Does anyone here have solar power in the Pacifc NW?

[Ookie]

I have been doing some reading to see if solar power would make sense for my house. The books I've read say it is possible to get enough energy (with some changes to the house and appliances), but I would love to hear from someone in the area with actual experience powering their home with solar.

So, anyone out there?

[Bdog]

1. Home Power magazine, the hands-on journal

http://www.homepower.com
W e l c o m e t o H o m e P o w e r . c o m !
Home Power magazine, the hands-on journal of home-made power, grew out of our passion for renewable energy (RE). We're concerned about a world that is increasingly polluted. We're concerned about the high energy use and waste of "developed" cultures. And we're concerned that people are dependent and unable to care for themselves when it comes to energy. Renewable energy gives people control over their energy future by using energy that is provided daily by nature. New to Home Power...

[Ookie]

3. Thanks, I will check it out

Solar energy is so attractive in so many ways. Just the thought of virtually clean energy is great.

[disgruntled_goat]

2. sorta.

does N. Cali experience help?
even though it is sunny here most of the time, the few totally off the grid houses i have seen here still have to make a lot of changes and run on a 12-volt system.
if you want air conditioning, you haveta fire up the generator.

my $0.02, YMMV.

[Ookie]

4. Any info helps

Where I live we don't need air conditioning. In fact, I really enjoy the few days a year that it is really hot. My challenges involve extending the growing season for my vegetable garden and starting seeds inside..... without the cat crushing or eating them before I can get them in the ground!

I think I would be happy even if I couldn't supply 100% of my power from solar. I know we would have to make some changes, like new windows, putting in a wood stove, etc. Here in the Seattle area, the issue is what happens when we get weeks on end of cloudy/rainy weather.
Thanks

[Mrs. Overall]

5. We are exploring the same thing--

We are also in the Seattle area and have started to research how to generate our own power, and how to become more self sufficient.

(Peak Oil and the uncertain state of the world are two of many motivating factors)

My spouse is doing a lot of reading concerning wind power as well as solar power. We are only in the very early planning stages, however, and we are not sure how feasible or expensive the process will be.

Best of luck to you as you explore energy alternatives!

[Ookie]

7. Good luck to you too!

I should probably look into wind power too as it would be a good source for a lot of the winter months. We are fortunate to have a nice chunk of land so I'm sure we could find a good place to put everything.
I did check out the Home Power Magazine site and there is a wealth of information there. It is really helpful to find sources in the Seattle area because they will understand the specifics involved in application of renewable energy in this environment.

[Indiana_Dem]

6. lots of info & links on alternative energy @

[email protected]

on edit: oops, I gave you just an email address but the message board is at yahoo groups under runningonempty2.

[junker]

8. I have solar in OLy wa....

18 of the siemens 100 watter panels go to a 12 deep cycle battery bank using a vanner inverter (4kw model that puts out 220 so I can run the well and the electric water heater). I also have another smaller vanner for lighting. This is a 24 volt system.

Now you can get a lot more bang for your buck by going to a pure 12 volt system and using 12 volt refridge, lights et all, and may well be able to do 90+ per cent of electrictiy that way, but then you cannot go back onto the grid.

we do welding, run kilns, et cetera so hop onto the grid when need lots of juice for something. Otherwise it was a shock this year to get solar power significantly even in feb....

send pm if you want more info..