My electric power company is a real rip off, and I am tired of paying the bills. What is the most cost effective way to generate my own power? I don't have any high loads other than a microwave for a couple of minutes. It's just a small studio apartment.
2007-02-14 15:03:56 · 3 answers · asked by Petey 5 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
There is no economically sensible way to create your own juice in an apartment. If you had access to the roof, you could install a solar photovoltaic system, but they are so expensive that you would be much better off buying from the local utility -- unless you can get a huge subsidy. But subsidies are available, although it is not likely that you could get one for an apartment setup.
2007-02-14 15:12:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry dude, solar panels are expensive, and using a gas powered generator will drive your neighbors nuts. Batteries are one way some companies use to back up a building's computer
system, however the recharge process is combustible and you would need allot of batteries as well as AC to DC conversion equipment.
You would be surprised how much current is drawn from a TV or appliance while it is plugged in and not even on. Try unplugging
unnecessary devices. Also try fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent ones. Fluorescent bulbs last longer and use less wattage.
Also, try turning off the lights when you are not home or not in that room.
One other thing, sometimes your circuit panel may be feeding into someone Else's apartment. Your panel could be feeding the hallway lights, or who knows(take it from me, I'm an electrician, and i have seen it). Next time you go to work or will be away for some time, turn off all the breakers or fuses.
See if someone complains about an outage. Another way is to check your panel, get someone qualified, and see if there are wires that may be connected to your circuitry.
You may have to go into the electric closet and check your meter and main breaker. Some one could be cheating.
Anyway, good luck and don't blow yourself up.
2007-02-14 17:50:00 · answer #2 · answered by icd1765 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothing that is cost effective, soar panels and batteries, but they are expensive, my husband is an electrician and says that that is your only option that he can think of, but he is half asleep
2007-02-14 15:24:24 · answer #3 · answered by melissa s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