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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Flick of a switch


I went down my basement, flicked a few breakers, and discovered the grid connection was still live. As of now I'm using the grid like it was a really good back up generator.

My lovely wife and I have mixed feelings about it. After all, we did just go two months completely off grid. It feels like a set back, but it might be for the best right now. After one decent sunny day, the weather had turned dark and rainy once again. For the next month I'm planning a lot of heavy duty power tool use and that would strain the system.

Paying a small monthly electric bill for a bit will give me time to work the bugs out of the system. I can focus on other projects for the short term.

After a couple months of trial and error, I have a fair idea what needs to be improved. Going back to the grid gives me a chance to make the upgrades over a longer period of time. If nothing else, it gives me a chance to shop for bargains.

On the bright side, the vast majority of our electric needs are still being met with solar electric power.

-Sixbears
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8 comments:

  1. Gorges SmytheMay 31, 2014 at 12:09 AM

    Sounds like a winner!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Flying TortoiseMay 31, 2014 at 5:15 AM

    It's simple. You do what you have to do...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dizzy-DickMay 31, 2014 at 12:43 PM

    Most electric companies have a monthly minimum charge whether you use electric or not, so you may as well use it once in awhile.

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    Replies
    1. Andolphus GreyMay 31, 2014 at 8:14 PM

      Now that they know I'm here, I might as well. Hadn't gotten a bill in 7 or 8 months and it was nice.

      Delete
  4. DragonMay 31, 2014 at 10:11 PM

    watching the power bills reduced to nothing is one of the best feelings enjoyed by few. Most folks just are not aware of how little bought current they need to run the modern household. 70% of their bill is for unneeded phantom loads. I think you are still doing well. way more than others.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tqIOE-rPJU

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andolphus GreyMay 31, 2014 at 10:43 PM

      Thanks. We had a phantom load that took days to find. It was a power block for an old discontinued cable network. It was plugged in behind a heavy piece of furniture. Just enough draw to mess up the inverter sleep mode.

      Delete

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