Can I use my Power4Patriots system to complement and back-up my existing connection to the conventional power grid, or does it replace that?
Video #2 from the Top 10 Questions From Customers Considering or Implementing Power4Patriots
Scroll down for transcript.
Allen: Okay, lets move on to question number 2 if we can.
Kriss: Yes.
Allen: And we’re getting this also from a lot of customers who either have purchased Power4Patriot or thinking about it, and question number 2 is can I use my Power4Patriot system to complement and back-up my existing connection to the conventional power grid, or does it replace that entirely?
Kriss: Yeah, that’s a great question, and the answer is all the above, the great thing about solar power is that it can really – it can do almost anything, I think everybody probably has a little solar powered calculator and we’re powering our entire home with, so everything in between is possible, you can backup uh..we sell a lot of emergency kits and Power4Patriots will teach you how to make one yourself that’s perfect for -especially in huricane zones or people that can be without power for 3 or 4 days- the brownouts the backouts zones applies there as well, so you can really start as small as you want, you can just power, I mean we suggest to most people for a backup situation, just try to power the essentials, for us that would be cellphone chargers, small radios so you can keep in touch with what’s going on, maybe a television as well, also maybe your internet connections, that’s becoming more and more essential these days, a little bit of lighting and then everything else from there is sort of a luxury, I mean you would love to keep your refrigerator on but that gets into the bigger system, refrigerator is a pretty good draw so the shorter answer is we could do all of that, we can especially with the Power4Patriots system, you can backup your entire house, you can do a grid type connection where you’re really just offsetting your power bill, you can get completely off the grid, so sort of all of the above and now it depends on how much you want to work on it, how much money you want to spent on it and and really what your ultimate goal is.
Allen: That’s agreat answer, I mean we really try and inform folks that Power4Patriots is a system that gives you the blueprints to get started and to take it as far as you would like, which is, it really depends on your goals, whether you’re looking to offset some of your power consumption, whether you’re trying to power a garage or a cabin, whether you’re looking for a back-up solution or like yourself if you want to go completely off the grid, you’ve kind of got that blueprint and that path to get there.
Kriss: Absolutely, that’s right.
Allen: I think it’s important to note I’ve seen this in some other sort of copy cat products out there where they’re making this info products that are making a claim that you purchase their ebook and all of a sudden your electric meter is going to start spinning backwards.
[Laughter]
That’s pretty unrealistic, isn’t it, that’s not what we’re saying in Power4Patriots.
Kriss: No, no, basically I think the point is the more you put into this, the more you’re going to get out, there’s no magic formula, there’s no magic machine that’s going to run your entire house, all it is a blue print like you said for getting independent, for braking the chain of the power companies and generating your own power, taking care of your family on your own terms.
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Watch the next video in the series: Will my Power4Patriots system still work if a natural disaster or terrorist attack takes down the conventional power grid?
Leave your comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
I purchased a PS-1800. How do I protect it from a EMP and how do you know when to protect it? Also, can more solar panels but added?
Is there a way to protect the system from an E.M.P. (electro magnetic pulse)?
I have a large solar system on my home, it’s tied to the grid with no batteries to back it up, I do have a large generator that I want to use somehow to activate the inverter when the grid goes down.
Do you know of a way to use either a few batteries or a generator to fire up the converter and allow it to work from sunrise to sunset? The converter gets power from the power co. (APS) start and shuts down auto during daylight hours. I was thinking if APS goes down during the day, I could flip off the main breaker and use an alternate power source to activate the converter. Once the converter starts making electricity, then back feed that electric to the converter breaker and I should have power. I know that there is a automatic shut off switch that trips when the grid goes down, so no electric will harm the APS workers. But with my main breaker off, if I can bypass that safety switch and activate the inverter I’d should have power. I just hate to have my solar panels just sitting there waiting for APS to come back on line.
Frank I own a1900 sq. foot home in a area that gets 3 feet of snow .I want to get totally off the grid and need to power every thing in my house that’s a Well for water, frig, stove, lights, dish washer, moniter heater ,TV, computer . I would still use Grid power if need be but would prefer not t. How much would I have to spend to do this project ?
This might help you figure out how much power you will need. Your cost for supplies and installation will vary and I cannot give you an estimate. http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/
I posted a question a while back. I will ask it again and hope someone has an answer.
