Does an off-grid power system typically increase or decrease the property value?
Video #10 from the Top 10 Questions From Customers Considering or Implementing Power4Patriots
Scroll down for transcript.
Allen: We are on question number 10 and this is: Does an off grid power system typically increase or decrease the property value? I think we got a savvy individual here who is thinking about their investment and I know you’ve got some experience in real estate investing, Kriss. What are your thoughts on that?
Kriss: Without a doubt, it increases its value. Having your own power source and obviously reducing the power bills, which this system will do, will increase the value of the property. And I do know a lot of this, there’s mortgage and key lock programs out there that will help you to do this. Because the banks, the financial people realize that this helps your property value. So without a doubt, helps the property value. The other thing you can do, the other thing that is happening now is nearly every state in the union has created a property tax exemption for local energy systems.
Allen: Whoa.
Kriss: Which means that your property value is going to go up but they will not reflect that in your taxes. So you will actually not see that in your property taxes, so that’s a huge advantage of putting in a system as well. One place you can check on a lot of this information incentives and the property tax, evaluations, things I just mentioned, there’s a website called… it’s kind of hard, am going to spell that out for you, dsireusa.org. And what it’s basically is, is a database of all these incentive programs, utility programs, municipals state, federal incentive all of the things that will help you pay for the system or give you information on the property tax valuation, things like that.
You simply click in your state and then there’s a list there and look up by your utility. And you will also have the contact information, you will find the utilities, at least the big ones, have an entire department set up just for renewable energy. To talk to customers about, what a customer needs to do and things like that. So that’s a great resource to find out what’s happening in your area for renewable energy and so on, things like that. And also has the database of energy efficiency. If there’s any incentive there, you can get rebates and stuff for making your home more efficient.
Allen: Man, that’s awesome. That’s a great resource, so am going to repeat that. That’s dsireusa.org for a list of incentives, rebates, efficiency things, all related to off grid renewable energy. Thanks for sharing that.
Kriss: Absolutely.
Allen: So that’s cool man. So you’re saying, not only can we be more self reliant, we can save money and we can increase our property value?
Kriss: Absolutely, that’s a huge advantage and I know a lot of people that are looking for homes now and said that, they are either: a, looking for a home where they can put renewable energy and solar panels and that those houses are more attractive to them, or they are really attracted to houses that are already have and they know the power bills are going to be lower or non existent and that makes it more attractive, so. Everybody is on board with renewable energy. It’s very rare to find somebody that doesn’t like it. So if you’re thinking about re-sell value and general property value, solar and wind it is just going to help it.
Allen: Man, that’s great.
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Leave your comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
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The 10 videos had no instructions on how to build something to get off the grid. Most of what they talked about was common sense. Where are the plans and data needed to construct something.
http://www.power4patriots.com
I do have some experience in electronics, I was an electronics technician and radar engineer for 44 years in the service and industry. I live in a mobile home. I have checked with several solar companies here in California and they say that the state will allow solar systems to be installed on mobile home even if the roof is reinforced. I have a perfect hill side that faces direct sun light from the SE to WNW all day. I also worked for forest service for 15 years after I retired Industry. And they used solar systems for the wells and microwave radio systems, and I helped maintain the solar systems. Ive got 11 acres of land. I know that there solar tracking racks the solar panels can be mounted on. The solar companies still don’t want the job. So I believe I can do it my self, if our almighty politicians get the hell out of our way.
The dsireusa.org website shows only grid tied incentives for going green, Not off grid as stated in video by Allen.
I installed a 7650 KW system. My cost was $30,000. The county has increased my home value up $60,000.My system produces 120% of my energy needs. Also 30% federal rebate,N.C adds 35% tax credit and TVA buys at a premium guarantee for 20 years, duh……… net cost $10,000.00……
embe
I love the thought that I wouldn’t have to pay the power co. I have a 35,000 sq ft two level house. and levelized billing is between 389,00 summer and 350.00 in the winter. My house faces east to west with lots of sun. when there is wind we have a lot but it is not steady. I may have to sell the house to buy the system.
