Here's a tip hat we've been doing for many years. I work hard to capture solar energy and minimize the money for oil companies, so I like to say; a watt-hour saved is a watt-hour earned. Most folks may not even know that many electronic appliances have an instant-on feature. Our satellite receiver ...
Monthly Archives: November 2009
Solar Panel Array, My real life example
Here is the solar panel array we've been using to power our home. Before moving my office here, we got by mostly on this power. Now, however, we use a genverter and solar to meet the needs of our growing family(teens) and ...
Caution: Solar Panels Wasted without MPPT charger
Just a quick note for those looking at adding solar panels as a second power source to their genverters or anyone starting out in solar power. I looked into a new class of large solar panels that are rated at 200W or more per panel! Some of the prices of these units have ...
Why firewood? I have this nifty little heater…
Folks new to the Off Grid lifestyle, or alternate energy, often have this notion. There are many electric heaters out there like, oil based, ceramic ones, and basic heating elements. Isn't there one that will run well off my genverter system? Simple answer is no. The power required for any electricity based heat is too ...
Genverters and Free power time!
When using a genverter for power there are two modes of operation; a) silent mode and b)charging mode. Each mode has its advantages and disadvantages. Silent mode, is just another name for the time you're running on battery power and have the power inverter converting the ...
Emergency Power Genverter
Emergency Power from a Genverter system Being out of power can range from an annoyance to a crisis. Your emergency generator and supply of gas determine how long you can weather the problems until they get worse with no power. Depending on your location and the ...
Small Generator Review and Experience [3] – What works
In this final part of the generator series, I conclude with what works and what we are using today. Last time we reviewed the old Onan unit that was great ( may it rest in peace). Ok, so the moment everyone's been waiting for: What have I settled on for a decent, reliable generator ...
Small Generator Review and Experience [2]
In this series I review our generator experience of the last ten years. We've had a string of small generators, some worked well, others didn't. In part 1, we looked at the first Generac unit and a high rpm diesel unit. The Old Onan RV generator Well, after the cheap Diesel generator, I was ready for ...
Small Generator Review and Experience [1]
Living off grid now for 10 years, I have work my way through many different backup generators to keep the home running through the dark cold winters in north central Washington state. In this series I'll will go through the experience we've had with multiple low cost units (3500W - 8000W) and many long hours ...
Quick Refrigerator tip #2 and #3
Keeping a refrigerator in an off grid enviroment is a challenge and expense. In this series, we cover our experience with several units. Refrigerator Tip *1 reviewed our experience with our first off grid electric unit. For your off grid home, a refrigerator is a wonderful luxury to have. Unfortunately, the power comsumption is ...
