75% to 99%
of electricity
$15,000
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75% to 99%
of electricity
$15,000
Property
- Type:
- Single-Family Residence
- Address:
- 401 Marden Hill, Palermo, ME 04354
- Size:
- 3,000 sq ft
- Energy need met:
- 75% to 99% of electricity
Technology
- Type:
- Small Wind
- Installed:
- January 1994
- Size of System:
- 3 kW
- Purposes:
- To generate electricity
Financial Details
- Gross Cost of System:
- $15,000
- Net Cost of System:
- $15,000
What You Need to Know
Other Benefits:
it provides me with peace of mind that I never have to worry about black out during storms I suppose.
Maintenance Requirements:
My system doesn't require much maintenance. I equalize the batteries every 3 months, wash the solar panels twice a year (as well as keep the snow off of them- the sun and wind do a great job as well), and I lower my wind mill 2 or 3 times a year for a physical inspection and cleaning. I do visual monitoring daily because I like watching and listening to it.
My Motivation:
I installed my system out of necessity rather than desire. The local utility company wanted too much money to run the wires to my property when I purchased it. The cost of starting with a small alternative power system and slowly adding on to was much cheaper than putting the power company in and agreeing to pay them for the rest of my life.
Advice:
My advice is to make sure you do your homework and if you do use a contractor, use a reliable one. I have seen many unscrumpuous ones out there now. No one would sell me my first wind mill without a year's worth of wind speeds when I first bought almost 20 years ago, now they'll sell you site unseen. I saw another have someone set up a system that wasn't grounded correctly and was hit by lightning and the young couple lost everything in a split second.
Additional Notes:
Finally, take your time and visit sites, ask questions. People like myself have made our mistakes and learned from them- learn from us! We are proud of our systems and happy to show them, just ask.
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