star_tyger OP t1_jbgwbo8 wrote on March 8, 2023 at 11:20 PM

I don't need to be off grid, but I do want to off-the-grid-able. If power goes out, I want to be able to produce our own. Reduced power bills are nice, but I'm more concerned having power when we need it, especially as we're considering going all electric. So I guess I'll have to look into solar and wind, and see what other options there are.

As for the greenhouse, I'm going to have to look into active heat options. Solar power may still work for fans and lighting, though I'll see about hooking into the house system if needed. I don;t see how a climate battery or geothermal is an option, unless the greenhouse heats up enough during the day to have enough heat to store. I also don't know yet if we'll hit rock when we start digging.

Thank you all for your advice/information/experience. You've confirmed my suspicions. Now I need to start thinking of options.

mrwalrus88 t1_jbh01ya wrote on March 8, 2023 at 11:46 PM

Having solar doesn't make you off grid able since the solar feeds the grid and you draw from the grid. So if the grid goes out so does your power even if the sun is shining(at least that's how I understand it. If you have a battery storage system if the grid goes out the battery turns on like a generator. I could be wrong but most batteries will give you at best a couple of days of power so if the power goes out for an extended period like we had in December it may not last.

cbospam1 t1_jbh3xvw wrote on March 9, 2023 at 12:14 AM

My parents house used to be off grid with solar, when they connected they kept the system and it charges a battery bank before going to the grid. It’s a bank of car batteries that can run the well pump, hot water heater, wifi and a few lights. They could go indefinitely if needed. I’m sure there are more efficient battery systems now. They also have to turn it on manually.

star_tyger OP t1_jbh0hb6 wrote on March 8, 2023 at 11:49 PM

I know that's how it works when a solar power company 'rents' your roof. I didn't know that it's always an issue. Thanks for the heads up, I'll have to look into that more.