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NetGain™ |
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For the most part we don't think about the way our homes are net losses in terms of energy usage. We just presume we have to pay our utility bills every month forever! However, concern generated by the California energy crisis and the earlier "Y2K" issue have begun to change peoples' awareness. Whether concerns of blackouts, a natural disaster, or a future restriction of the availability of oil and natural gas, many people are considering independence from the grid by turning their homes into energy producers. They are creating homes which show a "net gain" of energy, not a net loss.
Off•grid or Net•metered?
Most of us are on the grid. For us, producing our own power means having the potential to be energy independent in any event that causes loss of power from the grid. For those of us working out of a home office, in need of electronic medical aid, or with a lot of food stored in a freezer, the prolonged loss of power is more than a temporary nuisance! Our own power system can be like an insurance policy. However, law and public policy go one step further. When we produce our own power in Nevada and in California, we can offset whatever we use from the grid by what we can produce on our generating system. In other words, we pay for only the net of what we use. One of our associates, Marion Barritt, was Nevada's first net-metered client, using an innovative photovoltaic roof shingle called Sunslates™ from one of our suppliers, Atlantis Energy.
Remote property owners have found that it pays to be “off the grid”. Once you get even 1,000 feet away from the power lines it can be cost effective to set up your own mini solar utility vs. paying the power company to bring the wires to you. If you have not purchased your land yet, you may find that land away from the grid is considerably less expensive than that already connected to it. Your savings in the cost of the land could be much greater than the cost of your power system. Another of our associates, Roger DeNault, has a background in real estate and finance, and can help you to make choices about land and how to finance your land and power system with one mortgage.
How about Solar Hot water systems and Solar for well pumps?
No problem. We have suppliers which specialize in hot water applications and in the design of solar systems for pumping water.. Just let us know what you need.
How much will I spend?
There are rules of thumb. However, each person's situation will be a little different. In general, for a complete system to run all of your requirements, 1 watt of generation capacity is required for every 10 square foot of home you have. That installed 1 watt will average about $10. In other words, a 1,000 square foot home might cost about $10,000 for a complete solar/ wind independent system. Having said that, we can now point out that it is possible to create many energy conservation options in your home, which will reduce the requirement for power. It is always cheaper to conserve than to plan for a larger generation capability! Also, if budget is a problem, you can set up your system to rely more on a backup generator and less on the solar and wind capability. Then add to the system when you have the budget.
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| Marion Barritt cleans her Sunslates™ photo by Rick Gunn |
The principals involved in this company have all been in this business a long time. Ron Swenson is on the Board of Directors of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), and has over 20 years involvement in solar energy. We work with licensed contractors, who can help you to install both the AC and the DC sides of the electrical system. We make an effort to seek out the most current and innovative approaches to solar and wind. This saves you money. Innovations are coming along in this industry almost as quickly as in the computer industry. Innovations mean you get a greater amount of power produced and stored for less expense. The Midway Solar Concentrator achieves cost efficiency by concentrating the sun over 300 times on to solar cells especially manufactured for this purpose. By using less expensive magnifiers and fewer expensive solar cells, this system can produce more power for you with less expense. We are also continually scanning the marketplace for innovative products: Solar roof shingles, which become part of your roofing structure, thus saving you over-all building costs; innovative wind machines, which produce more power, more quietly and are more environmentally friendly than those in general use; High efficiency, backup generators, built specifically for keeping your battery bank charged. The list goes on. We are familiar with the most appropriate technologies for your application at the least cost to you.
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We have literature on specific products as well as a general catalog. Give us a chance to help you become energy independent. Put the concept of NetGain™ to work for you! Give us a little information on your applications, and we'll do the rest.
| SolarQuest® Products for independent living |
call: 1 800 SOLQUEST (765-7837) |
Check the information you are interested in: | |
| [_] Solar PhotoVoltaics | [_] Wind |
| [_] Solar hot water | [_] Solar water pumping |
| [_] High efficiency lighting | [_] Appliances |
| [_] Generators | [_] Hydro-electric |
| [_] electric vehicles | [_] Other__________ |