Micropower
I am getting numerous requests from readers wanting very specific guidance on how to install their own solar electric systems. Many have already found that this process is a little like trying to build an automobile by purchasing parts from a NAPA dealer. For example, you can buy a brake drum, wheel bearing, and oil filter, but since your car does not yet exist, how do you know what parts you need, what parts will fit with other parts, and how should these parts be wired together.
During the next few issues, I will take you through the “basics” of solar system design and installation, and answer your specific questions as we go along. This course will continue on the Backwoods Home Magazine website (www.backwoodshome.com) under their new Home Energy Information (www.homeenergy.info) section. You will be able to e-mail your installation questions and offer suggestions for future home energy saving articles.
Before I can help you design your own solar power system, you have to understand that there are actually many different types of solar power systems, for many different applications.
Read more »
Tags: Sick of our fossil fuel addiction? Kick It is funny, irreverent - but hard-hitting and informative video.
Here's Tom Rand - engineer, philosopher, author and venture capitalist - telling you how we can "Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit".
Off-Grid Home near Silver Islet, Ontario (1.3 kW turbine)
Silver Islet is a summer cottage community with a small number of year-round residents, approximately 100 km from the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Ontario Hydro grid is several miles away and most cottagers use woodstoves, propane appliances, kerosene lanterns, and gas generators when they need electricity.
The Thunder Bay area is typically a good solar regime. Even in winter when days are short, the skies are typically clear and the sun bright. This particular location on the shore of Lake Superior is also ideal for wind energy. Read more »
This home was designed by TRUE-NORTH Power Systems and built by Sheldon Weatherhead Construction in Lion's Head Ontario in approximately four months, during the spring and early summer of 2002. In-floor heating and domestic hot water are provided by nine Stebel Eltron thermal solar panels (total 18 kW) and supplemented in winter with a Rinnai propane on-demand water heater sized 180,000 BTU. All essential circuits including solar heating system, circulation pumps, as well as Rinnai backup, solar and inverter electronics are powered separately by a Lakota wind turbine (see photo on right; courtesy TRUE-NORTH Power Systems) and any excess power production is fed to the rest of the house through the non-essential power panel. Read more »
Alberta faces unprecedented economic and environmental challenges caused by our over-reliance on fossil fuels.
The solution is to RePower Alberta by transitioning to a new clean energy future that will revitalize our economy and solve the climate crisis.
Revitalize the Economy
Thousands of new companies, new jobs, and revenue- all generated through solutions to the climate crisis. We can RePower Alberta by building a clean energy economy with existing technologies, resources, and know-how — and leadership from our elected officials. Read more »
