Alternative Energy

[musicteacher]

I've been wondering about some alternative energy for my home. Photovoltaic panels, solar water heat, wind, you name it. Anyone had any luck with anything? I'd obviously like to do it DIY if at all possible. I live in town in Grand Rapids, MI so I'm sure my options will be limited.

[mrcaptainbob]

Hi, musicteacher. I'm not far from you in south Jackson County. About 5 or 6 years ago I did a bit of research on this. Contacted several of our state reps and senators. Did not get even one reply to my request for help in garnering information. There's a LOT of info on the net. I eventually settled on an outside wood burner. Although it does a fantastic job in keeping this large old home warm, it does have the down side in that I'm a slave to it. No matter if the back hurts, it's raining, lots of snow, whatever, I have to feed that baby! It costs about an hour of cutting, splitting and stacking to equal a week's worth of heat. I'd do geothermal if I had to do it again. Also looked into the wing generator. I like the newer vertical bladed units that are coming together. They take much less room, and are far friendlier to the feathered friends. A great resource site is Alternative Renewable Energy. lots of good info there.
Captainbob.

[mrcaptainbob]

Forget about using that info site. It's ot worth beans. Used to be good, but no more. Sorry,.

[Daddy4life85]

I've been researching solar a lot and have always wanted to do geo thermal when we get our home but be prepared to put up a lot of money up front. The best places for solar are the western states especially AZ. When you get up to the eastern area's you have to have much larger solar systems. I think for a grid-tie system that would cover like 75-90% of my electrical needs it would probably end up costing 50k or so in panels and installation. I have to do more research and see if there is anything I can do my self to cut back costs. I think after I get done remodeling I may take out an equity loan to install a solar system though. I'd love to do geothermal at the same time but that's another 30-40k dollars to install not to mention digging up your entire yard if you have the space or are allowed to even do it in your area.

[adelaide11]

Just research a bit on net and I am sure you will be able to get many examples where people have done such kind of work by themselves only and also spending very less amount on that.

So just research and you will come to know about this.

[AirTahoe]

Although not a DIY project, I have PV panels on our Fresno,ca home. We pay nothing for electrical and often make money by the end of the month.