I live in an apartment. I wish to install solar panels, but if I put them on the building that will make them a fixture. Is there a way to put the panels on the easement that runs along the property line and run the power into my place?
I will, again, reply that I cannot recommend you install panels on any property that you do not own. Look into portable solutions that you can hang in your windows or clip to your patio and remove easily during rough weather or if you move.
This is a weird answer for sure. There is an old adage, that if an item is added to a living place, by screws, it is not a fixture. If installed by nails it is. This usually is controlled by local, county, or even state codes. The best thing to do, is go to your local County Court House, and ask for building codes. They will tell you what you can do safely. Codes as you know are “Political” and change with the wind…’Mary Poppins’… Similar to garage aprons. If concrete, they are taxed as improvements, but if black topped, they are not. go figure.
I have a special DVD that I would like to send to Frank.
What address must I used?
You can send mail to Frank via our PO Box and we’ll either mail it to his house or hand it off when he comes into the office.
I’m curious to know more about how we folks here in Hawaii are affected. . . .
Hawaii has a great culture of solar-power independence. You should have no trouble finding a local expert that can tease out your local laws and ordinances for you.
Unable to view videos on my kindle hd
This video answered a question that I did have, of whether or not this had to be an “off-grid” system or if it could complement our current electrical connection. Thanks!
I LIVE IN LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA,HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION,
IF I CAN MAKE THIS SOLAR POWER? AT MY HOUSE!
I may have missed it but what would be a roundabout cost for a 2,400 sq. ft. residence?
Three bedrooms, living/dining room, kitchen; two story bldg. w/full basement. There are tall
trees surrounding the back of the building to take under consideration.
Steve, if you want cost estimates, call an installer and ask for an estimate. They should be free since they might get a new customer, LOL!!!
But, realistically, just because you have 3 br, full basement, etc., you have to consider what you want to OPERATE because size has nothing to do with it, except for the fact that your furnace or air conditioner will be larger and more expensive to operate. And by expensive, I’m referring to the number of batteries you’ll need for the AMP HRS you require when you draw that power through your inverter.
These vidieos are answering questions I have , keep up the good work. I haven’t started any project yet, seems like there’s never enough time.
i’m running off these 3, solor paniel systems and batters, i have no conections to the power company and have had no conection sence 2010.
i bought your system materials, and i also bought 3 45 watt solor paniels systems at harbor fright.can these two systems be combined? your information and these 45 watt systems.
Ken, the Power4Patriots system is very flexible. If you want to incorporate pre-made panels, you can do so.
I live in Honolulu, Hawaii and the city here has so many restrictions on what you can and cannot build. Anything that ties int to the utility company must be installed by a licensed electrician. i like your setups but i dont think I will be able to build them here.
I would inquire on how much local electricians would charge for the service. In todays economy, they should work with you, unless they are miraculously over booked with other projects. You might even find one that will stop by and check your work for a nominal service fee, and then return to provide the final connections. If its important to you, you will find a way, if not you will find an excuse ;-)
Some companies offer solar power systems with no down payment. How do they get back their investment?
No money down never means free. You just pay more of your money later.
I want to get enough solar power so as to completely power my house and never have to be connected to the power company. Is that possible?
Bob, of course it’s possible. Depending on your present energy use, however, it can be a hefty initial investment.
I think it’s important to let people know that from what I’ve gathered, if you make your own solar panels, you cannot just feed them into the grid…they are not UL tested, and thus are not qualified. That means you have to have the batteries to store the power, which is where the greater expense comes in. I’m wondering if there’s a way to make panels and then have them UL tested. Anyone know if that’s possible?
It’s cheaper (and easier) to purchase pre-made panels than it is to have your panels approved.
so if I was completely off the power grid and complletly making my own power would I have to keep something running.or maybe this system has a shut down in it.as in not over powering my system.because from what I use to hear back in the day you would have to leave things running so the system would not over load.this is my first concern about this system.i would think you proubley tought that at least I hope so.i am not trying to be a smart butt.this is the only down fall I could think of.tough it would a good thing to talk about.so other costomers could put there in put in on this q&a.i think its a good topick.
