Off the Grid

Off-the-Grid Solar Living

2012-01-20T21:40:00.000-06:00

. The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Off-the-Grid Solar "...In our part of Maine, quiet and remote means off the electrical grid. Our summer rental cabin had..." Reference: nytimes.com

Could you live off the grid?

2011-04-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

. Could you live off the grid? "...We have been living off grid now for 17 years now. Our first photovoltaic panel was a small 15-watt unit that was very expensive. ..." Reference: timestranscript.canadaeast.com

A Glow in the Desert

2011-03-12T09:58:00.000-06:00

. A Glow in the Desert
"...Known locally as the Moonscape, this raggedly lovely landscape of mesas and buttes, mesquite and desert juniper is rough and cheap, which makes it a tempting site for off-the-gridders like Mr. Wells. ..." Reference: www.nytimes.com

Group Survival Forum

2011-03-10T22:15:00.000-06:00

. Group Survival Forum A good off the grid forum Reference: mutuallyassuredsurvival.com

The Field Lab, off the grid living

2011-03-10T21:57:00.000-06:00

. T h e F i e l d L a b "...I feel that the technology today has advanced enough and the costs have dropped to the point where just about anyone can make the move to off the grid living. This just happened to coincide with discovering accounts of pioneer life of some of my relatives from over 100 years ago. Their lives were difficult back then, but I sensed a feeling of great joy and accomplishment in overcoming hardship - where hard work payed off and living life was a fulfilling experience. ..." Reference: www.thefieldlab.org

2011-03-05T11:23:00.000-06:00

. Greener Pastures "...“Beauty, food, sustainability and fun,” said Meucci, who lives on the grounds of Gardens Oy Vey and utilizes nature for all of life's creature comforts. “I've been off the grid for 25 years. People pay me to make their lawns beautiful...." Reference: www.memphisdailynews.com

Staying Connected: The technology of off-grid living

2011-02-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

. Staying Connected - The technology of off-grid living
"...There is a strong online presence for those living off-grid, which proves that the internet and computers are not an obstacle for off-gridders. Sites and forums such as Off-Grid.net, The Renewable Planet, and Off The Grid all have strong communities of folks willing to share their experiences with the world...."
Reference: www.tecca.com

go off the grid

2011-02-12T19:21:00.000-06:00

. go off the grid "...A group of University of Minnesota students from the Energy Efficiency Student Alliance held a campout in front of Coffman at the temperature of below-zero wind chill to kick off the Conservation Madness, a competition between dorms to see who can conserve the most energy. ..." Reference: www.mndaily.com

Off the Grid in Alaska

2011-01-02T23:39:00.000-06:00

. Our Alaska: Living off the grid "...Today they've got two solar panels in addition to the diesel generator, which is connected to a 300-gallon tank that needs filling about twice a year...." Reference: www.alaskadispatch.com

Off-Grid Communications

2010-12-31T09:50:00.000-06:00

. How to Get Started In Off-Grid Communications "...People often ask what the best option is for off-grid communication. There is only one answer to this question that makes sense to me and that is the wonderful world of amateur radio or ham radio...." Reference: www.offthegridnews.com

Geothermal Heating

2010-12-23T19:59:00.000-06:00

. Energy underground "...the earth stays a constant 69 to 70 degrees. Geothermal systems capture this heat to warm buildings during the winter, and draw the heat..." Reference: www.connectsavannah.com

Off the Grid by Nick Rosen

2010-12-16T01:19:00.000-06:00

Off the Grid: Inside the Movement for More Space, Less Government, and True Independence in Modern America

Inside the Movement for More Space, Less Government, and True Independence in Modern America

Reference: Off the Grid: Inside the Movement for More Space, Less Government, and True Independence in Modern America

Wildcrafting

2010-11-15T01:03:00.001-06:00

. Wildcrafting "...Wildcrafting is a term for the age-old practice of collecting plant materials in their natural habitat for food, medicine, and craft. Originally such activity was the only grocery store, medicine chest, and hardware store, available to man...." Reference: www.wildcrafting.com

Wildcrafting: ground cherries are ripe now

2010-11-15T01:00:00.000-06:00

. Wildcrafting: ground cherries are ripe now "...I enjoyed Japanese lanterns as a kid, and found them in our yard and in the nearby field where I played. Just in the last couple of years I learned they have an edible fruit , and are really very tasty...." Reference: www.annarbor.com