Enjoyed common sense of all videos! I’ve been reading about solar forever it seems, and am looking for the shingles you talked about, the solar paint for roofs I read about and also some new way to refractive the sun’s rays to give more energy. But haven’t seen since- I read a lot at night and can’t remember the website- but was professional b2b company informative site, based n China, if I’m not mistaken. Anyway, excited about my coming cd’s! Thanks. EJC.
Thank you so much for the gift you sent me to give me more insight on how to use solar and wind energy. I hope I will be able to use the information in the near future.
I did a small solar heating system for my pool with black pipe on exterior grade plywood. i made numerous loops of the pipe anchoring it to the plywood that I had painted black. I attached it to the return water supply so that the water went through the black loops before entering the pool. The pipe/boards are positioned facing south. It heated the pool to 83 degrees.
Although I love the idea of a tax break for putting in my solar system, I don’t think it is a good idea now. When the SHTF the state and feds will know which homes have this type of power system and you could become an easy target for the government to take control of your home. Build it on your own, and ad to it so you stay under the radar. It’s not a matter of if the SHTF as to when, protect your investment and your family, stay off the radar and the grid.
The estimate of £36 per year does not include any full summer months. One day at the end of August I got 6 units (KWH) which suggests that the current average of 2 units (KWh) per day may increase greatly when the summer months of 2014 come along. I use some of the solar energy to heat the hot water tank in the house. I will be getting some cash back from my electricity supplier for each unit (KWh) that I generate.
I live in Southern England. My 6-panel solar panel system which was installed in August ie. Summer is at the moment (November ie. autumn and approaching winter) provides on average 1 unit (KWh) per cloudy day. The average so far is 2 units (KWh) per day. Mains electricity here costs about 5 pence per unit (KWh). I save £36 pounds per year for an outlay of £8000.
All the info I’ve received from P4P is over the top! All I need to do now is convince my husband of the need to be prepared should we ever need it. Being on oxygen 24/7 when there is a glitch in the power or an outage, you can imagine how scary it can be until we get the generator started. Most heartfelt thanks to you and all the others who’ve invested their time and knowledge to keep things running as smooth as possible !
Thank you, very informative………….First question, is it a good idea for a Senior Citizen to become involved with a solar system ? I realize seniors may suffer greatly without energy in case of a power outage, however will the cost be prohibitive ? Lets say I were to build or have built a very efficient 1,500 sq. ft. home, single level, possibly constructed of Structural Insulated Panels, exterior walls and roof, a well insulated slab on grade, and the possibility of using Radiant Heat, hot water system, assuming a well is on the property for make up water, also a simple hot water heater and circulating pump for the system. I believe a radiant heat system is the most comfortable, especially for older persons. We presently have a forced air system and we dislike it.
Next question: As someone else wrote, what is the next step ? Do you sell-market “manuals & video materials”, so that the solar system can be produced or purchased ? What is the cost of your instructional system ?
If you do market ready made solar panels, what is the cost per panel and how much wattage is derived from a single panel ? Do you have a formula that we can use to determine how many watts would be needed to survive an electricity outage ? Do you recommend, in a whole house system, connection to the grid, a disconnect system in case of an outage, and then an automatic self energy system, that kicks in ? If so what does a system like that cost, minus the panels, or including the panels for a well insulated dwelling made of SIP material, possibly triple pane glass and of course well insulated doors and frames, as well as a circulating fresh air device at the wall in order to keep the dwelling from becoming a sick house ?
I am far from knowledgable as to this matter, I do read home magazines on occasion and have picked up some very good ideas, why the questions.
Next kindly let me know the price of your materials as to how to do this, and the price of solar materials if purchased from you, or do you strictly instruct and recommend mfgr’s. ?
Thank You Very much, I enjoyed the video’s as seen above.
