The cost to purchase and operate a basic AE System that provides 120 volts AC – 24/7

This information could be for you if:

• You are looking at remote land that is too far away from power lines to be economically feasible, and/or
• You choose not to have any utility easements onto your property, and/or
• You want to become more independent form the systems of this world but cannot afford a full-sized system

The following is a report on an excellent quality “basic” Alternative Energy System that was designed for, and is being used by, a family of three and a small home office.

Operating the System
It was not economically feasible to run utility power to their cottage, plus they chose not to have any utility easements onto their property. They couldn’t afford $10-17,000.00 to purchase the size AE System that would make them almost completely independent from the systems of the world (which would include solar panels and/or a micro hydro generator). So, they decided to purchase the minimum amount of components that would make an excellent quality AE System providing 120 volts AC, 24 hours a day with out having to run a generator all the time. This system makes it possible for them to wash and dry clothes, operate compact fluorescent lighting, blender, food processor juicer, computer, audio equipment, TV, VCR, DVD player, etc. and live comfortably, if electricity use is managed properly. The system was designed to make it possible to add the appropriate number of solar panels and/or a micro hydro electric generator later, and to purchase a larger battery bank as they were able. Together this system could then accommodate an active family of 4 or more, (once again, if electrical usage is managed properly). The solar panels and/or the micro hydro electric generator would help them to be less reliant on (if not completely independent from) the systems of the world by not having to buy as much, IF ANY, diesel for their generator.

The basic components of the system include one of the best inverters available at this time, a bank of 4 good quality L-16 high capacity deep-cycle batteries, very good DC and AC disconnects, 2/0 (“two ought”) and 4/0 (“four ought”) copper battery connect cables, a good quality transformer, meters to monitor the system, power equipment mounting board, materials to build a battery box, battery box vent fan with PVC pipe, and a diesel generator that is operated on “off-road” (no road tax) diesel (also called “red diesel”).

All of the light bulbs in their cottage are the 120 volt compact fluorescent spiral type that may be purchased at stores like Home Depot, and discount stores, etc. (they use 60 watt and 100 watt “light output” lamps which actually only use 14 and 23 watts respectively)

The family heats their cottage and water with wood. An air conditioner is not necessary due to their cool climate. (Air Conditioners are generally not used on AE Systems) Their free standing Amana range/oven uses NO electricity and operates on propane gas with standing pilot lights to ignite the burners and oven. (This range/oven uses approx. 23 gal. of propane for 3 months of normal cooking/baking, including baking bread, original cost in late 90’s was approx. $300.00) They plan to purchase a good quality wood cookstove that will not only heat their entire cottage but will automatically heat their hot water. This will enable them to be completely weaned off of propane. (For information about quality wood cookstoves go to www.stovesandmoreonline.com, or (931) 593-3462. This is a wood cookstove dealership operated by fellow believers.

Standard (non-energy star) electric refrigerators are “electricity hogs” therefore are NOT used on AE Systems. This family has a Sun Frost R-19 refrigerator (16 cu. ft. 24 volt DC, no freezer) which uses only 390-650 watt hours/day. There are less expensive good propane refrigerators available, but they would be dependent on purchasing propane. There are now “energy star” rated 120 volt refrigerators available that are quite energy efficient but they would require you to charge the battery bank more often than if you had a low voltage “Sun Frost”. However, saving $1,000 (+-) by buying a conventional Energy Star refrigerator rather than a Sunfrost could enable one to purchase enough solar panels to make up the difference in energy consumed. Of course it would depend on the specifics of the system. For information and specifications on “energy star” refrigerators (and other appliances) go to www.energystar.gov.)