Meet the man who lived in a one-room cabin off the grid

2010-11-15T00:55:00.000-06:00

. Meet the man who lived in a one-room cabin off the grid "...Wildcrafters are a subculture that's really getting stronger. I was surprised to find so many people living off the grid, and not just off the electricity grid, but also off the grid culturally...." Reference: www.miamiherald.com

Off the Grid: Inside the Movement for More Space, Less Government

2010-11-05T13:30:00.000-05:00

Teesside joins in with the off-grid revolution

2010-02-23T07:42:00.001-06:00

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Teesside joins in with the off-grid revolution
"...Going off-grid doesn’t come cheap, however. So what to do if you haven’t got a few thousand pounds lying around? A little Government incentive - just in - has suddenly made the case for switching to micro renewables far more compelling...."
Reference: www.gazettelive.co.uk

Bloom's power plant in a box? (FAQ)

2010-02-23T07:32:00.001-06:00

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Bloom's power plant in a box? (FAQ)
"... the goal is to get businesses, and eventually consumers, off the transmission line grid and deliver power at a much lower cost with zero emissions.
What is the Bloom box? It's a fuel cell. While that's nothing new--as Greentech Media editor Michael Kanellos says, fuel cells have been around since the 1800s--it's Bloom Energy's secret sauce that makes it special...."
Reference: cnet.com

2010-01-02T20:02:00.000-06:00

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What to do if ... you want to live off-grid
"...Michael Rea, 64, and his wife Dot retired to the Shetland island of Unst in 2001 and now live in a zero-carbon house. In the past year, the couple have lived near off-grid, with heating costs of just 50p a day for their 180sq m home in the most northerly part of the British Isles ..."
Reference: www.independent.co.uk

Solar Composting Advanced Toilet

2009-12-28T11:42:00.000-06:00

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Solar Composting Advanced Toilet
"...The Solar Composting Advanced Toilet is designed to recycle human excrement and urine into a relatively dry and deodorized compost which can be safely and easily applied to the immediately surrounding landscape.
The S.C.A.T. is a self-contained freestanding structure using inexpensive convenient organic materials such as peat moss or sawdust to promote effective composting. ..."
Reference: www.solartoilet.com

Thermal Mass Refrigerator

2009-12-28T11:38:00.000-06:00

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Thermal Mass Refrigerator,
"...Some Earthships feature ‘Thermal Mass Refrigerators’ that do exactly that. They are lined inside with a layer of alcohol which holds the temperature better than if it were just lined with insulation. The plans are featured in “Earthship Volume III: Evolution Beyond Economics” by Michael Reynolds...."
Reference: thegreenv.com

Living off the grid, in style

2009-12-28T11:34:00.000-06:00

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Living off the grid, in style
"...'This home can be on this planet for a family of four and they can survive no matter what happens to the economy, or the resources, or anything,' says architect Mike Reynolds, founder of Earthship Biotecture, a company that specialises in designing and building the 'off the grid homes'.

'That's carbon zero,' he adds...."
Reference: bigpondnews.com

Solar buying group now offers online estimate tool

2009-12-26T11:33:00.000-06:00

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Solar buying group now offers online estimate tool
"...One Block Off the Grid, the solar group purchasing company, has developed an online estimate tool that you can use to see whether your roof is appropriate for a solar project as well as how much it might cost you...."
Reference: zdnet.com

U.S. Army Wilderness Survival (FM 21-76)

2009-12-24T00:49:00.000-06:00

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U.S. Army Wilderness Survival (FM 21-76)
"...As a soldier, you can be sent to any area of the world. It may be in a temperate, tropical, arctic, or subarctic region. You expect to have all your personal equipment and your unit members with you wherever you go. However, there is no guarantee it will be so. You could find yourself alone in a remote area—possibly enemy territory—with little or no personal gear. This manual provides information and describes basic techniques that will enable you to survive and return alive should you find yourself in such a situation...."
Reference: www.scribd.com

Surviving An Ice Storm OFF the GRID

2009-12-24T00:37:00.001-06:00

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Surviving An Ice Storm OFF the GRID
"...For you city slickers that might not know what to do; should you be suddenly kicked off the grid for a week or two this is where to start. First, to save all the frozen and cold items in your freezer and fridge during an ice storm, if you aren’t rich enough to have a generator; ..."
Reference: www.gather.com