Anthony L. Marra
Does anyone know how to “sell” energy to the electic company? My wife’s cousin has a big ol solar panel in his back yard and says that there have been times when he’s had an abundance they actually paid him for his energy? I plan to start converting my home ASAP and was curious. Also, is there a formula for how many watts you would need to produce. I average about 32 KWH per month. Thanks and I can’t wait to get started!
my idea is to ‘keep warm’ my 30×60 green house using solar for heat. I live in iowa where it gets pretty cold in the winter. also want to use solar for lighting and pumping water . any suggestion on the best way to do this? by keeping warm, I meand nite temps around 45 to 60 degrees.
ok now I watched the top 10 q&a …..now what…
Sock it to me , I’m ready to get started.
So far, the major question is not answered: How much can really be saved and what does that cost? The one comment that one panel saves the power needed for a 60watt bulb suggests that all of this cost would in fact save little, if anything. And I don’t see answers to comments, either. Do you answer this? Who is reporting actual results?
I would like to use solar power to heat my pool and hot tub. How is a solar pool heating system different from a solar power house system? Can I use a solar power house system to just power a heat pump to heat the pool and hot tub? Which system would be better, a solar pool heating system without a heat pump or a heat pump powered by a house solar power system?
I don’t have a pool, but my instinct is that a solar heating system would be more efficient, but less consistant while an electric heat pump is going to require more solar power, but will offer consistency in your pool temperatures. Anyone with a pool have thoughts?
I am really grateful for those 10 questions and answers as provided. I really can’t think of anybody who has viewed this videos could not want to learn from them. I think everybody should get them. I to think it is our best interest to get from Federal, State, and county governments for using renewable energy. We could free ourselves from any government intervention and control of the Us Corporation, State, County, and City etc. and any business corporation that are tied in for there big profits. I am a 65 year old male and knowing there is nothing better then to be sufficiency in this days, time and age. I truly am looking forward in getting started with those programs. I am in a fix income and have to be prudent in all areas of own existience, having those programs are going to help me save a lot of worry, and a lot of money in the long run. I thank you patriots for sharing your expertise and knowledge. I am very grateful, and looking forward in getting started.
Frank, thanks for the Top 10 questions and answers. Is it really in our best interest to accept incentives from Federal, State, County, or City governments for using renewable energy? By doing so are we NOT freeing ourselves from government intervention and control? As soon as we’ve ‘eaten’ the apple aren’t we, in a way, theirs? We know we and are assets are the collateral assets of the U.S. Corporation and its State, County, and City Sub-Corps and as any business-Corporation, this beast needs revenue (lots of it!) so why would government want to give us a $$ break for becoming more self-reliant which is a small drop in revenue. I loved the videos but this one video mentioning incentives from government to HELP the cost to build these systems just didn’t work for me. If the materials didn’t cost so much, we wouldn’t need the government to help us out. For example, I completely gutted my ‘old house’ purchased in 1988, insulated, installed new high-efficient windows and HVAC system, etc. resulting in a 50% reduction in my utility bills for 3-months straight. My Dad, who worked as the head of the City of Garnett, KS street Department warned that a crew from the gas department would arrive, claim that my gas meter was broken and needed to be replaced. And behold, after three months of 50% reduced monthly utilities, they came, looked at the gas meter, pulled it, and replaced it rendering all of my labor and expense a futile effort as my utilities shot up. Government needs a certain quota of $$revenue and they’re not about to cut back when someone drops off the grid or earns a reduction in utility services. If they’re offering incentives for anything, you better not take it because it doesn’t fit the agenda of a revenue-hungry U.S. Corporation. My wife and I are looking forward to building our system and will ultimately plan to get completely off the grid if we can find the money. Thanks for making this information available.
