Check out Wedding Photography section of our forum.
Tesla Batteries may get you off the grid...
May 2, 2015 10:21:07 #
How long until some more of us go off the grid?
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/tesla-batteries-just-beginning-how-technology-will-transform-electric-grid
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/tesla-batteries-just-beginning-how-technology-will-transform-electric-grid
May 2, 2015 19:13:51 #
ArtzDarkroom wrote:
How long until some more of us go off the grid?
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/tesla-batteries-just-beginning-how-technology-will-transform-electric-grid
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/tesla-batteries-just-beginning-how-technology-will-transform-electric-grid
It is easy to go off the grid Artz. You can buy solar panels and storage batteries and have a back up generator. The batteries are expensive but not near as expensive as what Tesla is pushing. I have a friend in southern California who has lived that way for several years. The late Dennis Weaver had a house in Colorado that was completely off the grid. The walls were made out of old car tires and compacted with dirt. Excellent insulation. :-D
May 3, 2015 11:03:55 #
bcheary wrote:
It is easy to go off the grid Artz. You can buy solar panels and storage batteries and have a back up generator. The batteries are expensive but not near as expensive as what Tesla is pushing. I have a friend in southern California who has lived that way for several years. The late Dennis Weaver had a house in Colorado that was completely off the grid. The walls were made out of old car tires and compacted with dirt. Excellent insulation. :-D
FWIW. While the type of construction you describe may provide excellent insulation, I have read that a serious, potential problem with the homes built with old car tires is that the tires out-gas a hazerdous-to-your-health toxic compound.
Check out Printers and Color Printing Forum section of our forum.
May 3, 2015 11:11:35 #
alfeng wrote:
FWIW. While the type of construction you describe may provide excellent insulation, I have read that a serious, potential problem with the homes built with old car tires is that the tires out-gas a hazerdous-to-your-health toxic compound.
I haven't heard about that and the question was never raised with Weaver's house. During the construction phase the tires were filled with dirt and the exteriors were encased with some form of concrete/stucco compound. I would imagine that would effectively seal off the tires. Just my guess.
May 3, 2015 12:56:48 #
ArtzDarkroom wrote:
How long until some more of us go off the grid?
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/tesla-batteries-just-beginning-how-technology-will-transform-electric-grid
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/tesla-batteries-just-beginning-how-technology-will-transform-electric-grid
Didn't Tesla batteries have a tendency to self immolate? I'd sure hate to have that going on near or in my house.
--Bob
May 3, 2015 19:52:40 #
bcheary wrote:
I haven't heard about that and the question was never raised with Weaver's house. During the construction phase the tires were filled with dirt and the exteriors were encased with some form of concrete/stucco compound. I would imagine that would effectively seal off the tires. Just my guess.
FYI. I am well aware of & understand the construction technique of ramming dirt into old tire casings for the so-called "earthships" which were popular in Taos.
BTW. I am NOT saying that Dennis Weaver's death was a result of his "earthship" home ...
Regardless, YOU need to know that concrete & stucco & plaster are materials which "breath" and YOU-or-anyone-else who thinks it is a safe construction technique to use old tires need to do your so-called "due diligence" & do your own research to ensure that you are not putting yourself or others in potential danger.
May 3, 2015 19:57:26 #
alfeng wrote:
FYI. I am well aware of & understand the cons... (show quote)
Not the type of construction I would use for my house but I am sure there are ways that would prevent exposure to any potential toxicants. where there is a will there is a way. Personally, I am more partial to log homes. :-D
May 3, 2015 23:13:10 #
Brian,
Does one still have the Internet if they are off the grid?
That might be too much for me and my family to surrender.
Does one still have the Internet if they are off the grid?
That might be too much for me and my family to surrender.
bcheary wrote:
It is easy to go off the grid Artz. You can buy solar panels and storage batteries and have a back up generator. The batteries are expensive but not near as expensive as what Tesla is pushing. I have a friend in southern California who has lived that way for several years. The late Dennis Weaver had a house in Colorado that was completely off the grid. The walls were made out of old car tires and compacted with dirt. Excellent insulation. :-D
May 3, 2015 23:23:39 #
ArtzDarkroom wrote:
Brian,
Does one still have the Internet if they are off the grid?
That might be too much for me and my family to surrender.
Does one still have the Internet if they are off the grid?
That might be too much for me and my family to surrender.
Yes Artz, by wireless through their iPhones and iPads. My friends in California have a setup whereby the excess electricity they generate is fed back into the grid and PG&E compensate them for that. Not sure how much they get paid per KW but helps pay for their solar panels and storage batteries. To be truly off the grid you need to be out in the boondocks where there is zero access to power lines and probably the internet, unless there are cell phone towers around. :-D
May 3, 2015 23:27:28 #
I guess I have a different understanding of 'being off the grid'. I understand it to mean not paying for electricity. I thought some people meant it to mean much more, being under the radar, living away from society, etc. The labels fail me.
May 3, 2015 23:33:01 #
ArtzDarkroom wrote:
I guess I have a different understanding of 'being off the grid'. I understand it to mean not paying for electricity. I thought some people meant it to mean much more, being under the radar, living away from society, etc. The labels fail me.
That would be a normal interpretation Artz. I guess there are various levels of being off the grid. Many refer to it as having their own electricity supply through solar, wind and even a small hydroelectric generator. They always have a gas or propane operated generator as a back up. I am with you my idea would be squirreled away in the backwoods miles from anything. I would love it but my wife won't. :shock: :lol: :lol:
Check out Astronomical Photography Forum section of our forum.
May 3, 2015 23:35:10 #
Brian,
Yes, you are wise. I too live by the motto: "Happy wife, happy life." It took me a long time to come around, but I did. lol
Yes, you are wise. I too live by the motto: "Happy wife, happy life." It took me a long time to come around, but I did. lol
bcheary wrote:
That would be a normal interpretation Artz. I guess there are various levels of being off the grid. Many refer to it as having their own electricity supply through solar, wind and even a small hydroelectric generator. They always have a gas or propane operated generator as a back up. I am with you my idea would be squirreled away in the backwoods miles from anything. I would love it but my wife won't. :shock: :lol: :lol:
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Check out People Photography section of our forum.