Democrats NEVER think that far ahead.
It's hard to even convince them of current reality let alone the most common "what ifs."
Fort Myers and Electricity
- Thread starter SamSpade
- Start date
It's hard to even convince them of current reality let alone the most common "what ifs."
I can tell you who the Guinea pigs should be for a test run.
Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
Starting with someone in DC with a freezer full of premium ice cream?
But you can't use it if you're gas/oil free for a year.
In Arizona and New Mexico - probably other places, too, but AZ and NM are the ones I'm familiar with - there are numerous people who live off the grid. They do have gas powered vehicles and towns have water station type things where they come in and fill up an enormous bladder of water to last them however long. They rely on solar for simple tasks like heating food and such, and have adapted to no A/C in summer (hey, our ancestors did it just fine). The homes are seriously small and simple because you can't rely on Mother Nature to fuel your 3,000sf-er with all the latest appliances.
What would be cool is if someone would start up a Fossil Fuel-Free Boot Camp where people can go stay a month without any type of fossil fuel usage. As in, could you live for one month the way people 1000 years ago lived all the time? I'd sign up for that! I'm arrogant enough to think RVing for 5 years has taught me a few survival skills that many other people don't possess, but I also understand that I'm full of sh*t and the full-time reality of it would be eyeopening.
Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
I'll bet there are a few out there.
Or you can just rent a cabin in the woods that has an outhouse and no electric.
Two things:
It would be nice to have some crazy prepper there as a babysitter/teacher.
Also, there's a reason why nobody rents those type of cabins for vacation and they gravitate toward the luxury resorts. Those guinea pigs referenced above - you know, the ones who insist we should ban all fossil fuel usage? - I'll bet they wouldn't last one day. They are the biggest consumers of our resources, from their multiple mansions to their private planes.
Kinnakeet
Well-Known Member
No way I will ever buy a EV they are a waste of money to me I dont care if it can drive its self
glhs837
Power with Control
So, solar tiles seem to survive, panels, not so much. And IMO, the only logical case is to have battery storage attached to your solar. Of course, that comes with a cost, but you can keep topping off every day. You'll have to watch your consumption, of course but you would do that with a genny anyway.
Add in a Starlink, and you are set for a while.
Add in a Starlink, and you are set for a while.
Kinnakeet
Well-Known Member
A gas powered generator
Dakota
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So you did get Starlink - I remember you posting you were on the waiting list. What county are you in and do I have this right? $500 for start up equipment about $100 a month? And is there a data cap?I've been happy with mine, especially when I see all the Breezeline posts....
Dakota
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Also, as to the solar panels, I thought in Maryland that when the power is out, you cannot use your solar power since the electric company controls it. I remember looking into it some years ago and gave it all a hard pass when I learned that.
Is that the same for others in other states?
Is that the same for others in other states?
Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
St. Marys. The costs have gone up since I got mine, you'd have to check the StarLink site for current prices. I got mine a while ago now, but nearly everyone else I know that ordered one is still waiting. No data cap. @glhs837 You get yours?
Depends on what kind of system you install. If you install a grid-tie system like most around here, they don't have batteries, and if they do, the batteries are disconnected during times of grid power loss. Standalone systems not tied to the grid can be used like a generator thru a breaker interlock or transfer switch.
You mean, like any of the high adventure Boy Scout camps that have been running for decades? They live on - mostly - what they can carry. I think they do get re-supplied at fixed points, but basically, they're outside or in their tent for 2-3 weeks at a time.
ADMITTEDLY - a month is probably the limit for these guys, although places like Philmont and Northern Tier, the boys are MOVING all the time. My son tried to prepare for Philmont, but he just didn't have the stamina.
glhs837
Power with Control
I did, but the mounting will need to be high enough I've not jumped yet. Some really really tall trees around here.
And I would forgo the grid tie for sure.
Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
I got lucky. Mounted the dish to the house eve furthest from the tree line and got a clear shot of the sky.
The off-grid solar system we're having installed includes a diesel generator for the few times the solar side can't keep up. The solar side was engineered (panel area and battery capacity) taking in to account actual MD sun availability data.
Relevant
www.cbsnews.com
Hurricane Ian destroyed power systems and ravaged homes. One southwest Florida community completely powered by solar escaped with little damage.
Charlotte County, Florida, was knocked "off the grid" because of Hurricane Ian. But one community within it known as "the world's first solar-powered town" never lost power or internet – only a few shingles and some downed trees.
www.cbsnews.com
Relevant
Hurricane Ian destroyed power systems and ravaged homes. One southwest Florida community completely powered by solar escaped with little damage.
Charlotte County, Florida, was knocked "off the grid" because of Hurricane Ian. But one community within it known as "the world's first solar-powered town" never lost power or internet – only a few shingles and some downed trees.
I'm presuming your home is completely solar and you have an all-electric car. How does that work out for you? Does it gen out enough power for your day to day needs?