Seven ways to drop off the grid

2009-11-02T01:12:00.000-06:00

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Seven ways to drop off the grid
"...Live off-grid, unplugged from the system with solar panels and rainwater harvesting. There are thousands of people living without mains power, water or sewerage, all over the UK and the US, in isolated cottages, behind hedgerows..."
Reference: www.off-grid.net

where can i buy a smart meter

2009-10-27T11:36:00.000-05:00

Tendril Shows Off Smart Meter Solution at Google-GE Panel Discussion
where can i buy a smart meter
"...As other bloggers had pointed out last week, smart metering is still not perfect. Tendril's devices still don't have the ability to tell you how much power your individual appliances are consuming. For now, you can figure out how much your fridge, TV, dryer and other devices are costing you..."
Reference: www.usnews.com

What is a smart meter?

2009-10-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

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What is a smart meter?
"...A smart meter is an advanced meter (usually an electrical meter) that identifies consumption in more detail than a conventional meter; and optionally, but generally, communicates that information via some network back to the local utility for monitoring and billing purposes (telemetering)...."
Reference: en.wikipedia.org

solar-powered ham radio

2009-10-24T01:11:00.000-05:00

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Surfin': Getting Off The Grid
"...I would like to generate enough electricity (one way or another) to run the ham shack and everything else in the house and sever our umbilical cord to Connecticut Light & Power...."
Reference: www.arrl.org

Poll: Could you live off the grid?

2009-10-24T00:54:00.000-05:00

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Poll: Could you live off the grid?
"...pay about $30 a month for electricity, getting the rest from solar. They spend about $50 on groceries, growing much of their food. Could you live this way?..."
Reference: www.baltimoresun.com

BeauSoleil Louisiana Solar Home

2009-10-22T23:41:00.000-05:00

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BeauSoleil Louisiana Solar Home
"...Designed to be completely self-sufficient, the BeauSoleil Home will generate more energy than it consumes, collect its own water using a cistern, and capture natural breezes and sunshine to reduce the amount of energy it consumes. Operable shutters serve dual functions by providing shade and hurricane protection for windows. In addition to sustainability, the project will also include reflections of the schools’ native culture - a rich heritage that TEAM BeauSoleil is proud to share with the world...."
Reference: www.beausoleilhome.org

Do It Yourself Solar Energy

2009-10-20T09:43:00.000-05:00

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Do It Yourself Solar Energy
"...you can build your own Solar Panels, saving $10,000’s off of retail price.

...almost anyone can do this, even if they have no solar experience.

...there is a step-by-step guide that will show you exactly how to build your own solar panel system. ..."
Reference: www.greendiyenergy.com

Phone and data off the grid

2009-10-19T11:47:00.000-05:00

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Phone and data off the grid
"...This is where the Explorer 500 and Inmarsat's BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) data service comes in. ..."
Reference: www.computerworld.com

Solar-hydrogen house combines new, old

2009-10-09T00:32:00.000-05:00

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Solar-hydrogen house combines new, old
"...It may look like an out-of-place throwback, but the $575,000 Off-Grid, Zero Emissions Building — OGZEB — has a futuristic purpose...."
Reference: www.msnbc.msn.com

A poet who has lived "off the grid" continues a line-up in line with nature at Sunken Garden Poetry and Music Festival

2009-06-24T07:54:00.003-05:00

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A poet who has lived "off the grid" continues a line-up in line with nature at Sunken Garden Poetry and Music Festival
"...Baron Wormser served as Poet Laureate of Maine from 2000?2005. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he moved to Maine with his wife Janet in 1970. For 25 years he worked as a librarian, and for nearly as long, he lived with his family in an off-the-grid house on 48 acres. His memoir, The Road Washes Out in Spring: A Poet's Memoir of Living Off the Grid (University Press of New England, 2006)..."
Reference: www.connecticutplus.com
Sunken Garden Poetry and Music Festival

