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Post by dameon on Jun 11, 2013 18:19:47 GMT -7
I have been thinking about making a thread about this for a few days, but I was reading up on other threads seeing if I could find what I need, but in response to ColcordMama's request for more threads, I figure I'll go ahead and ask!!
I am in the process of getting set up with a 250 gallon propane tank, a tankless water heater and gas logs for my fireplace. It got me to thinking, with that set up, i could heat water, I could heat my house, I will also have a hookup for my grill so I could cook food if the power goes out, for whatever reason, but I still need power to run my well pump.
Soooo, what I'm wondering is, how practical would it be to set up a stand alone, off the grid solar system just to run my well pump. I don't see me ever having to money to do a whole home solar system all at once. But is it possible to do individual system like this. Start with my well pump, then add more as time and money allows. Next maybe would be to power refrigeration and so on and so forth...
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Post by missasip on Jun 11, 2013 19:42:10 GMT -7
Most solar water well pumping is full time pumping and reqires a large storage tank.
I am in the process my self with a 250 gallon propane tank for the Shack...I will heat water (tankless), heat the Shack in the winter and my cooking. Along with running my genset in a power out senerio. You may want to consider buying a genset that runs on propane. That could power your home and or your well. Just a thought.
Jimmy
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Post by sirderrin on Jun 14, 2013 8:32:25 GMT -7
If you already have a gas generator you can convert fairly cheaply and easily with something like these guys sell.... Covert from gas to Most solar water well pumping is full time pumping and reqires a large storage tank. I am in the process my self with a 250 gallon propane tank for the Shack...I will heat water (tankless), heat the Shack in the winter and my cooking. Along with running my genset in a power out senerio. You may want to consider buying a genset that runs on propane. That could power your home and or your well. Just a thought. Jimmy |
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Post by tjwilhelm on Jun 14, 2013 13:04:59 GMT -7
Most solar water well pumping is full time pumping and reqires a large storage tank... Jimmy That's the most efficient and most cost-effective way to do it; but, a conventional well pump could also be powered with a conventional, stand-alone, solar-PV system (this means batteries and an inverter are involved). |
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Post by missasip on Jun 14, 2013 16:40:08 GMT -7
Most solar water well pumping is full time pumping and reqires a large storage tank... Jimmy That's the most efficient and most cost-effective way to do it; but, a conventional well pump could also be powered with a conventional, stand-alone, solar-PV system (this means matteries and an inverter are involved). Exactly. I was just trying mainly to comment on the most cost effective way to do it. I definitely give the floor to you. I'm just a rant amateur, I know you can give him some good advise. I was hoping you would post this thread. Help him out TJ! Jimmy |
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Post by dameon on Jun 14, 2013 21:15:41 GMT -7
Thanks for the advice, I like the idea of a propane genset, I hadn't even thought of that, and as far as running a conventional pump with batteries and solar and such, I figured it was possible, but is it so cost prohibitive that it isn't worth it, or is it feasible?
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Post by tjwilhelm on Jun 15, 2013 8:30:10 GMT -7
Thanks for the advice, I like the idea of a propane genset, I hadn't even thought of that, and as far as running a conventional pump with batteries and solar and such, I figured it was possible, but is it so cost prohibitive that it isn't worth it, or is it feasible? Hm-m-m...tough question, because it goes to the heart of your over-riding purposes. If you're looking to weather short-term power outages; and, if you trust that LPG will continually be available to you at an affordable price, then go with a LPG-fired genset. On the other hand, if you're preparing for a long-term, SHTF/TEOTWAWKI event/scenario, you then need to consider the long-term viability of your strategy. Under this scenario, how much is it worth to have easy/convenient access to your well water. You may want to even consider getting a hand-pump as a backup. Also, for heat and cooking -- just a thought -- I would not personally choose gas logs and a gas grill. Both are pretty inefficient and waste of valuable fuel. Instead, I'd look at a high-efficiency, LPG radiant wall furnace and a high-efficiency LPG appliance for cooking. |
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Post by graf on Jun 16, 2013 3:03:41 GMT -7
Another suggestion would be get a solar generator to run you well it would be more versatile also. When I lose power I remove the circut breaker box cover, turn off the main breaker, create a pigtail of romex from the well circut breaker with a mail 3 prong plug on it. I then run a extension cord 12 gauge to the 3 prong plug off the well breaker and plug them in together. Pretty easy to do and keeps expenses down. I would like to add a solar generator to my system, no noise,no additonal fuel. Only down side is the sun isn't out much in good force in Michigan
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