Re: [pvusers] green business

["gig" <justinsgramps@flashmail.com>]

Dan;

> 6kWh for a month is doing really well!  Sounds like if you can keep that
up
> you're ready for going off grid.  All you'd need is an emergency generator
> to help for extended no-sun periods...
>
> Good going there!

Thanks!!... It is an increase for me.... last month, I used 5 Kwh.   :-D

I am nearly to the point where I will take the outdoor catchment pump
off grid....almost the last thing left....except for a few CF house
lights...
they are going off grid too.... that should  cut my power  usage down
to about  2 Kwh or less per month..... I hope  by the end of this year...
(end of 2002) I will have my first sine wave inverter.... I am using the
Statpower 1500 Modified sine wave, now... it pulls about a half an
amp (or less) during idle time...or about 8 watts... so the idle load is
low enough to let it run all the time... but it's modified sine wave.....
the output is not sine wave quality...

I occasionally use the microwave oven... and have used it both on
and off grid... depending on the sunlight... but... I am also solar
cooking most of the time on sunny days.... (I really like that)....

I haven't used a fridge.... not yet.... my old  fridge and freezer are
unplugged.... and  I  will get a new one soon... a combo unit with
a large freezer built in... I  have been looking for  a much smaller,
and better insulated fridge/freezer combo... I  think the fridge will
be the real test...I will probably have to add more batteries...and
hook up  the last four  PV  panels,  since a  fridge  will  drain  the
batteries  significantly... and I  'am'  building  a  DC generator... I
already have the  gasoline motor... hope  to construct  it this year
sometimes...

...but you are right.... I am close to being off the grid for keeps...

Gig







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