Saft Introduces VHT Ni-MH Battery Modules For Off-Grid PV

2009-06-03T08:58:00.004-05:00

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Saft Introduces VHT Ni-MH Battery Modules For Off-Grid PV
"...Saft, a Paris-based designer and manufacturer of high-tech industrial batteries, now offers a range of nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable battery modules specifically designed to meet the needs of off-grid photovoltaic and wind energy systems...."
Reference: www.solarindustrymag.com

JOHN BOGERT: Daughter re-launches a life 'off the grid'

2009-05-09T02:59:00.001-05:00

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JOHN BOGERT: Daughter re-launches a life 'off the grid'
"... In this case an adjustment period that involves vegetable planting and live chickens, things that the new roommate claims will "take us off the grid." In truth, I have lived "off the grid" and wouldn't suffer through that much work again if you paid me. ..."
Reference: www.dailybreeze.com

Smart-grid hackers could cause blackouts

2009-03-22T06:43:00.001-05:00

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Smart-grid hackers could cause blackouts
"...Deployments of smart grids should be slowed until security vulnerabilities are addressed, according to some cybersecurity experts, citing tests showing that a hacker can cause a major blackout after breaking into a smart-grid system. ..."
Reference: news.cnet.com

Tax Credit Boosts Home Wind Turbine Market

2009-03-09T00:02:00.003-05:00

Tax Credit Boosts Home Wind Turbine Market
"...Auch’s Skystream 3.7 wind turbine knocks 40 percent to 50 percent off his monthly electric bill, a benefit he’s developing into a business opportunity as eastern South Dakota’s new Southwest Windpower dealer...."
Reference: www.chiefengineer.org

Portsmouth poised to make the most of wind-swept location

2009-03-03T19:11:00.001-06:00

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Portsmouth poised to make the most of wind-swept location
"...And town officials will hear the sweet sound of money in the till as the long-awaited wind turbine begins making money for the town, providing 3-million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, meeting about three-quarters of the town’s needs. ..."
Reference: www.projo.com

Energy-independent home

2009-03-03T01:57:00.003-06:00

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Roy man's idea: Energy-independent home
"...Silva's idea of a self-sustaining house features ultra-efficient solar panels and a number of small windmills on the home's roof. The windmills send energy down to two fly wheels beneath the house that takes the wind energy and sends it to a motor that powers the home. His home concept was recently selected to be one of three finalists for the X Prize Foundation's "What's your crazy green idea?" cash award of $25,000...."
Reference:www.standard.net

Olympics 2016 could be 100% green powered

2009-02-23T22:26:00.001-06:00

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Olympics 2016 could be 100% green powered
"...The green energy promise includes electricity generated using wind power, solar power, waste incineration, and other energy sources that do not rely on nuclear or fossil fuel. The main stadium’s roof would be covered with solar panels generating enough electricity to power 1,000 households...."
Reference: www.fairhome.co.uk

Solar flair

2009-02-09T23:18:00.002-06:00

Is Lanai's new solar farm part of the solution or just bright shining PR?
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Solar flair
"...The initiative's aim is to have 70 percent of Hawaii's energy come from renewable sources by 2030. Moreover, of 1,100 megawatts (MW) of identified renewables to be integrated in the Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) grid, more than 700 MW are to be implemented within five years...."
Reference: www.mauitime.com

Off the Grid in Hawaii

2009-01-30T01:33:00.003-06:00

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Off the Grid in Hawaii
"...I'm sure there are some property owners in the Royal Gardens who would LOVE to sell you some real estate. Unfortunately, most of it got covered by the lava flow twenty some years ago. There are scattered houses standing -- yes they are off the grid and yes you would have to hike to them because there is no other way to get there except by helicopter...."
Reference: www.city-data.com/forum/hawaii/

Cape Wind Can Start Leading the Way for Offshore Wind Power

2009-01-27T01:52:00.001-06:00

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Cape Wind Can Start Leading the Way for Offshore Wind Power
"...homeowners and vacationers in Nantucket Sound will be saying the same thing in a few years. Last week, the Cape Wind project cleared its last environmental review. There is one more step before Cape Wind can start construction and begin repowering thousands of homes on Cape Cod with clean energy...."
Reference:http://www.capewind.org/

Ultralife Achieves Key Technology Milestone: A Hydrogen Fuel-cell Battery Charger with Rechargeable Fuel Supply—Just Add Water

