tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post3900348696178852528..comments2024-03-28T14:37:45.575-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: Solar Energy Isn't Free EnergyLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-75616278115214498552019-12-21T12:53:15.407-05:002019-12-21T12:53:15.407-05:00For decades we'd hook up our welding unit (gas...For decades we'd hook up our welding unit (gasoline powered) when we had lengthy outages, but when we installed the solar we went ahead and got a natural gas generator that will automatically come on in an outage. I don't know why we didn't do it sooner! <br /><br />I figured you had to have some connection to this part of the world! ;)Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00859017153454691633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-25128615754288769892019-12-21T06:02:26.297-05:002019-12-21T06:02:26.297-05:00Kelly, I lived in Louisiana for over nine years. :...Kelly, I lived in Louisiana for over nine years. :)<br /><br />I like that you're confident in the choices you made. That means you did a good job researching them and how they'd affect you! Do you have a backup?<br /><br />Su, that's an excellent way to put it; paying for your electricity in chunks. Yes, we'll maintain it ourselves. That's the way our budget works! If we had to rely on someone else it wouldn't happen. :)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-86644181144851419282019-12-21T00:18:29.858-05:002019-12-21T00:18:29.858-05:00You're right on when you say that solar electr...You're right on when you say that solar electricity isn't free electricity. As you know, hubby & I are off grid and have been since 2004. So over the years we've had our share of expenses, primarily new batteries. I usually tell people who are considering living like us that our electricity isn't free....we pay for it in chunks, with most of it being up front installation. Luckily we can do our own maintenance and repairs, or else we'd be spending money on servicing. Sounds like you & Dan will be able to do your own servicing too.Su Bahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09125127467859054156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-38371641487860015332019-12-20T21:09:01.149-05:002019-12-20T21:09:01.149-05:00Of course we're still on the grid, but we defi...Of course we're still on the grid, but we definitely did our research and put the pencil to it before making our final decision. I'm still confident we did the right thing. <br /><br />I smiled at your use of the word lagniappe. That's one I don't expect to hear much outside my part of the country. ;)Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00859017153454691633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-71666453470474559982019-12-19T20:46:56.117-05:002019-12-19T20:46:56.117-05:00tpals, that was very wise of you. Medications requ...tpals, that was very wise of you. Medications requiring refrigeration need a backup. Good point about snow! We don't get a whole lot of snow, but we do get some. Makes me glad our solar panels are close to the ground.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-40432269303750361752019-12-19T10:43:11.317-05:002019-12-19T10:43:11.317-05:00I added solar to protect my son's insulin supp...I added solar to protect my son's insulin supply in case of extended power outages. At the time I had an income to make it feasible. It's set up to power the fridge, freezers and furnace but is useless if the panels are buried in snow. ;)<br /><br />I didn't go with grid-tied because here the power company can buy the excess at a tiny fraction of what they charge and of course it would be shut off in case of an outage for their safety. I'd rather use it all myself.tpalshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05646231041413714929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-44501725462839049632019-12-18T21:46:23.639-05:002019-12-18T21:46:23.639-05:00TB, I think one thing that solar does is to put a ...TB, I think one thing that solar does is to put a sharp focus on how much energy it really takes to do the things we are used to doing. I've read more than one off-grid person comment on checking the state of things first thing in the morning in hopes of having enough to heat water for morning coffee! Sometimes there isn't enough so that the day doesn't start off very well. :o<br /><br />I wish we did have other sources to tap into. We have wood, and Dan has plans for a wood gasifier, so that might be a future possibility. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-83936479767064640512019-12-18T20:45:20.520-05:002019-12-18T20:45:20.520-05:00Peace of mind matters. I think the reason solar i...Peace of mind matters. I think the reason solar is so often disappointing to people is that it seems highly touted as a "solution" to high energy bills. The infrastructure and replacement costs are not considered (as they really should be). <br /><br />That said, it can make a certain amount of sense. Wind does too - water, for that matter, if you have a location that supports it. It really becomes more of a question of the need, the budget, and ability to actually meet the need.