Loved the gift of the videos, Thank you so very much. dsireusa.org a great tool for DIY’er, the more information the better when it comes to dealing with Uncle Sam….I am new to the P4P, but I can tell you this, I am a single 60 yr old female, and there is nothing that is better than self sufficiency in this day and age. I truly am looking forward to getting started. Am on a fixed income and so I have to be prudent in all areas of my existence….these systems are going to save me a lot of worry and will save money in the long run. Thank you good patriots for sharing your expertise and knowledge. I can’t wait. ; )
Loved the whole series. My husband is finishing a course in welding that can only help with this stuff.. Really geat information! Just got my Power 4 Patriots package. I’ve been reading ever since.
Kathy,
The only way to get relief from the water company is to install a grey water system to flush your toilets and a water cistern to collect rain water for irrigation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greywater
http://greywateraction.org/greywater-recycling
This may help answer James’ question about the cost per kilowatt hour of solar & wind power. The overall cost of what ever system would be dependent on several factors. The life of the system, the cost of the system, maintenance costs over a period of time, kilowatts generated over a period of time, and the local cost per kilowatt hour for the period of time. Local cost per kilowatt hour for the month may change each month so I believe a person can only compute the cost per kilowatt hour based on their own situation.
I enjoyed the videos. I am currently on vacation & look forward to arriving home and the manuals should be there. I am in a metro area and will need a permit to connect to the local power grid. I hope to reduce electric bill as I am total electric.
I am so excited. I ordered this last night . My husband has stage 4 cancer and can’t help me. I think after listening to this that I can do this. I have to . I have been working for 2 years to u uncomplicate
Our lives. My husband can’t work and I am afraid to leave him home alone. So I look forward to receiving the materials and acquiring the resources we need. Let’s get started.
ok have watched all 10 videos for the Q&A on the “P4P” system and it still doesn’t tell you how to build 1 is the how to build on the 2 disc’s u sent i hope so . And for now I just want to offset my electric bill, my house is all electric and i live in SE texas and it si hot here the air conditioning is expensive. also is there anyway to get away from the H2o company, I have no choice at this point but to use 1 company where I live and for a household of 1 my water bill is $104.00 every month my H2O is $50.00 and the sewer is $50.00, does not include trash pick up either and every year they raise the rates , for some reason or other.
Yes, how to build your system is on the Power4Patriots CD.
The information was very interesting, but didn’t answer all pertinant questions.I have an existing 990 watt system already on the roof, that I am paying on top of the electric bill. I ordered Power 4 Patriots, and was hoping to add to my present system. Am I able to do this, or can I split off my electric heat and air, and elect stove, the two biggest elect users. Thank you James
James,
You can certainly add to your system, but depending on how you’ve got your current system tied to the grid, you may wish to build separately.
need to know where to purchase parts for building panels
I have asked this before and have not received an answer.
What is the cost per kWh for solar & Wind…..?
This was great info. Very helpful with questions that I had. I am very excited to get my material in the mail so I can get started.
Thanks!
My wife and I live in Spain in the winter and in England in the summer. Where could I source the materials to build my own solar panels? In Spain we live in a small village and I’m not sure if solar panels don’t look offensive to the neighbors and to us. Maybe wind power might do better for us? Can I build my own wind fans?
Thanks dot you advice,
Rolf Mulstrof
Great, very educating videos my insight into solar and wind power is so much more enlightened.
Tu
Is 220 volts a posibility.
Is it known that a mobile home can benefit from solar more effectively than a house?
I have really enjoyed reading and listening to your video’s. I am excited about it.
outstanding info Man, I’m not just thinking about this I am doing it A.S.A.P. Thank you. Keep in tuch.
Tried to go to dsireusa.org it would not open please correct. Thankyou!
I just tried and didn’t have any issues dsireusa.org
great videos thanks for sharing!
Hi Guys this is awesome to have your expertise shared so selflessly with people you have not even met and don’t know one bit, wow. Thanks for your kind offer and patient teacherliness to take us through these ten important questions. I live in Jamaica, West Indies but my children live in California so we will team up and have the service shared with hour family. Do you think it will be difficult to get the stuff to Jamaica and to construct the system outside of North America? Hope to share it with my friends who need this assistance to cope with the mounting cost of energy. Most grateful for your service. Great video
Thanks for the videos. Some good info.
