Does anyone live partially or entirely off grid?

Question

Off Grid power options?

If so, what type of alternate power system(s) are you using?

Solar? ---(I think very expensive and in this part of the country, not enough sun.)

Hydro-electric? ---(may be a viable choice if I have enough current running through my stream and or enough head from a waterfall)

Wind? --- (If It is installed high enough and does not obscure.)

Diesel Generator---(may be ok if underground, low speed, water cooled)

We are planning to build a log home in up-state Pa. as a second home for now, but our primary residence in a few years.

Thanks in advance for your answers!
Newt

Answer 1

whatever you use to charge batteries (which is what powers your inverters that change low voltage to 110 volt) make sure you use "marine" batteries, they are different than "car batteries" because they hold a steady charge before a dropoff instead of slowly losing voltage like car bats.("dropoff rate")

Answer 2

I installed a 6 kW solar system on my 2200 sq ft home in Martinez CA. I am a bit frugal, and live alone. The system supplies all my electricity for everything but heating. Between the solar system and a wood burning fireplace insert, I used no gas last winter, except for water heating.You might think of a combination of power sources. Of the ones you mention, hydro, solar and wind make the most sense.

Providing batteries for standby power can be pretty expensive. First you buy them, then replace them every few years. I would think a combination of sources would be a better idea.

Key to success will certainly be attention to energy efficient construction. I expect that heating the cabin will be the greatest consumer of energy.

You might consider having the house wired so you can easily shed load when power generation is low.

Answer 3

my plan has always been to put the initial cost's forward and very little continuous expenses
i have thought that i would use direct current to do my lighting, well pump, flat screen TVs, portable DVD.
as for the Microwave, an 1000, 1500 watts transformer could do
a battery bank could be used to store the energy from whatever source
Propane to run the Kitchen Stove, Refrigerator and, ON DEMAND Water Heater.
hope this will help "there are allot of resources on-line"

Answer 4

all my outdoor lighting is solar, not bad for free, but high initial cost

Answer 5

Hahahahahahah, This question is being asked to computer geeks.