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Alternative Energy
The three most common Alternative energy systems are, Solar, Hydroelectric, and Wind Powered. Generating electricity from alternative sources is only part of the solution.
To effectively implement a system that will give you the energy needed when needed much research and planning must be done first.
The basic system uses a generating system to supply the electricity, a battery storage system, charge controllers, load controllers and over-current protective devices.
You also need to know what your power requirements will be. Glossary
Include a system diagram
A brief history
Back during the 1980’s there were articles and stories about people building solar and hydroelectric systems, using the power to run their homes, and making money selling the power back to the electric company.
The truth is while it is possible, very few people actually generate power and make money doing it.
Reality
Alternative energy systems are for those who are a bit more self-reliant and desire not to depend on the power company for all of their electrical needs. While most systems are very cost effective and work reliably with very little routine maintenance, some find the initial capital outlay prohibitive or at least somewhat unattractive. The average cost of a supplemental power system can be in the $5000 to $15000 dollar range including all of the necessary engineering. Equipment and installation. However over the long term the permanent supply of available electrical power is worth it to most who choose implement an alternative system. We will be glad to help you determine whether or not an Alternative power system is a viable solution for you and your lifestyle.
The owners cabin is a Hybrid system meaning it is on the power grid, but also has a Solar Generation and storage system with high voltage and low voltage wiring in the cabin. Most of the lighting is low voltage lighting that is supplied from the batteries that is charged by the solar panels.
“We frequently lose grid power but never lose lighting. We also have the ability to switch over to “total standby mode" in which we use the power stored in our battery bank to produce high voltage used to run the refrigerator and other essential 110 volt appliances during extended outages.”
“We often lose power and never even know it unless we try to turn on the TV without switching the house to total standby power.”
“Once we had a grid power outage during a summer storm so after an hour or so I reported the outage to the power company, two hours later the repairman knocked on the door while I was watching TV asking if I knew the people named on his repair order, it was my house. He looked quite puzzled and said he had passed by several times but saw the lights on and though he had the wrong house. It was quite comical actually.”
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