2009-01-26T00:55:00.001-06:00

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Ultralife Achieves Key Technology Milestone: A Hydrogen Fuel-cell Battery Charger with Rechargeable Fuel Supply—Just Add Water
"...MRC-201 fuel-cell charger runs on cartridges that contain sodium borohydride which, when mixed with water, generate hydrogen which, when consumed by the fuel cell, generates electricity. The cartridges, once expended, can be reconstituted, in effect creating a renewable fuel resource...."
Reference: www.ultralifebatteries.com

Photovoltaics Design and Installation Manual

2009-01-24T16:15:00.001-06:00

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Photovoltaics Design and Installation Manual
"...comprehensive manual on the design and installation of PV systems. Written by Solar Energy International. Used worldwide as the textbook in PV Design & Installation Workshops...."
Reference: www.renewableenergyworld.com

Solar Bus - The Massive Environmentally-Friendly Vehicle

2009-01-23T16:08:00.002-06:00

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Solar Bus - The Massive Environmentally-Friendly Vehicle
"...Mr. Beckwith snatched up a 1982 Crown school bus, tore out the upholstery, poured some vegetable oil and biodiesel fuel in it, latched on some solar panels, and painted it..."
Reference: www.bootsontheroof.com

Off the grid: 10 places to totally unplug

2009-01-23T15:55:00.003-06:00

Do you get the shakes if you can’t see your BlackBerry? This is for you ...
Off the grid: 10 places to totally unplug
"...from a wireless-free zone on a Mexican beach to a solar-powered lodge in Africa to a tree house on Vancouver Island —..."
Reference: www.msnbc.msn.com

Have you read the off-the-grid produced manifesto of Ted Kaczynski?

2009-01-13T01:55:00.002-06:00

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Industrial Society and Its Future
by Theodore Kaczynski
"...The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. They have greatly increased the life-expectancy of those of us who live in "advanced" countries, but they have destabilized society, have made life unfulfilling, have subjected human beings to indignities, have led to widespread psychological suffering (in the Third World to physical suffering as well) and have inflicted severe damage on the natural world...."
Reference: en.wikisource.org

The simple life: Vietnam vet hopes to build an off-the-grid farming community in Hillsboro

2009-01-13T01:43:00.001-06:00

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The simple life: Vietnam vet hopes to build an off-the-grid farming community in Hillsboro
"...he is putting out a call for people interested in joining him on his horse-powered off-the-grid farm, for people interested in supporting the farm through relationships with the urban poor; not for people who feel things are sound in this country, but for people who — as one of Smith’s favorite quotes, which comes from a Richard Austin book, “Reclaiming America, Restoring Nature to Culture,” says — “will ease the pain of others by sharing.”..."
Reference: www.lacrossetribune.com

Solar-power industry remains hot in California

2009-01-05T01:43:00.002-06:00

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Solar-power industry remains hot in California
"...The amount of electricity generated in the state by solar energy soared in 2008, and applications for rebates under the state's Million Solar Roofs program reached record levels in the last five months of the year. ..."
Reference: www.mercurynews.com

Living off the grid

2008-12-13T23:15:00.000-06:00

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Living off the grid
"...Last week he got an eviction notice, after being warned by his landlord that he could not continue to live in an apartment that was off the grid...."
Reference: www.isthmus.com

Military and Government surplus items for off the grid materials

2008-12-10T03:29:00.002-06:00

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Military and Government surplus items for off the grid materials
"...Government Liquidation is an online marketplace for the sale of U.S. Government surplus and scrap material to the public...."
Reference: www.govliquidation.com

Example: Water purification

Solar Christmas Tree

2008-12-08T01:27:00.001-06:00

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Sustainability fundraiser lights ‘off-the-grid’ tree
"...The tree’s lights are connected to a photovoltaic system that allows it to absorb solar energy all day and power the lights all night. “This tree is completely off the grid,..."
Reference: theapp.appstate.edu

Going Off The Grid

2008-12-03T12:19:00.001-06:00

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Going Off The Grid
Going Off The Grid
"...They are more efficient in producing electricity than combustion sources, and the cells even provide hot water the bank uses to melt snow off sidewalks ..."
Reference: www.americanbanker.com

DIY - Home Wind Power Turbine

2008-11-26T19:42:00.002-06:00

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Click on over to www.residential-wind-power.com and read the following article titled Top 3 Do It Yourself Wind Turbines . This is just an example of the plans that can be found on the internet to assist you in planning your own Do it yourself wind energy project.