Very good source of information on these video.
Thanks Allen!
just finished 10 questions vidios. ordered power4patriots yesterday, cant wait to get started.
I presently have several south facing hot hiklls for solaar + a gret hill for wind . but I’, disabled + noyt alot of funds available is there grants I can applr to help?
good video!!!!
I have watched all 10 of these video and think they are great and full of good information. I will be watching them again and will probably end up watching them several times. I have not yet received my Power4Patriots package but things look very promising.
These video have been very informative.
These videos are good –but for me are hard to understand due to som hearing loss–is there any way one can change the sound levels? Alaso having to watch all 10 at one time is time buster. maybe 2-3 perday.
I have purchase earlier the Sterlingengine– what are the similarites?
# 2–Through Green Energy junkies I got one fro building a Bowman motor from magnets-this was to create electricity
another was Home made energy– a 2 disc set.
” Solar instalationvideo course
And the last was one for a Bates motor for freeing up your electricity.
Any comments on these??
I have looked at all the videos and many of my questions were answered. I still have not received the texts I ordered but anticipate delving into them and will try to get something started. It may be difficult in Virginia due to the roadblocks they have to prevent anyone becoming totally free of dependence on the power companies.
Ge8 info. Love watching and learning from y’all
This is very interesting info. Explains a lot for begainers
Unfortuneatly my electric coop, PEC, does not have any incentives for solar power.
Just this AM , I was first able to watch all 10 videos. Very informative and I want to get into the next part of all the DVD s and book that I order’ed . I have alot of experiance with fabrication and glazing so that part should be basic. Very interested in wind generators for starters. Thanks for all the information on this and other side survival items. Daryl Schneider.
Some really good info but the price of solar cells and components on your shopping site was STARTLING to say the least. I have found the same components much cheaper on Amazon that are alot cheaper and made by the same manufacturer Evergreen which according to amazon is going out of business and liquidating their stock. Also found the cells and components reeeely cheap on E-Bay if you win the bid. If you buy untabbed cells would you simply solder ribbon yourself? Also some sell “partly whole” cells. Are these usable? Would the power calculations be different? Also, I was wondering if you had thought of using water off the roof to power a gutter / downspout generator for very rainy places? Think there’s any merit to this kind of thought? I live in Alaska on the coast and we get Tons of rain and because we also get alot of snow I have a steep pitched metal roof so it seems like the water volume might be enough to run at least a small wattage generator. I have looked at some sites that had some “microgenerators” but not being an engineer I don’t know if they would be worthwhile. If they still make the old bicycle headlight that ran by being turned by the front wheel of the bike maybe those old generators could be put to this purpose? With the increased efficiency of the new 12 volt LED lights it seems to me that a downspout generator could at least power these or maybe charge a cell phone. every little bit helps and as in all things the more diversity of energy sources the better. I have lived for many years without power from the grid and one piece of advice I would give to anyone starting out on energy independence apart from starting small is to keep some of your systems independent rather than trying to make a whole home central system, ie. run one or two small wattage items like LED lights off it’s own battery and solar panel rather than invert everything into 120 volts. Even if you don’t run that battery off a solar panel I have found that I can run a 16 1/2′ 12 volt 300 LED strip off a regular car battery for several days without recharging. If your whole system runs off on charge controller and battery bank and inverter if that charge controller or inverter go bad you’re out tons of money and in the dark until it’s replaced. By the way, these 12 volt LED strips are fantastic !! If you live in a hot area they don’t give off any heat. Also they come with a self adhesive backing and can be cut to length if desired so installation is a snap and they are cheap ( $8 – $15 ) and you can get dimmer switches which can save battery life and they are very bright. 1 strip will light a large kitchen sufficiently and since they install so easily you can have them under cabinet or ceiling mounted or both. The LED dome lamps are also wonderful for reading lamps ect. and again don’t put out heat and will run a long time off a regular car battery without charging. Sorry to ramble on but I’m really excited to find out about power4patriots and hope you can answer some of the above questions and look forward to working with you to achieve energy independence as I still have to run (although occasionally ) a 5 KW gas generator to charge batteries so still depend on the oil crooks for fuel. I can hardly wait to get the hard copies and start delving into solar heating !! Thanks Frank !! I knew a guy named Bates had to be A-OK cuz that’s my last name too.
