Redneck in training
Elite Member
For a cabin, if you can install it DIY 5kW will cost significantly less than 17k and it might be an overkill.
Underground electrical service
- Thread starter timberwolves
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This is the problem in the NE. I have a friend who put solar on his barn roof. It was coated early in the winter with a layer of wet sticky snow, which did not melt off. Following snow falls accumulated and he literally did not produce one Watt of power for two months.
I am strongly in favor of ground mounted panels for maintenance purposes. I can see where high snow areas could be a problem. If you are onsite a broom takes care of the problem. If you are offsite how much power are you using?
I have designed solar battery systems for radio repeaters at 6500 feet elevation that regulary see 70 mph winds and 100 inches of annual snowfall.
I have designed solar battery systems for radio repeaters at 6500 feet elevation that regulary see 70 mph winds and 100 inches of annual snowfall.
MotorSeven
Elite Member
It sounds like you are really leaning towards getting the grid to you. But, I would pause and talk to a couple of solar companies before spending that kind of cash. Mike's right, for half of what you are going to spend getting a line run to you, you could have a really nice solar system. Don't let battery's scare you, yes they require some maintenance, but if you take care of them they will last a very long time. Anyway, it's something to research and think about....besides it sure would be a nice feeling to make you own power.
OP
timberwolves
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Thanks for all the replies. What about my well pump, which is 220 volts ? Can a solar system with a battery bank run that ?
a solar system can kick out whatever volts your inverter does. They do make 240volt inverters. you might also consider going to 12 volt to skip inverter losses.
I've come to the conclusion that I'd have a huge stationary low RPM engine running a small generator if I build way off grid. I'm thinking either a Listeroid or something like an Arrow single cylinder. Sure I'd have solar and batteries too, but to get a system that could get me through the darkest winter months would be ludicrously expensive. I'd also capture as much of the waste heat as I could. maybe just to preheat the well water going to the water heater, but somehow I'd use it.
however all those pie in the sky plans would only happen if it were to cost me well over $20k for grid power.
Don't forget; solar cells don't last forever. Its not just the batteries that need replacing. What I've read suggests they wear out in about 30 years, plus you have to worry about accidental breakage too.
I've come to the conclusion that I'd have a huge stationary low RPM engine running a small generator if I build way off grid. I'm thinking either a Listeroid or something like an Arrow single cylinder. Sure I'd have solar and batteries too, but to get a system that could get me through the darkest winter months would be ludicrously expensive. I'd also capture as much of the waste heat as I could. maybe just to preheat the well water going to the water heater, but somehow I'd use it.
however all those pie in the sky plans would only happen if it were to cost me well over $20k for grid power.
Don't forget; solar cells don't last forever. Its not just the batteries that need replacing. What I've read suggests they wear out in about 30 years, plus you have to worry about accidental breakage too.
Redneck in training
Elite Member
Sure. You need to get the right inverter(s). Many if not all single phase inverters can be paralleled to provide 220 VAC.
One of the other posters made a good point that you should investigate. If this utility is under the jurisdiction of the state utility commission they will have a line extension plan on file. Get a copy of it and see if it is a revenue based plan which it more than likely will be. I would contact the consumer division of the commission and start a conversation about the high cost of the line extension. You may find things change in your favor rather quickly.
The bottom line is how much will you pay for the electricity you need at your cabin.
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The bottom line is how much will you pay for the electricity you need at your cabin.
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jonyyuma
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Timber, to answer your question about the line boring, yes, bore the hole, then retrive bit and they pull in a liner . Then the wire follows it as in conduit..High voltage wire, as in 5 kv and higher must be installed correctly and with a minmum of radius in bends..Personally I don't know if it would be cheaper than trenching....I saw your note about the furnished transformer...Good luck on your research..
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timberwolves
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tnmike, funny you should mention that about state consumer division my electrical contractor said I should do the same thing. He said the Utility Cos dont like complaints on their record. I am going to have to do a little research on this. You mention a " line extension file" & see if it is " a revenue based plan " What does this mean ? Maybe there is someone who has worked for a utility co. that can comment ? Thanks John
jonyyuma
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I did not recognise the term, I did research around and find out how to save money on the installation of the Natural gas line to my home? It was affected by my having a neighbor on the same road? I did pay by the foot for the rest of it to be Hyd plowed to my home..
Timber the utility will have a line extension plan on file that the commission has approved. It spells out exactly what they will and will not do. Most plans are based on the revenue generated by the extension.
Most commissions have a public staff or section that is basically an advocate for the consumer. They have a lot of clout with the utility.
Call them.
I worked for a fortune 500 electrical utility for a long time and they will take a complaint to the public staff very seriously. The terms for the advocate or public staff may be different in your state but serve the same function
The commission sets rates and policies because the utility is a regulated monopoly in most places.
Most commissions have a public staff or section that is basically an advocate for the consumer. They have a lot of clout with the utility.
Call them.
I worked for a fortune 500 electrical utility for a long time and they will take a complaint to the public staff very seriously. The terms for the advocate or public staff may be different in your state but serve the same function
The commission sets rates and policies because the utility is a regulated monopoly in most places.
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timberwolves
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tnmike, I am currently researching the line extension plan that the local utility has. I also obtained the needed info to make a inquiry with my States Consumer Service Division. I hope they can be helpful. Originally the engineer said they would extend the line 500' to the corner of my property, but now say they wont. This extra footage of wire,materials & trenching added a significant cost to the project. It sure would be nice if they footed the extra footage. Thanks again for the help John.
