I over heard a progam plug about makeing your own electricity. Can this be done effectively and economicly?

Answer 1

To follow up on Doug's answer. Here is the guy from NJ and his site:
http://www.hopewellproject.org/index.html

Answer 2

Solar power is the only real effective way to do it. There are other ways, but they are not as effective.

You can ammortize the cost of buying, installing, and maintaining a solar-electric system that will make you energy independant, in approximately 10 years (less time if you get rebates and tax credits, more time if you want more power).

If you can stand a 10 year ammortization curve, then it is also economical.

.

Answer 3

making electricity is not a major deal. As far as "effectively" goes..YES, it's possible. Economic or not is a question of personal use/preference.

I think it depends on how much electricity you need. I have made wind-mill like apparatus to light a few bulbs. and when it's really hot outside, i put it in front of my fan at night. that gives enough power to light a bulb for my evening studies.

I personally don't think solar energy is a reliable option unless you're in one of those sunny towns, AND you are thinking long term (>15-18 years). Solar panels probably won't start paying off (i.e. actually save considerable amount of money) in a near future.

So, yeah...from my limited knowledge, I don't think making your own electricity, at home at least, is going to be very convenient. (Exception: you have giant mension, and 3-times as big of a land where you can install solar/wind power generators. of course, you can always go old school and install a traditional power generator. but if you have that much money, you probably wouldn't be worrying about "economically" part :))

Answer 4

Yes. Up front costs start around $10K-$40K depending on location, how much you choose to do yourself, how much energy you use, etc. In 10-15 years the system should pay for itself.

Energy generation options include solar, wind, and even micro-hydroelectric. Backup/surge capacity can come from a battery bank, generator, or "the grid" itself.

The technology is out there but it is one step beyond "plug-and-play".

Answer 5

There was an article about a man in New Jersey that is completely off the power grid. He has spent about $500,000 over the past 20 years to get his house running on solar power and hydrogen (from water).

Answer 6

Many folks make their own electricity, you probably can not make is any cheaper than the utility company that servers you . Wind, solar are all ways that folks make their own electricity. If you are a do it your self kind of guy, you could probably install one of them and give it a try. Neither of them are cheap.