I have a question… I live in a area of Texas that gets hail at least 3 times in the spring.
can the Solar Panels with stand gulf ball size Hail?
Thank you.
Got all the videos thanks can’t wait for the rest of my info thanks . Going to start small but we have to start somewhere thanks agian.
Thanks for the videos, they were very informative and I’m looking forward t oreceiving the P4P information which I recently ordered. I believe we need to be prepared for any unforseen event(s) which may result in us losing power for an extended period of time.
I live in Nova Scotia and we experienced a powerful hurricane in 2003 resulting in loss of power for 13 days in my rural location.
The conventional solar panels are extremely expensive so I’m excited to see if a DIY system can be constructed for a fraction of the cost.
Thanks again for making the information so affordable.
Great job, I am ready to go! Contemplating for years and have a basic knowledge already, now have the blueprint. I love the hunt…Mike
Enjoyed viewing the videos. You guys seem like the kind of people I’d enjoy getting to know. I’m excited about learning all I can and getting started with my first system.
I thought all the questions were answered honstly&throughly.very good. thanks
I will try to power my entertainment systems in the front and back of my home. also some lighting in the back when i want to hang out late nights in the back yard.
Pease discuss the differences between acrylic, lexan and plexiglass and
how they are affected over time by UV rays, continual temp change, etc.
One clouds and turns yellow after a while, and another crazes.
This would be a good addition to the information packet.
Good idea, Joe. I’ll work on writing that up and I’ll put in in the technical FAQ.
Joe,
Panel manufacturers usually use tempered glass, which is the most durable and has the best performance. Some people however have a hard time finding affordable tempered glass options, so we talk about using other materials often.
Acrylic and plexiglass are really the same thing. These are the easiest to work with, generally the cheapest, but also might crack during heavy hail storms. It should be noted that cracks do not necessarily mean that the panel is worthless, if you encapsulated your cells properly it will probably work just fine with a crack. Acrylic will not stain or yellow over time.
Lexan, or polycarb, is stronger but can scratch easier than plexiglass. Lexan tends to be more expensive and can show yellowing. For this reason we generally advise people to use plexiglass when tempered glass is not feasible.
I have received the instruction video and it seems fairly comprehensive
BUT the Turbo Motor and Mast Assembly does not show how to permit the generator to rotate past 360* more than once without pulling the power connection wires off or getting bound up.
There needs to be some detail shown, possibly a contact slided ring or similar detail.
Very informative. Well prepared.
So for all we have is talk. I am waiting for information that I can use. Like books and etc.
I have been in electrical & instrumentation for 30 years in mining and have always wanted to get into more solar power of my home. I’m now at a point in my life that I can do that. Your videos are a help and encouraging. I have not had a chance to review the online DVD’s but will make it a point in the next week. I’m still waiting delivery. I’m looking forward to working with power4pariots and there ideas. Building with tried and true information is better than putting something together yourself even with electrical and generation knowledge. You might consider just putting an average KW cost out for systems 10 kw – 25kw solar or wind. What would the average cost be per KW for a system of this size stand alone and not tied to power company? Mark
hi.
lust got throu watching yor 10 questionspeople have on solar,wind .great realy help with my questions. now here is one for you ,,i built 3 solar pannels 2 years ago folled direction s im id encaplsate them but i think i got a heat problem with them .they worked great that first year ,but they hot from the sun .igot a lot of breakage and soder release fron the cells . they were pre tabbed, this year they are no good at all. my question is what happened where did i go wrong .they are out side in the sun and weathr year round. . i would like to no what happened thanks doug
There are a number of videos on Youtube by http://www.mwands.com that show wireing diagrams etc. They also show how to build pma’s out of 10 & 12 si alternators. a good source for additional info.