Reference: www.residential-wind-power.com

Action brings home wind power one step closer in Charles

2008-11-26T19:24:00.002-06:00

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Action brings home wind power one step closer in Charles
"...A variance was necessary because the 33-foot-tall windmill will be erected in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and it is considered an accessory structure, according to county planners. The $20,000 project..."
Reference: www.somdnews.com

Batteries for Solar Systems – Natural Energy

2008-11-24T01:29:00.003-06:00

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Batteries for Solar Systems – Natural Energy
"...solar energy systems are subject to virtually no mechanical wear. A solar energy system requires a reliable solar battery for charge acceptance and storage. A solar battery from Johnson Controls..."
Reference: www.johnsoncontrols.com

More Batteries
lithium-ion automotive batteries

Wireless Connection

2008-11-24T01:20:00.001-06:00

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"...After a couple built an off-the-grid house in Peterborough, New Hampshire, they fell for something more than solar-powered batteries ..."
Reference: www.boston.com

Extreme Green: Living Off the Grid

2008-11-17T21:20:00.000-06:00

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Extreme Green: Living Off the Grid
"...Living "off the grid" is usually the choice of the hardened survivalist, the mountain man and perhaps the odd fugitive running from bounty hunters...."
Reference: www.time.com

GNUveau Networks builds solar-powered Linux computer networks for remote villages (video)

2008-11-06T01:01:00.001-06:00

solar-powered Linux computer networks
"...developed a solar-powered Internet "hub" system (running Ubuntu GNU/Linux) that he builds to order in his Daytona Beach, Florida, home. His objective is to bring computers and the Internet to places that have no connectivity, no phone service, and no electricity. This is no pipe dream. There are real SolarNetOne..."
Reference: www.linux.com

Off the Grid in Hawaii

2008-10-28T08:30:00.003-05:00

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Ono Organic Farms follows four generations of a family that got its start on Maui by chance
"...farm in Kipahulu, on the southeastern slopes of Haleakala Volcano, is off the power grid. They use propane and solar energy, draw water from a spring, recycle bottles and cans, and make compost from grass clippings, wood chips and manure...."

Reference: www.starbulletin.com

One Block Off the Grid

2008-10-27T00:47:00.001-05:00

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One Block Off the Grid
"...1 Block Off the Grid is a nationwide community-based purchasing program for residential Solar energy. We drive large savings by aggregating groups of residents and negotiating discount pricing with installers and manufacturers. Our comprehensive vendor selection process guarantees access to the best vendors and the best terms there are..."
Reference: http://www.1bog.org/

Solar-powered home ‘off the grid’

2008-10-16T16:28:00.001-05:00

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Solar-powered home ‘off the grid’
"...Roger Priddle and his wife own a Tiny Township home that will be a featured stop on this Saturday’s Renewable Energy Tour of “planet-friendly” homes...."
Reference: www.midlandmirror.com

Generating Off-Grid Power: The Four Best Ways

2008-10-15T08:39:00.001-05:00

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Generating Off-Grid Power: The Four Best Ways
"...no more utility bills and generating all of your own power, but what's involved in that? It isn't as easy as slapping a few solar panels on the roof and calling it good; when it comes to generating off grid power, there are a handful of methods that can combine to generate all the energy you'll need to live comfortably off the grid...."
Reference: www.treehugger.com

Homeowners turning to turbines for power

2008-10-11T15:11:00.000-05:00

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Homeowners turning to turbines for power
"...in some places, people like Sue Wallace are putting smaller turbines on their roofs to generate energy...."
Reference: www.king5.com

Living Green In Earthships

2008-10-09T22:27:00.002-05:00

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Living Green In Earthships
"...The freezer and refrigerator are powered by the sun. Reynolds says the utility bill for the 6,000 square foot, four-bedroom home complete with high-speed Internet would be $100 per year. ..."
Reference: www.cbsnews.com

Movie: Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa (2007)

