Hydro Electric Power
The first choice for an independent power source is a fast flowing mountain stream. In this system water is diverted to flow through a turbine made from an automobile alternator. The alternator charges deep cycle batteries (Trojan T-105 are recommended). Unfortunately not many have the opportunity to live next to a mountain stream with adequate head pressure and a flow rate sufficient to run a turbine.
Wind Power
Wind power may be an option in some locations that usually have a strong steady breeze. In my location there is rarely enough wind to justify making a significant investment in a wind generator. In locations with intermittent wind conditions it may be practical to invest in a very small and less costly wind turbine to supplement solar energy.
Mike’s Homemade Wind Generator
Solar Power
The sun is the most practical source of alternative power for most locations but a change of lifestyle is usually needed to make most solar systems affordable. Solar power is a very good idea if:
- the cost of commerical electricity is very expensive, or
- there is a significant future currency devaluation, or
- the electric grid becomes intermittent or unavailable.
My Current Solar System
The cost of my current 24 volt, 450 amp-hr system using 1000 watts of solar panels was:
| Qty | Item | Unit | Total |
| 8 | Kyocera KC125G 12V Solar Panel | $573.00 | $4,584.00 |
| 4 | 30′ Module interconnections | $32.00 | $128.00 |
| 1 | MNPV6 Combiner Box | $91.56 | $91.56 |
| 4 | 12 Amp Circuit Breakers | $10.92 | $43.68 |
| 1 | Trace C60 Charge Controller | $166.00 | $166.00 |
| 1 | TM-2020 Trimetric Meter | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Shipping for above | $135.00 | ||
| 8 | Trojan T105 6V Battery | $75.00 | $600.00 |
| 1 | Battery Cable Interconnections | $100.00 | |
| 2 | Inverter Cables | $100.00 | $200.00 |
| 1 | 400 Amp fuse and holder | $83.00 | $83.00 |
| 1 | Xantrex 3624 Inverter | $1,350.00 | $1,350.00 |
| 1 | Battery Box (homemade) | ||
| 1 | 500 Amp Shunt | $28.00 | |
| 1 | Aluminum mounts for 8 solar panels | $400.00 | |
| $8,016.24 |
Lessons learned from my previous off grid experience
Two of us (1992 to 1999) lived at Gateway Farm in a 2700 sq ft house not connected to the grid. 700 watts of solar panels (14 solar modules of 50 watts each) provided solar charging power for Trojan T-105 batteries. The batteries provided power to a 12VDC 2400 watt Trace (now Xantrex) DR2412 inverter.
There was no automatic dishwasher or air conditioning. Domestic hot water heater and direct vent space heaters were powered by propane. A generous amount of south facing glass provided free passive solar heating. The washing machine was standard and the clothes dryer used propane for heat and electricity to tumble the clothes. The refrigerator was a high efficiency 12VDC 12 cubic foot Sunfrost RF12 ($2359 plus $50 crating fee).
Peak electric loads occurred while clothes washing, drying clothes and pumping water all at the same time. Without using the generator, the battery-inverter system had enough power to start the submersible water pump while the washing machine and dryer were running and a few fluorescent lights were on, but only if the batteries were not low of charge. A generator was needed to provide power during times of peak power demand. Originally the generator was a 3500 watt Honda. It turned out that it was working near maximum capacity during times of peak power demand: pumping water, running the washer and dryer, and charging the batteries. The small generator was short lived due to stress.
- Pick an adequately sized generator. A 5000 watt generator replaced the stressed out 3500 watt generator after the smaller generator failed.
- Looking back, I would estimate the generator was used an average of 2 or 3 hours per day. That would not be acceptable now considering the price of fuel today. A small cabin would be less demanding of power.
- An electric hair dryer uses a lot of energy for a short period of time, but if there are no complaints it may save your relationship.
- Try not to pump water while the hair dryer is being used.
- Heavy electric loads (vacuum cleaner, etc) should be done when the generator is online.
Generator-Battery-Inverter Systems
A system without solar modules could be put together that would provide continuous electric power to the home when commercial electrical power becomes intermittent. Solar modules and other components could be added later with little or no rework. Batteries would be charging whenever grid power was available and batteries would start discharging to power the inverter when the grid was down.
This system allows a house to be powered from either a generator or the grid, or both at different times. A generator could be shut down for long periods of time and still have electric power available from the batteries and inverter when using this configuration.
Pedal Power
For those in great physical condition and wannabe’s, pedal power is another option for generating electricity on an extremely small scale. Compare the 130 watt output of a $610 Kyocera solar panel from Wholesale Solar to the price and output of these pedal powered options:
- Windstream Power , 60 watts, $550, Mother Earth News
- Pedal Powered Generator, 150 watts for 30 minutes if you are in great shape, $50 for plans plus $100-$250 for parts you purchase locally.
Wood Gas Conversion
Convert Wood into Charcoal & Electricity: Convert wood into a gas that can be used to power a gasoline engine, and convert wood into charcoal that is superior to commercial charcoal.
More Energy Systems
Generators and Inverters: Building Small Combined Heat and Power Systems for Remote Locations and Emergency Situations
