SB: Fwd: Solar Systems/ Costs and options

[NativeSol@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/18/02 10:56:09 AM, NativeSol writes:

<< >I would give anything to be able to do solar on the property we are 
improving - when I >started figuring the cost, it was going to be more money 
than our house will cost.  >Very Catch-22.  Pat 

After reading a few comments on the high initial investment cost of solar...
I had to throw my 2 cents into the ring.

First, it's much cheaper...less $$$ spent to "kill-a-watt" than to make a 
watt.
So...all those that envision a very cool solar system that will let you tell 
the 
Power Co. where to go....start by lowering your needs as much as possible.

All this can be done without any change in your present quality of life.

There's lot's of info. on this...but if your system will cost more than your 
house; you can do a lot to change your system requirements before you 
actually need the system.  
And, it's a great payback on your dollars invested. (For all those bean 
counters)

The usual path:

Change to Compact flourescent lamps....now instant-on..3 level for floor 
lamps, etc.

Don't use electricity for heating or cooking if possible/ gas or solar water 
heating

Cut the "phantom loads" down to zero
    These are all of those items that use power 24/7 even if they're turned 
off.
    Anything with a wall cube that is warm to the touch
    All of those lights on high-tech appliances, computers, etc.
    clocks and timers on T.V.'s, microwaves, etc.
Put these on a seperate switch or plug strip and turn on, only when you need 
it.
There was a statistic in Home Power Mag. that phantom Loads in the U.S. 
accounted for the full time power production of 5 power plants.  I's an awful 
lot.

When your frig. dies ..buy a new super efficient model..that can cut your 
bill 25% - 50%.

Purchase some of the good Green Plugs that regulate and balance the power 
consumption of large appliances like washers and dryers.

The Goal:  A small family can easily get down to between 5 and 10 K.W./day use
That translates to a 1 - 2 K.W. solar system (w/ 6 hours/day solar)
More, if you've got a home business or you're a computer junkie.

So..."Kill" as many watts as possible B4 you start making them.

And, keep in-visioning that solar system.

Buckethead
 >>

---

• To: strawbale-digest-help@crest.org
• Subject: Re: Solar Systems/ Costs and options
• From: NativeSol@aol.com
• Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 13:56:09 EST
• Full-name: NativeSol

>I would give anything to be able to do solar on the property we are 
improving - when I >started figuring the cost, it was going to be more money 
than our house will cost.  >Very Catch-22.  Pat 

After reading a few comments on the high initial investment cost of solar...
I had to throw my 2 cents into the ring.

First, it's much cheaper...less $$$ spent to "kill-a-watt" than to make a 
watt.
So...all those that envision a very cool solar system that will let you tell 
the 
Power Co. where to go....start by lowering your needs as much as possible.

All this can be done without any change in your present quality of life.

There's lot's of info. on this...but if your system will cost more than your 
house; you can do a lot to change your system requirements before you 
actually need the system.  
And, it's a great payback on your dollars invested. (For all those bean 
counters)

The usual path:

Change to Compact flourescent lamps....now instant-on..3 level for floor 
lamps, etc.

Don't use electricity for heating or cooking if possible/ gas or solar water 
heating

Cut the "phantom loads" down to zero
    These are all of those items that use power 24/7 even if they're turned 
off.
    Anything with a wall cube that is warm to the touch
    All of those lights on high-tech appliances, computers, etc.
    clocks and timers on T.V.'s, microwaves, etc.
Put these on a seperate switch or plug strip and turn on, only when you need 
it.
There was a statistic in Home Power Mag. that phantom Loads in the U.S. 
accounted for the full time power production of 5 power plants.  I's an awful 
lot.

When your frig. dies ..buy a new super efficient model..that can cut your 
bill 25% - 50%.

Purchase some of the good Green Plugs that regulate and balance the power 
consumption of large appliances like washers and dryers.

The Goal:  A small family can easily get down to between 5 and 10 K.W./day use
That translates to a 1 - 2 K.W. solar system (w/ 6 hours/day solar)
More, if you've got a home business or you're a computer junkie.

So..."Kill" as many watts as possible B4 you start making them.

And, keep in-visioning that solar system.

Buckethead

---

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