Jeff:
>. . . The conservation issue is even simpler. Our appliances
>waste vast amounts of energy. Switching to efficient
>lighting, refrigerators, motors, and low tech tools could cut
>the average electricity bill in half. How can we complain
>about the cost of solar electricity and not consider
>conservation? Simple, the issue here isn't cost, it is much
>more complicated and is cultural.
I love the concept of using totally sustainable energy. I think it makes
sense to do all those things that a solar system calls for in the way of
energy efficiency. I also think solar electricity is unfeasible at its
present price unless one lives in an area of exhorbitant electricity rates
or is building a new homestead so many miles from the grid that it will
cost a fortune to be connected. Small units do have good uses: powering
distant electric fences, pumps, portable computers, radios. Solar is not
feasible for the heavy starting loads of any tool powered by a serious
motor. My wood planer, for instance, has a five horsepower motor. There is
no way that solar batteries are going to make that thing hum without
draining fast. Here in the Ozarks we enjoy very reasonable electric rates.
I average about thirty dollars per month for electricity, including pumping
lots of irrigation water, heating a waterbed, using computer, color TV,
microwave, toaster oven, freezer, refrigerator, beer tapper, window air
conditioner, radial arm saw, the aforementioned planer, portable saw and
drill. At less than $400 yearly electric costs, it would take decades to
pay for a PV system and that system would not give me the power and
flexibility I now enjoy. I do like the fact that excess PV production can
be "sold" to the power company by running the meter backwards. Should PV
system prices ever become affordable for me, I will install one.
Gene GeRue, author,
How To Find Your Ideal Country Home: A Comprehensive Guide
http://www.ruralize.com/