I’ve just purchased my P4P’s and found it difficult to know where to start. One thing that concerns me is how much real estate is a system going to take to get a 2300 sq ft home off the grid where everything we have is electric. My wife and I are quite conservative (only a couple of retirees), however we have gangs over a couple of times a month and don’t yell at them to shut off lights but they know how we are about conserving energy. I have about 1/2 acre available that can see the sun and where there would be adequate wind. Our average monthly consumption is around 990kWh with peak month at 1580kWh. I also have to have my garden in that spsce. What’s my chances and approximately how much cost?
Fred, you can estimate about 10 watts/square foot for current solar technologies. So for 1600 watts, you’ll need about 160 square feet of solar panels.
I read all the comments below as well and hope that I can prove my husband wrong. He is in construction for many years and says that until he sees the “beef” he is not buying that we can do anything without it costing us a lot of money which we don’t have. I usually don’t even give sites like these a second look but Frank Bates seems like he really wants to help us and I hope to prove that to be true. I will continue to keep everyone updated on how we are doing and hopefully my comments good or bad will be allowed on the site.
ok so i have watched all ten videos for Q&A , now will the “P4P” system work with manufactured homes and or trailers?
Gents,
I wish you’d start your comments with more direct and succinct answers.
Example for this question:
Yes. There are a few approaches. First needed is an understanding of what Grid Connection means. This means your system is connected to your power service panel that of course, connects to your power grid service provider. Not all power companies will buy back your surplus generation so you need to check and know. You may put in battery storage and its capability will vary.
You may get completely off the grid. You’ll need to know your usage history and the typical weather history of days of sunlight, heating and cooling degree days and wind, all needed to determine the sizing of your equipment.
To connect to the grid, likely you will need a licensed electrician and a building permit. Possibly not but do not make the connection without checking first so that you avoid government action against you.
My home averages about 2000 kw/ month. How much would it cost me to set up a system (ball park) to run my home?
I am moving to the pacific northwest, southwest of seattle – with the gray days and snow I wouldn’t think that the P4P system would be efficient enough to go completely off the grid. Are there any testimonials from people in this area that would reflect what to expect in the way of efficiency?
Mickey
not tryin to go off grid yet : but if every house had a solar & wind gen system think how that would help the homeowners & the country for energy use,,,my question is the dc motors to a dc converter and then switch to ac, should i find a electrician to help/ this old house could handle this but it willneed a electical class for me
The simple answer above does not get to the key point. Without GRID connection in a.c. that requires an inverter to ‘dump’ excess generated d.c. and therefore, where do I find a d.c. mini-grid controller that can add and shed load as needed? If solar/wind/other alternative d.c. output is too much for current load and battery storage capacity, where does controller send it? To heat or pump water? Or to compress air to store in one or more old propane tanks?
Hi Richard. With a properly designed system this is not much of an issue honestly. You would have to have WAY too much power for this to be a real issue. An MPPT controller will dump load essentially as waste heat. But when the sun shines, you will be using power! That’s the time to fire up the stereo, do laundry, and run the dishwasher. But don’t get caught up with excess power, you need to focus on getting enough to run your house!
I have a question. My home uses an average of 45.22 kwh per day. What size system would I have to build to be completely off grid?
With off grid systems totally independent from the Power companies.The watts. To supply a power; an inverter to converter dc volts to ac volts . With some solar panels ,wind generators, batteries . With 30 years as an Electrician . Can’t find it hard to do but cutting cost. By the do it yourself , verse contracting out with mark ups . With general to control those everyday things hot water ,cooking , heating , cooling ,clothes dryer and not forgetting the pool. For all those two pole breakers in your house panel .Waiting on book , software . On, places to shop for cells , wind generators , and inverters to supply the whole house’s power demands. With the thoughts you may have gave me the push I NEEDED TO START ONE OF MY OWN .
How much does professional installation cost? Both my wife & I are disabled, can barely move. I don’t know if I can do this without a lot of help. Paul Otero
this is your so called expert? beeting around the bush-i think he came from ny city not colorado
more worthless crap! i see you screen your replys-surprise surprise!!
It seems as you can do most anything you want to with this program.
Jettie
What are the most common uses in urban areas? What are your suggestions for best savings in small houses?
I want to Use solar to supply 30ft Houseboat?
how do you get past the local electrical inspections ?do you have to have a liscensed electricion do permits?
