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We are going to buy 40 acres near town in southeastern Arizona. Unfortunately the utilities are relatively far from the building site. Therefore, we need to purchase solar panels, AGM batteries, etc. Does anyone have suggestions regarding the alternative energy techniques we can use? We have looked into composting toilets, solar panels, alternative septic, water pumping, windgenerating, etc. Any similar experiences both pro and con from others in our situation; in other words, "off the grid"?

-- Hank (hsnrs@att.net), January 15, 2002

Answers

If your buying in AZ, does the property have not only water but rights to any water on the property? Anytime you go off grid you need to ask yourself. Are you willing to live without some things, Are you willing to change your life style. Are you willing to pay more for products that are more energy efficient. In AZ I would be concerned with cooling. For even a moderate size home solar powered AC is not going to work and you need to look at another solution.

Before you do any alternative energy you need to determine how much power you will need, How much of a reserve you will have to have to get though cloudy days (not a big issue in AZ). You also have to look at any building codes that may limit what you can install.

If your serious about alterative power them a subscription to homepower is a must. http://www.homepower.com

-- Gary (gws@columbus.rr.com), January 15, 2002.


As I live in the chihuahuan desert along the Texas/Mexico border, I'd suggest looking into using propane for heating and cooking. Also, this is a good site with some interesting links about solar stuff, Solacalc, http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dacPc/solacalc.htm. Designing the cooling aspects of your housing is a main concern, after having a good water source.

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), January 15, 2002.

Hank, I would suggest you talk to "smitty" at AAA Solar their down in your neck of the woods.....good guys...been in business for quite a while! they have a catalog with all the stuff....>www.aaasolar.com<

thats $ .03 from a person who's been doing the PV & wind thing for quite a while!

-- Jim-mi (hartalteng@voyager.net), January 15, 2002.


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