Another site that offers pre-made solar panel frames (Aluminum – with or with out glass) is http://www.affordadablesolarframes.com.
Sounds promising. But there are three questions I have concerning this system.
1) How does this system hold up in bad weather?
2) How difficult is it to keep this system clear of snow and ice?
3) How much maintenance is required?
Thanks a lot for the videos, I hope the material is going to arrive to Ecuador, can help me to build solar panel, etc.
OK just finished most of the videos and had a question concerning the glass used to make the panels… and so far all I have heard about is either glass or tempered glass…. WHAT ABOUT PLEXIGLASS?
Were using it more so than regular glass and in more applications now days.
Its non-conductive, see through, more flexible and will not break as to where glass would and if I’m correct would also give tempered glass a run for its money, being more cost efficient and stronger for less used.
Is there a reason I have not caught onto that would prevent me or that I should not used this in place of glass/ tempered glass????
please some one help me on his one.
I am a little disappointed. Everything that you stated in the beginning was “off the Grid”.
Then you get into the program and you find that “the home owner” can not build an “off the Grid”
system. BOO!!
That is exactly what I wanted this information for is NOT to have to spend the money of
the “factory” panels.
And SAVE MONEY like you stated by building a system myself.
My qualifications are simple. I can build anything. I have been a General Contractor/Handyman
for 45 years. I know electricity (even though) I am not licensed, I have wired hundred of houses
and Commercial buildings. 110V — 220v — 440v — single phase/ three phase. I have done it all. I have actual licensed electrical contractor’s that can get the permits. Let me know how to build a whole house system ( a little at a time ) my funds are very limited. RETIRED.
Sincerely
Steven R. Heady.
Gary, I own a glass company in kansas city, mo. Get a local glass company to cut to your dimensions a piece of 1/4 inch clear plate glass make sure you tell them you need it tempered. you could also get 1/2 inch but that should be more money. you will have to angle them so that if it does hail on them the impact will be deflected and not absorbed.
After reviewing all the videos (which are very informative) I have a few questions.
1) I live in Texas and have very violent weather from time to time. Will these panels withstand fairly large hail stones and high winds?
2) What happens should hail break a panel?
3) Is there a glass that you would recommend for this problem?
4) I have a composition roof, can I have the roof replaced (after aforementioned hail storm) if I mount the panels on the roof?
5) Is it practical to mount a wind turbine on the roof for maximum wind exposure?
I’m sure I’ll have more questions the deeper I get into this, but so far I’m learning alot. Thanks
Great, Gary. Do start with our technical FAQ, which will answer some of your questions. http://www.power4patriots.com/support_technical.php
Thanks to all you guys for giving us all hand in standing up to the giant energy companies who have cast a shadow for far to long. I am anxiously waiting for my power 4 patriots to arrive and have a question that may seem silly to some of you but here goes. Why would we have to tie into the public power system at all if we have this system (solar, wind, thermal) in place? For one I know that my local power company here in Kansas City, Mo makes us pay a monthly charge for the convenience of having power! It doesn’t matter if I use it or not. Will this system be able to get me COMPLETELY disconnected from the grid to avoid ANY charges from the electric co. Thanks again for the inspiration and the kick in the seat that I’m sure many of us were needing.
