awetismfamily
Sustainable Newbie
- Joined
- May 21, 2012
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 7
Hi SS friends--
We are a low-income family and I'd really appreciate some feedback here.
Solar looks great, but we don't have resources to purchase panels, and a tax 'credit' won't help us because we are short on income (due to disability issues) so we can't benefit from a credit.
Home made solar still requires investment and know-how...not sure I am the girl to get this done, although I am darned handy on general carpentry, plumbing and basic electrical.
Wind could be interesting-- we are in North Alabama -- not sure we have enough wind to deal with our energy needs and then there's the expense again for purchasing the wind turbine. Anybody have good info on home-made wind turbines that actually would work? We live in a city but small enough town and out near woods, so maybe zoning wouldn't be a problem if we found a cheap way to build a decent turbine system...
How about passive solar storage in winter?? Long ago, I'd seen a system with an enclosed 18-24" space painted black, to collect radiant heat, then vented into the living space for heat. Any personal testimonials or links out there with instructions?
Looking for SS members' TOP 5 CHEAP OR FREE WAYS TO GET OFF THE GRID We are a family of 4, and sadly do require a/c because of allergies and asthma issues for some of us.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
We are a low-income family and I'd really appreciate some feedback here.
Solar looks great, but we don't have resources to purchase panels, and a tax 'credit' won't help us because we are short on income (due to disability issues) so we can't benefit from a credit.
Home made solar still requires investment and know-how...not sure I am the girl to get this done, although I am darned handy on general carpentry, plumbing and basic electrical.
Wind could be interesting-- we are in North Alabama -- not sure we have enough wind to deal with our energy needs and then there's the expense again for purchasing the wind turbine. Anybody have good info on home-made wind turbines that actually would work? We live in a city but small enough town and out near woods, so maybe zoning wouldn't be a problem if we found a cheap way to build a decent turbine system...
How about passive solar storage in winter?? Long ago, I'd seen a system with an enclosed 18-24" space painted black, to collect radiant heat, then vented into the living space for heat. Any personal testimonials or links out there with instructions?
Looking for SS members' TOP 5 CHEAP OR FREE WAYS TO GET OFF THE GRID We are a family of 4, and sadly do require a/c because of allergies and asthma issues for some of us.
Any suggestions? Thanks!