I thought it was quite obvious that the information given would already be why we are trying to do this in the first place.
My wife & i live in a senior park.I pay rent for the space our mobile home is parked.I would like to know if we could get away with hooking up to this system?
This is great. I am educating myself with the P4P kit and am still trying to determine whether it will be worth my money.
I am looking to tie my solar panels and wind machine to the grid…just to lower my power bills a bit.
But I’m having trouble ‘guesstimating’ a payback.
I know the wind is almost impossible to predict, so I’m just considering that an ‘add-on’ to my system.
But regarding the solar…if I attach the approximately 8′ square 70 volt square panel your book/video teaches how to build….I know I’ll need to buy an inverter and have an electrician hook it up for me….
I can calculate all lthose costs. BUT…how many kWh will that one panel generate for my grid connection?
And if I add 7 more panels to build a 2×4 panel grid….will it generate 8 times the number of kWh that would be generated by the single panel….or is their some factor that would alter the output from a simply multiplication by the number of panels used?
Thanks for the help….look forward to your answer.
Jim Young, Sr.
What is the difference, performance wise, between mono crystalline and multi crystalline cells and is either one any good.
Tim, Good question. The difference is in efficiency, which means that the only noticeable difference is in the size of the cells. Multi cells, because they are slightly less efficient, will be slightly larger than mono cells. Also, the cells will look slightly different. But a 1.7 watt multi cell will generate the same amount of power as a 1.7 watt mono cell. Mono cells are pretty hard to find on the market place, so dont be afraid to use multi.
Hey guys: Great question and great answer!
So far so good; these short videos help keep up my enthusiasm while waiting for the book and main video to arrive. I have some minor experience with solar power, having used solar powered electric fence chargers years ago when we had a need to control our ponies and oxen but had a barn with no power. More recently I use a small panel to keep my lawn mower battery charged over winter.
I have a workshop that I am hoping to power with solar and wind, at least the lights, a radio, and perhaps some smaller tools such as a hand drill If that works the way I want it to I will scale things up and see just how much I can wean myself off the grid. I am retired now, so I have the time to work on this at my own pace; but also realize that there is no ‘magic bullet’ that will get me off the grid in a few weeks. This will be a project that takes a bit of time and effort, but then good things in life are rarely free or quick.
I will see if i can find someone to show me how to record and post a tour. its my hope everyone can go green and make choose to better themselves and our planet and would love to help anyway i can. As far as the living off grid video i’m looking for it and might have missed it i bookmarked the order confermation page and don’t see it.
Can we have a tour of your system, to see what it looks like
i recently purchased power4patriots because i want to save money on expanding my wind and solar power system i’ve spent 4500.00 on my current system (1000 watts of solar and 700 watts of wind generators and all are 12 volt). it barely powers 60% of my lighting and 10% of my plugs no major appliances not even my one year old 40 inch tv will last over night (with no wind) so i would like tom skip the bs and let me know how to enhance my system this is really starting to look like a scam i’m going to wait for my books and dvds. so far all i see is talk the wind generating video on line doesn’t even address how to make your electrical connections rotate with the generator. PLEASE STOP WITH THE WHY IT IS GOOD AND GET ON WITH THE HOW TO!!!!!!!!!
Greg, Did you watch the off-grid living video that you got as a link when you made your purchase? I think this is where you will want to start.
This is very helpfull. I want to start small and end up independant from the Power Co.
What is the cost to have the capability to power your entire house?
How much space will eb required for teh panels?
Other than cleaning the panels what maintenance is required
Just ordered my Power4Patriots system. I really want to get as much of my house off the grid as possible. I am really hoping this system can legally get me there with out costing me a fortune. i have good construction skills but very week electrical skills. I would love to hear from some one who has recently bought the basics, battery, inverter, cells, etc, and get some information on whats best for the money and where is the best place to buy from? Looking forward to being a power patriot with every one.
Tim
I remember reading a few years back how the musician Jackson Browne went off the grid in Colorado, but it cost him ten million dollars to do it. If these systems can be installed relatively easily for a thousand bucks and save on your power bill, then that would be worthwhile. I’ve not heard anything yet about the cost of implementing any of this Power4 Patriots systems. If it costs ten thousand bucks to create a system the cost/benefit goes way down. I’ll be interested in seeing how much it will cost to create a working solar system.
good things to think about, john
Which room(s ) will be the best ones to ‘rewire’ if you want a central spot to ;live’ in. I.e. kitchen with lights, Frige, etc.
