increase in electricity

[old tree man]

Heard on the radio today that our electricity is going to increase by record standards, i think it has given me the incentive to build my own power system to run off has anyone got any idea's on how to get started ? what is the best system to build ? i am on a very tight budget but have the tools to build anything
thanks
Russ

[John Headstrong]

Have a look at the classic 12volt system

http://www.selfsufficientish.com/12v.htm

I have backup lights and radio for power outages during bad weather very similar to the one Nev outlines.

I used to live in a old ambulance and had a 12volt system, I had a black and white TV, radio/CD player, tools, a craptop and lights. charged by a old rutland wind charger and a split charger from the engine. it was everything I needed at the time.

[Cheezy]

Heard on the radio today that our electricity is going to increase by record standards, i think it has given me the incentive to build my own power system to run off has anyone got any idea's on how to get started ? what is the best system to build ? i am on a very tight budget but have the tools to build anything
thanks
Russ

Don't know if they're commercially available, but you seem to have access to large quantities of wood, what about a Combined Heat and Power run on wood?. Most are based on gas. I did see that restoration project of Griff R. Jones old welsh house I think they ran pelleted wood in a CHP. Put this in the Alternative energy bit and Martin might have some info.

[John Headstrong]

maybe you are thinking bigger that 12 volt

this is a wonderful setup
http://www.powercubes.com/listers.html

Now in mid December 2007, I am now able to get
copious amounts of hot water, electricity and
heating from nothing more than filtered waste
vegetable oil, obtained from a local pub.

very sweet

[snapdragon]

aww no not another rise

- I'm trying to plan for retirement and my gas (in cylinders) has just gone up by 10% - after going up 10% in October!!
this time of year I can't do without heat

I guess digging out the boarded fireplaces and investing in a multi fuel boiler/cooker might be next step, with solar slabs for hot water and maybe a windpowermill?

[Wombat]

:
I guess digging out the boarded fireplaces and investing in a multi fuel boiler/cooker might be next step, with solar slabs for hot water and maybe a windpowermill?

Around here a "slab" is a carton of beer!

Solar hot water is good, the newer evacuated tube type seems much more efficient than the flat plate collector style we have.

Our 12 volt system is an ongoing porject and is still developing. That is the beaty of it, you can start small and work your way up!

(Mmmm "classic" 12 volt system, thanks Johm! )

Nev

[old tree man]

Going to give your 12 volt system a go soon nev once i source some local supplies, i will update as i progress.
all the best
Russ

[Wombat]

Cool!

[MALCOLM CRAGG]

:
I guess digging out the boarded fireplaces and investing in a multi fuel boiler/cooker might be next step, with solar slabs for hot water and maybe a windpowermill?

Around here a "slab" is a carton of beer!

Solar hot water is good, the newer evacuated tube type seems much more efficient than the flat plate collector style we have.

Our 12 volt system is an ongoing porject and is still developing. That is the beaty of it, you can start small and work your way up!

(Mmmm "classic" 12 volt system, thanks Johm! )

Nev

hi,the glass tube type solar are great,ive had mine 15 years.75 degrees c on the best summer days,but any sun gets them working.