybrid car 3. lead-acid battery, plug in car And....the hybrid car came out only slightly cheaper, over 10 year lifespan. When...

Sorry this is so late but..... The Mitsubishi MiEV has finally come out here. It is a plug in electric 4 seater. It's 40K USD!! The gov't will give you 10K subsidy so, it is really 30K. It is tiny. Think the old Honda CVCC Civic. I was really hoping for it to be about 20K, dang. The...