Frugal and Energy Efficient Living
In reply to the discussion: For me, a rare brain flash regarding a McGyver solution [View all]Starboard Tack
(11,181 posts)Also, do you have consistent wind where you live. If not, I would be very hesitant to go with wind. You need a steady 15 mph plus wind for most wind generators to be efficient. I have 400 watt unit (very quiet) on the boat, and we get plenty of wind, but it wasn't cheap and the amount of energy it gives us is marginal compared to our solar panels, which cost about the same (4 Kyoceras, total 530 watts). Entire system, including 10 golf cart deep cycle batteries cost about $6k, and gives us all we need except hot water and cooking (propane). Honda 2000 gasoline generator ($1000 new) for emergencies. Propane runs about $8-$10/month.
The beauty with solar is, it is maintenance free, except for cleaning mud and debris off the surface, and you can keep adding panels if you want more output. Cooking and heating with electricity will draw a lot of power. So beware. Do the math.