I know a company in Fla which is a start-up producing LED fluorescent fixtures and others which use 80% less power than present fixtures, and I’ll be redoing my house with them soon.
Hi Kriss,
A lot of good questions and statements, pro and con. Will fellow patriots be able to view your comments?
Allen, and Kriss: Did you know that there is a federal law on the books that requires the local power company to “purchase” all of your excess power that you generate off the grid? I know for a fact that it was on th books over thirty years ago and I don’t think that it has been rescinded. Please clarify that. Thanks.
To Ms Helen: Sorry to hear about your misfortune, but I can only guess that when you say “our downstairs” you are making reference to the basement. This system will help you if you follow the instructions provided. There may be some modifications needed but that will all be explained to you. Good luck and God bless.
We’re in our 80’s. we had a flood two years ago when our electric was out for 7.5 hours. Our hot water pipes froze and flooded our downstairs so that our walls and ceilings needed to be replaced.
WE NEED HEAT TO SURVIVE!!!!! BECAUSE OUR ONLY SOURCE IS ELECTRICITY, WE PAY ENORMOUS BILLS
WE NEED HELP.
What type of flack will the local codes keep people from using this system ?
I can purchase a complete solar powered unit that produces 1400 watts for under $2,000.00. Can this system be built for less than that?
Until what I saw and heard sound pretty feasible. I am looking forward for my manual and instructions’ to begin learning and see how much may cost a small devise to and test the availability of power for replacement with the new devise.
Still not receiving what I purchased on how to do a system. Watching video chat is not what I expected. I heard all and some of the stuff in your videos. Let’s get down to the nut and bolts as promised. Manuals and instructional videos suit my needs. Give us the BEEF!
To quote the main emphasis of a commercial series a few years back …Where’s the Beef?
I m a retired electrician and electronic technician. I went blind through surgery 3 years ago. When I here that your solar panel is only 1400 watts that is as much power to operate a hair dryer. when you say that 1400 watts of solar and 400 watts of wind is sufficient to operate a home I would like to know the size of your storage battery bank. My home is totally electric, so where are the big usage items like stove, air conditioning and heating going to leave a person with the tninking that will want to power all of these items. I am assuming that the heating of your home is not electrical, that your stove is not electrical and you are powering minimal devices. Please point out the error in my thinking. Thanks
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Another black screen. It’s either that are one leading pix then nana! No video as promised….I think I need to email Glenn Beck on Blaze to let him know about one of his sponsors…whatcha think?
Greetings from “Canada” Frank,
Yes, I am looking forward with receiving, reading and understanding more of your way of exploring options of alternate forms of energy.
I have a “sailboat” (that I live on board all summer) and I am exploring various venues for conserving or utilizing solar power and wind power energy when I go sailing. Having enough power for my batteries to start the engine (diesel engine) when I need it after several hours of being on the water for a “safe return to shore” with my guests is my main concern, especially when I anchor out overnight.
During the winter months it is also very important for me to maintain power for long periods of time on my boat (37ft Ketch / two mast sailboat) while it is on the hard (out of the water and on it’s cradle).
So I really do “hope” you have the answers
Capt. G.
P.S. If there is a solution to my challenges than I am quite willing to share it with you and others who endorse your Power4Patriots website.
Question 2: I would like to mention a potential safety hazard with the installation of any self-produced electricity. No matter what size system you install if you stay connected to the “grid” and over produce the amount of electricity you use it will send the excess back through the utility’s lines. The hazard comes when the utility isolates sections of their lines for repair or maintenance. If your system is within the isolation area construction crews will not be aware of any non-utility produced electricity and place them in a potential health/safety hazard. What you can do… Inform the utility company of your system so they can isolate your electricity from the “grid.” Oh, in Colorado and with the utility company in my area, if you do send electricity back toward the utility your meter will run backward and lessen your utility bill.
Not much yet
Not much new information. I am glad the gentleman and his family live off the grid, but I want to know how to keep my physical plant (my house) functioning as it does on the grid.
Whatever!