What is Kriss Bergethon’s company’s name and does he have a e-mail that you could send me
thanks
Joseph, You can contact Kriss at: http://www.spheralsolar.com/. – Frank
Oh yeah, the inverter, a 2500 Watt, was a quite a purchace! i think i paid 200 bucks or so for that unit (need to explain that and the size wire in some videos and text as a free update) and wiring of the bbatteries (series, parrallel, and both ways). I was a bit lucky on that purchace, I purchased 4 six volt used Golf cart batteries for 50 bucks a piece, and wire in series, then parallel. Their saving me all the rest that come in later (Wooot!!). Thanks! Have a good one!
Power4Patriots needs more info on Wind Power. It only has about 1/3 of the info that Solar does. After building my full control panel (controller, fuses, breakers, overload resistors, 4 6volt batteries, meters, etc. I found No information on wiring sizes that should be used and where, use of OHM’s law to help out, no videos on wiring up a wind generator other than building a PVC frame or wood frame, and monting on a pole. Please add more info on building your control panel, wire sizes, etc. I just got my wire yesterday, and to go about 60 feet to my control panel cost me about 150 bucks in wire alone. The wind energy, control panel, etc. needs more info, videos, etc!!! Thanks!
Chad, Thanks for the feedback! I really do look at these comments and use them to figure out what to work on. Have you seen our wind FAQ? It’s short, but does have a few suggestions. Congratulations on your work to improve your energy self-sufficiency. I’d love to see pictures when it’s done! – Frank
Good Info: Thanks I just bought power4patriots. I need Kriss Berethon E-mail address.thank you. I’m new at this . I need all the info: I can get. !!!
informative video, cant wait to get started Thanks
wouldn’t Tesla technology be better and simpler? That is what I will do when I am President
All videos were very informative. I will share this with my son who is interested in solar power.
Regarding the question of using existing ‘roof vents’ (rv) to somehow turn a generator/alternator for power from the wind… NO.
Their use is to circulate the air throughout the roof’s interior to prevent mold and mildew.
These rv take very little air to rotate, and quite often you can see them rotating NOT from the air flowing across the blades, but just from the air flowing up THROUGH them from the inside warm air. But, there is no ‘LOAD’, to speak of, causing any friction. In order to use such a FAN to connect to a device for creating the energy you want, the BLADES would have to be MUCH larger. I have seen really HUGE ‘roof vents’ on top of malls and larger buildings, but again, they have nothing connected, and as such are very easy to rotate with very little wind.
I went to a website & they said a soler panle cost $1000., is this true? If it is, how does someone liks me aford that much money? If that is true, I would never beable to aford this system. So that means I would be left in the dark. So would I be better off making the panles myself? I got my house alittle over a year ago, does not have a shed or anythng else to start with. Just my house. I live in AZ. where there is alot of sun. No shade at all. Its not ma flat roof or not a high peak. Thank you for your time. Duane Westerdale
Great information….thanks for producing this as many times, when entering into a new venture, so many questions occur that seldom have easy access to the sources for answers. Appreciate your time and effort in providing this very useful information to us.
Thank you for the videos this will help a lot
Shirlene has inspired me to check this out on my own. I will see what I can do and I haven’t even recieved my kit from power4patriots yet.
Shirlene Willams has a great question about roof mounted “whirlybirds”. I would never have thought of using them for power generation but mine spin all the time and I have 3.
Sir: My city is not going to let put up a traditional windmill no matter how smal the blades. Do you think it is possible to modify an exhaust vent roof fan, the bulbous shaped kind, that have a lot of slots and are always turning around. I have seen them working and they do not appear to have any power to them. It looks to me like they only use the wind to turn them.
Thanks for all you have done.
Shirlene
Enjoyed, Good things to consider when getting started.
Thank you for the videos, they were very basic but informative. As for me i am looking foward to build my first solar panel and system for that matter. I have taken classes from BP and imperial irrigation co. in southern ca. to further my education in solar and also got to see their system in operation wow. I started educating myself back in 2006-2007 and worked for a company in temecula ca, for just a while. There is a lot to learn and for sure that with the books from power4patriots will help me further to understand the power of solar. With that I thank you for the info once more.
Sincerely, AL