Alternative Verses Traditional Energy Sources
When considering living in one of Northern California’s country properties, one should consider alternative power sources verses traditional energy sources. In other words…..which power source would best suit their living situation. There are two basic terms relating to power sources: ”off the grid” or “on the grid“.
1) TRADITIONAL POWER or On The Grid is the source provided by a local power company. A prime example would be PGE (Pacific Gas & Electric). Never assume that if there is a power line adjacent to or crossing a property….that you can legally tie into it. Always check with the local electric provider first. If the power is some distance away, it may not be feasible or even possible to hook up to the power grid.
ALTERNATIVE SOURCES are what we call Off The Grid properties. One of the benefits of an off the grid system is that once the initial investment is made, they are fairly trouble free with no monthly payments to your local power company. There are 3 major ways for an off the grid property to get the power needed - solar, wind and hydro.
SOLAR POWER is a system in which the energy from the sun is captured through solar panels and stored in batteries. These batteries provide DC power to a converter that transforms the DC power to AC power. It is very possible to build a power system through solar to power your whole home. Prices range from about $6000 for the do it yourself person to $40,000. For the off the grid solar systems, most will have a generator backup system that will automatically start if the batteries run low. The life of these systems range from 25 to 40 years.
WIND POWER is a system that captures the power of the wind. Over the centuries Wind power was used to propel sailing ships or was converted into mechanical energy for pumping water or grinding grain. Now days, wind power is becoming an energy producing alternative and wind turbines are beginning to be seen all over the country with many off the grid properties running both solar and wind . The costs for a wind powered home system can range from $5000 for the do it yourself type person to $40,000. Similar to solar systems, wind systems will have a battery pact to store energy, a converter and a generator backup system.
HYDRO POWER, like wind, has been used for centuries to run machinery, grind grain and has been used in mining. Today, it is becoming an excellent way to power your home. The major draw back to hydro is obvious….you need a water source. In addition, the water source must be legal to use.
Here in Northern California many people have concerns about purchasing a property that would require an alternative verses traditional energy source. With the right system, there is little to no difference in the home or shop…..except that you are your own power company. I have sold many off the grid properties and I am amazed at how efficient they work. In further blogs, each of these three topics will be discussed in more detail.
View my California properties on LandSaleListings.com.
Bo Spaulding
Real Estate Professionals GMAC
Redding, California
530-524-7141
www.mountainranchandland.com
www.boknowsreddingrealestate.com
