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From: jfd@octel.UUCP (John F. Detke)
Newsgroups: ba.mountain-folk,misc.rural,sci.electronics
Subject: Wanted: info on self-contained power systems for houses
Keywords: generator, photovoltaic, battery
Message-ID: <445@octelb.octel.UUCP>
Date: 11 Mar 91 20:37:52 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Octel Communications Inc., Milpitas Ca.
Lines: 38


Hello,

I am activly pursuing purchasing a house beyond PG&E power.
The house currently has a 5 KW generator, batterys and 
a 24 volt converter, and propane refridgerators.

I am interested in starting a discussion, and getting
any experience with such systems. Items I am particularly
interested in are: maintenance requirement, battery life,
generator life, etc. I know most of these are "it depends".
Additionally, Bay area or mail-order supply for this equipment
and propane appliances would be appreciated.

My primary concern is my home computer (Sun 3/60 w/ 141 Disk drive)
I was planning on adding a UPS, but am unsure how this constant drain
will affect the system.

The house has a fairly good southern exposure (or rather, 
the land does) so photovoltaic cells may be possible as an addition.


So, the big question: Are home computers completely incompatible with
self-generated power systems?

Also: if anyone has ANY info on the costs/possiblity of paying for PG&E
extensions, I would be interested (I am pretty sure this is not very
cost-effective :)

Thanks,
jfd
-- 
John F. Detke
Octel Communications Corp
890 Tasman Drive
M/S 05-04
Milpitas CA 95035
jfd@octel.com