Newbie considers alternate energy sources - Page 7

 
My apologies all.  Not sure what is up with my news server, but my original
post has disappeared and with it any direct responses that may have given a
yea or nay to the original idea of a single method to store/convert both
waterwheel and solar power to something that could augment an existing
electrical service or feed back to the grid.

The only references I see start with a "re:....." and they seem to be
several levels of posts down.  Can anybody summarize what might have been
offered as constructive advice?

 

Mamba wrote:


I have posted a fresh reply to it so it should re-appear.



Don't expect much power from a waterwheel running in a stream. If you can have
an overshot type, that may be enough to get a few 100 watts. Like the one here
...
http://www.itsnoteasybeinggreen.org/

PV solar is so insanely expensive that you'd need a VERY good reason to use it.
Solar thermal is far smarter.

Is there any usable wind ?

Are you off-grid ? Oh - you're not in which case making your own electricity is
largely nuts and tokenism/hobbyism. Spend the money on insulation to reduce
your energy NEEDS in the first place. Amazing how so many people miss the
obvious.


Graham

 
original

use it.

electricity is

Dang, I still don't see any new top posts on this subject, I guess I need to
resolve my reader problems before tackling supplemental energy.

As to the topic of minimizing energy needs, I think we have that covered.
We don't heat the place except for a woodstove, no AC (that's what creeks
are for!), and the only energy draw besides a well pump is super efficient
fridge and the occasional light bulb.  Since we are there rarely (average 6
days/mo), I was thinking the abundance of solar and water (if somehow
convertible) would allow us to easily recoup our energy costs, and that's
where my delusions of an excess came from.

Just as a side note, I don't think anything anybody is willing to try to
reduce their carbon footprint should be labeled as tokenism.  I am just a
working slob like many others, and don't have a ton of money to "burn"
(pardon the pun) but I'm willing to at least give it thought and a good try.

Cheers
Gary

 
You can always find the posts at
http://groups.google.com


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Jonathan Grobe Books  
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Mamba wrote:


Here is another reply to your original post so all can see once again where you
started.

Graham