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May 8, 2008

Usually when people say they are living “off the grid” they mean that, very simply, their home doesn’t get its electricity from the power lines. Instead, they’re living without electricity, or generating their own. However, the term is sometimes used to mean something broader. “Living off the grid” can imply that you’re self-sufficient in other ways, too: For example, you may be getting your water from a well, and heating your home with a woodstove. Being completely off grid would make you completely independent of the utility companies!

Back to electricity, though, whether or not you want to be “on the grid” is an important distinction to make if you’re shopping for a wind turbine or solar-electric panels. An off-grid system requires some extra equipment. You’ll generally need a battery bank for storage, or maybe a diesel or gas generator to provide backup power. In contrast, a grid-tied system uses the electric grid for storage and backup. You send power to the grid when you’re producing more electricity than you need, and draw power from the grid when you’re not producing enough.

There are benefits and drawbacks either way. Grid-tied systems are usually cheaper to buy and simpler to operate, but on the other hand, an off-grid system allows you to be completely energy independent. For example, during a blackout, power might be out to your entire neighborhood while, at your off-grid home, the lights are still on.

For some firsthand details about off-grid systems, check out this article from a couple in Ontario who are working to become truly energy independent. For an example of a grid-tied system, take a look at this article about a simple solar-electric system here in Topeka, Kan.

April 9, 2008

There are several different ways you can purchase green electricity, but in general, options depend on where you live.

The simplest way to buy green power is directly from your current utility. Many utilities already offer green pricing options — the Department of Energy has a good list.

March 26, 2008

Yes, it looks like there are quite a few wind turbine dealers in Michigan, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one near you.

In general, when you’re looking for information about renewable energy, your state energy office can be a very helpful resource. In this case, the Michigan state energy office has exactly the information you’re looking for. Here’s a link to their pdf brochure of solar and wind power equipment suppliers in Michigan.

March 12, 2008

Yes, if you’re thinking about purchasing a renewable energy system, it’s definitely a good idea to find out about state and local incentives you may qualify for. A good place to start is the Department of Energy’s list of state specific resources. Here’s their information specifically for Texas.

My wind mentor Tupac Diaz always said a wind turbine isn't a toy, it's a baby. He was teaching me to take care of our turbines, making sure everything was working all right because once the baby goes up, it has to face harsh weather. 

A wind turbine can live for 20 to 30 years. Depending on the manufacturer, it will require maintenance once or twice a year throughout its lifetime but it’s a good idea to inspect it in the fall and spring. On good machines, this one or two day a year will be the only downtime. If you don't have a tilt-up tower or don't have the proper safety equipment to climb your tower, try to get a contract with the turbine installer for yearly maintenance. This usually entails oiling and potentially replacing parts. A good rule of thumb is that it will cost $.01/kWh or 2 to 5 percent of capital cost for maintenance.