🚀 go-pugleaf

I spent a year off-grid, sailing in a yacht, and got some insight into
energy usage and lifestyle.  If I was going to design an off-grid
house, this is how I would do it.

1.  Solar PV system, with 4 x 100 Ah deep cycle lead-acid batteries
connected to an inverter.  This circuit would handle lights, TV,
stereo/radio, computer, telephone, digital devices - 24x7.

2.  20 HP diesel generator connected to a second 240V circuit, and
built into an inground concrete bunker for noise suppression.  This
would be run for about 1 hour per day, and would simultaneously drive
the microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, and recharge batteries if
required.  Just a matter of being organised.

I would also have a specially designed freezer, well insulated, which
could handle being run just 1 hour in 24.

3.  Solar hot water system, using gas (propane) as a supplementary
system.  If I lived in a warm enough place, I might not worry about
the supplementary system.  But you should try going for a year without
a hot shower before making that decision.

4.  A propane gas system for driving the stove and a heater.  This
could be supplemented with a wood burner if I had access to wood.

The total cost of this system would be approximately:

AUD (approx)
$4000	Solar panels
$1000	Batteries *
$500	Inverter
$2000	Diesel generator
$500	12/240V wiring
$1000	Purpose built freezer
$5000	Solar hot water heater
$500	Gas bottle and piping
$1000	Wood/gas stove and heater

$15500	Total (approx)

There is ongoing costs of diesel and gas, amounting to about $500 a
year.  The batteries and gas bottle would need to be replaced after
5-10 years.  There will be some maintenance costs on the diesel.  The
entire system would need to be replaced every 25 years.

I compare this to the price I pay for my electricity and natural gas
purchased from a utility, and I scoff at people who think that solar
power is going to be a big thing in the future.  It isn't, it is way
too expensive.

BTW, notice how this would still be really expensive if solar panels
were much cheaper.


...Greig


On 03 Jun 2000 17:52:25 EDT, "D.A.Kopf" <dak@dakx.com> wrote:

>Steve Spence wrote:
>> 
>> I attempted to show that you can build a solar powered, off grid house (or
>> solar assisted on-grid house) but that consumption can't be 3000kwh/month,
>> or even 900kwh/month, unless you have lots of money. a 50kwh/month system is
>> reasonable, but can YOU live on so little. some can.
>> 
>Sounds like an opportune time for an objective electricity usage FAQ. Some
>could describe their lifestyle benefit from drawing 20 KW at a moment's
>notice, while others could share their methods for maximizing lifestyle using
>minimum electricity, and how to time-shift optional loads to make use of local
>peak production. Any takers? I'd contribute.
>