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-23677172120797744492019-12-18T08:30:18.957-05:002019-12-18T08:30:18.957-05:00Quinn, I admit this is going much slower than I ha...Quinn, I admit this is going much slower than I had hoped. (And my blog posts are somewhat behind that!) There is lots to be aware of and be careful with. We spend time doing research, discussion, and planning in between each step. And of course, the weather has to cooperate! Hopefully, you're friends will get theirs going soon. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-72354496057491455532019-12-18T06:51:43.466-05:002019-12-18T06:51:43.466-05:00I am watching in a sort of spellbound awe as you a...I am watching in a sort of spellbound awe as you and Dan undertake this particular adventure, Leigh! Two friends have been "going solar" for ages now, and I don't want to ask if they are up and running because I am afraid the answer will still be "not yet"!Quinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17292701509476856967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-69544352929946761702019-12-18T06:15:52.135-05:002019-12-18T06:15:52.135-05:00Oh Nancy, nothing is cheap! And it seems like pric...Oh Nancy, nothing is cheap! And it seems like prices for all the components have only gone up over the years. That always seems to be the case, doesn't it? Especially, when an idea is popular. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-16311673144793507122019-12-17T21:35:43.679-05:002019-12-17T21:35:43.679-05:00I didn't realize it would be that expensive bu...I didn't realize it would be that expensive but like you say the peace of mind of your food not being ruined is worth a lot. Nancy Cozy Thyme Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933769393226611441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-68679196028952784952019-12-17T21:04:55.308-05:002019-12-17T21:04:55.308-05:00Wyomingheart, you're welcome! Dan and I have a...Wyomingheart, you're welcome! Dan and I have a motto, "Food First." Any time we have decisions or choices to make, we try to focus on just that. It helps us set our priorities.<br /><br />Debbie, what a wonderful gift! Lucky you! Dan would love to have a generator, but that's still out in the future somewhere. <br /><br />Rain, even setting aside replacement costs for batteries and the rest, it certainly seems like you would be a whole lot better off. Or if you could at least use wood heat, that would help. Without our wood heater, our electric bill would be pretty outrageous too. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-47705210602110781542019-12-17T17:11:57.397-05:002019-12-17T17:11:57.397-05:00I love how you think Leigh. When you think of batt...I love how you think Leigh. When you think of battery replacement on a monthly savings basis, you can really see the savings in electricity. Our electricity bill, I think I've mentioned it before, it over $300 a month, it's insane and ridiculous because we just don't use that much electricity. It's all heat. A solar set up (done frugally like you and Dan did) would be much more cost-efficient for us for sure.Rain https://www.blogger.com/profile/14377719049819222133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-42054617932797759662019-12-17T15:53:35.111-05:002019-12-17T15:53:35.111-05:00I went solar last November, and I love the fact th...I went solar last November, and I love the fact that the electric company now owes ME money! Like you, I try to preserve as much of our summer harvest as I can, and I stuff the freezers full to capacity. Thankfully, my sweetie bought me a whole house generator as a housewarming gift when I first moved in, which is such a comfort, especially on a snowy day like today!Debbie - MountainMamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15679232688811134752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-4397772736618630542019-12-17T15:15:05.738-05:002019-12-17T15:15:05.738-05:00I completely agree with you, Leigh, in the food pr...I completely agree with you, Leigh, in the food preservation need. We are also dependent on freezer space with our bountiful harvest each year. The idea that we have a year worth of groceries in the freezer is a life saver for us, and preserving it is priceless. This information you have shared with us is critical to that self sustaining life we desire. Thank you! wyominghearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11866831359786301254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-21046161174228251562019-12-17T14:36:56.028-05:002019-12-17T14:36:56.028-05:00Jo, that's correct about other parts of the sy...Jo, that's correct about other parts of the system. I just used batteries for my example to make my point. <br /><br />Selling electricity back to the utility company only applies to grid-tied systems rather than off-grid. It's a very attractive idea for a lot of folks. Dan and I will never get to completely off-grid, so that's not a decision we'll ever have to make. Out of curiosity, however, I took a look at the contract our utility company requires of customers tying into the grid. I <i>highly recommend</i> that anyone considering this go to their electric companie's website and download a copy of their contract. Ours is very interesting.