2008-10-07T01:32:00.001-05:00

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Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa
"...This engrossing documentary examines the unusual and often conflicted lifestyle led by a ragtag collection of teenage runaways, veterans, dreamers and political radicals as they scratch out an existence in the remote New Mexican desert. The residents may share a vision for a new way of life, but filmmakers Randy and Jeremy Stulbert don't shy away from the collective's underside, such as the steps taken to stop a series of robberies on the mesa...."
Reference: www.netflix.com

solar-powered refrigeration system

2008-10-06T02:17:00.002-05:00

Cheap, Off-Grid Cooling - A hybrid refrigerator will bring efficient, cheap cooling to India.
"...A startup based in Cambridge, MA, has developed a new solar-powered refrigeration system for food storage in Indian villages that are off the grid. Promethean Power Systems' design is a hybrid of conventional compressor-based refrigeration and thermoelectric materials--semiconductors that convert electricity into cooling and vice versa..."
Reference: www.technologyreview.com

Off the Grid Water...

2008-10-03T10:08:00.002-05:00

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Water: a safe supply when you're off the grid
"...Although there are many commercial water purification systems on the market, most are either too large or require more electricity to power than most off-grid solar electric systems can provide. After further analysis, we designed the simplified site built system..."
Reference: www.backwoodshome.com

Woody Harrelson Chats Up His Off-Grid, Solar-Powered Lifestyle

2008-10-01T09:08:00.002-05:00

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"...The UK Times recently caught up with the actor and discussed his love for the all-electric, dicontinued, Toyota RAV 4, his solar-powered community in Hawaii (which Owen Wilson will be moving to shortly), and the inspiration of his wife and children. ..."
Reference: www.ecorazzi.com

Solar Cell Sets World Efficiency Record At 40.8 Percent

2008-10-01T00:55:00.003-05:00

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Solar Cell Sets World Efficiency Record At 40.8 Percent
"...U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have set a world record in solar cell efficiency with a photovoltaic device that converts 40.8 percent of the light that hits it into electricity. This is the highest confirmed efficiency of any photovoltaic device to date..."
Reference: www.sciencedaily.com

Where can I buy Solar Cells?

2008-09-30T01:22:00.002-05:00

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Where can I buy Solar Cells?
Visit Solar Cell Sources to find solar cells for your "off the grid" project.

Reference: Solar Cell Sources

Solar Panels Too Expensive? Did You Know You Can Build Your Own?

2008-09-29T00:33:00.002-05:00

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Solar Panels Too Expensive? Did You Know You Can Build Your Own?
"...it’s possible to get your own system setup and running for less than $200 and is relatively easy for anyone who likes a bit of DIY. So how do you do it? Here’s a quick summary:
• Firstly, source some..."
Reference: www.pressemeldungen.at

Philips’ 42-inch Eco TV Is Perfect For Your Off-Grid Home

2008-09-28T03:49:00.004-05:00

Philips' 42 inch Eco TV
Philips’ 42-inch Eco TV Is Perfect For Your Off-Grid Home
"...According to the company, when all of these features are enabled the television consumes only 75 watts of power. Philips used a Kill-A-Watt device hooked to the LCD to show journalists it wasn’t just blowing green PR smoke. That’s a pretty awesome number when you consider most Americans probably have single lightbulbs that consume more power than this thing...."
Reference: www.groovygreen.com

Real Goods Solar, Inc.

2008-09-27T00:30:00.002-05:00

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Real Goods Solar, Inc.
"...business has evolved from selling solar panels to a few off-gridders in the hills to being the foremost source of information and products in renewable energy, sustainable living, alternative transportation, and relocalization (the ultimate anecdote for global warming and peak oil). We intend to celebrate our three decades in business all year long and hope that you’ll join us!..."
Reference: www.realgoods.com/

An Urban Farmer Is Rewarded for His Dream

2008-09-27T00:20:00.001-05:00

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An Urban Farmer Is Rewarded for His Dream
"...His Growing Power organization has six greenhouses and eight hoophouses for greens, herbs and vegetables; pens for goats, ducks and turkeys; a chicken coop and beehives; and a system for raising tilapia and perch. There’s an advanced composting operation — a virtual worm farm — and a lab that is working on ways to turn food waste into fertilizer and methane gas for energy...."
Reference: www.nytimes.com

Getting off the grid

2008-09-26T02:51:00.001-05:00

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Getting off the grid
"...Looking to wean yourself off the grid? The savings -- to you and the planet -- can be astronomical. ..."
Reference: www.canada.com