In an effort to become "green," we can officially say we are almost "off the grid."
With the installation of the solar panels and wind turbines, we can generate enough power to sustain us and eliminate our dependence on the power companies.
The total cost for this was around $30,000 (includes labor and a little-knowhow), but subtract the California Energy Commission rebates and state tax credit, our net cost? Less than $12,000. Yes, we should break even between 5-7 years.
We have plenty of sunlight where we live. There are the constant overcast days and those days occur from December to March, but during those days, the wind is a constant.
Our main energy consumers in the house are the spa, the pool pump, heating/air conditioning, refrigerators and power tools.
Other projects in the works:
Grey water collection
Dual flush toilets
Rainwater collection tanks
Skylights