<br /><br />1. It limits the size of the system to 90% of the customer's distribution service rating. Fines apply if it's exceeded.<br />2. The customer's homeowner's insurance policy must carry liability coverage with a minimum of at least $100,000 per occurrence of bodily injury and/or property damage.<br />3. The company agrees to buy excess electricity but is not required to.<br />4. The company can require the customer to reduce or interrupt production. <br /><br />Some utility companies have started adding extra fees to home energy producers. That's something else folks should research.<br /><br />The gentleman we bought our solar panels from was an installer. He told us that our utility company had the reputation for being the least solar friendly in the state--very difficult to work with. That being said, others may find their electric companies much easier to work with and having better terms. <br /><br />Ed, interesting about the wind turbans. I don't think we get enough wind here for that, though. But I wish we did. Ditto for hydro.<br /><br />I agree one has to have a long-term view for alternative energy. And in the meantime, we're looking to find ways to back up our backup. :) <br /><br />Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-1037436264850008222019-12-17T14:02:01.907-05:002019-12-17T14:02:01.907-05:00I know a few people who have installed mini wind t...I know a few people who have installed mini wind turbans for their house. While there are still maintenance costs, their electrical output doesn't degrade over time. I also know a person with a generator in a small spring that does pretty well since it doesn't rely on batteries or storage. But it does require a constant water source and a lot of fiddling to keep it running in a wet environment. It also doesn't provide a lot of energy but I suppose could be scaled up with more generators. <br /><br />I still think solar is a great source of providing off the grid power and may eventually pay for itself in the long term. I just don't think it can work for short term payoff that many tout unless of course you add other things to your justification such as protecting an off the grid food source like what you produce. It is hard to put a number on that. Edhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13214319366049620074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-83088085913427427852019-12-17T11:04:20.734-05:002019-12-17T11:04:20.734-05:00Leigh,
One factor you are forgetting about going o...Leigh,<br />One factor you are forgetting about going off grid with solar, you can actually make your electric meter run backwards by having the excess energy going back into the system. The electric company will be paying you (if yours allows for it). We actually did this on my old homestead. Every quarter we got a sizeable check that helped pay for our $25K system.<br /><br />Maintenance and replacements costs are not only batteries. We had a hurricane brush by us and it damaged several panels also.You should be factoring in that too. Keep $45 a month to cover. That's what we did for every third panel. The glass scratches over time. <br /><br />You should know how much your electric bill will lower. You know how any kwph that equipment pulls. Just calculate it out.Cockeyed Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12107151148843311635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-15360046561546800892019-12-17T10:28:48.350-05:002019-12-17T10:28:48.350-05:00RT, all of those things are part of the reason we ...RT, all of those things are part of the reason we think it's worth it. :)<br /><br />Ed, all of the components will eventually need replacing, which has got me wondering if there isn't another way. We don't have a generator, but that's another one. People just beginning looking into solar would do well to research how long each component will last. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-8583423325139706232019-12-17T09:26:42.538-05:002019-12-17T09:26:42.538-05:00Another factor I see people neglect to account for...Another factor I see people neglect to account for is that solar panels degrade with time producing less electricity. I think newer ones are down to losing less than 1% of their production capacity a year but older panels were much higher. So while the panels may still be working 25 years down the road, you are producing a lot less electricity and at the rate society's been going, using a lot more. So like you said, you are forced to upgrade your panels sooner, add more panels or add more batteries for storage, all for a cost.Edhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13214319366049620074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-36180565912043421712019-12-17T08:44:12.848-05:002019-12-17T08:44:12.848-05:00Peace of mind is, indeed, priceless. To lose all ...Peace of mind is, indeed, priceless. To lose all of a harvest is to lose more than just the food that spoiled. It is to lose all the man hours and sweat equity it took to create that harvest. And "going off the grid" is more than just about saving money. It is about independence and a life style. All those intangible elements must be considered as well. Retired Knitterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13662288640032813770noreply@blogger.com