Wow. Thought the last update was more recent. Anyhow, it's been a crazy summer. Lost the job, bit of a dry spell while finding another one, yadda yadda... The plans are still to make this happen, however it looks like a more feasible timetable will be for the spring. What with PP&L heading for the free market, looks like I better get systems in before the rate hikes. Even if I can only just cut my already low usage, it will still be worth the move to self sufficiency, especially after the rate hikes.

Just a quick catch up now, though. By late next year I should have the house next door to add to the system, it's got a nice, big, flat, black roof over the back room. And it faces south. There is already an unused chimney attached in the rear of that roof, that looks like a good spot for the VAWT and I won't have to drill any holes for the wires. As for the VAWT, I picked up a few old ceiling fan units (freebies), I figure that with 12 magnets (6 per side) and the right coil windings, I can generate 14-15vdc to charge the batteries. Plans are still to use regular marine batteries I can get at WalMart, makes replacements much easier. I still need a system that can deliver about 20 kwhrs per day, almost twice what I currently use, and that's without figuring in for the electric hot water heaters for the main heating system. I'll look into that after I get one running, and see just what I need to stay toasty in the winter (it is Pennsylvania, after all).

I've also recently picked up an old UPS system, I'll need to check that over the winter as well, looks like it's capable of at least 10 amps at 110vac, with about 6 receptacles in the rear, so I'll definitely try to get some power running from there, after I get to play with it a bit. That's about it for now, post will be irregular until the cash flow improves enough to get things moving again. In the meantime, I'll be playing with the toys I've already got...