Anyone know of an offgrid solar company? (Klamath Falls: 2013, house)

[BarbChil]

We have property in Klamath Falls Forest Estates and recently got an estimate on pulling power to our property...which is rough...(between 18-23k) and are thinking if we're going to invest that much we may as well look into solar and at least not have a bill when it's all said and done.
My problem is that I've contacted several companies including Eco Solar in KF but apparently not too many do "off-grid" systems anymore. I'm guessing that is because they all have deals with the power company to sell back energy.

[Larry Caldwell]

Off the grid is pretty simple. Anybody can build a frame to hold the collectors and a shed to hold the batteries. Add a charge controller, an inverter and a backup generator and you are done. Companies probably got tired of designing a system and having the property owner just buy the parts and wire it together.

Most people design for minimum electricity usage. Propane furnace, hot water, range and dryer really cuts the load. They install a piston deep well pump that doesn't move much water but fills a cistern any time the sun shines. If you don't have a handy hill, you can build a water tower to give you pressure to the house. 60' of head will give you 30 psi. You will probably need to run the generator when you use the dishwasher or washing machine, buy you won't need a very big one. An inverter will take care of lighting and entertainment. Plan on running the generator to top off the batteries in the winter. A 1000 gallon propane tank should give you plenty of reserve. If you want to run AC, be sure to buy a generator big enough. A PLC could start the generator when the thermostat calls for AC, then start the AC when the generator is up to speed. Programmable logic controllers are cheap and pretty simple any more.

[509]

First....that price quoted is a BARGAIN. Do it.

I have owned a off-grid house for over twenty-years. I would rather be connected to the grid.

You have plenty of utility bills in an off-grid house. Batteries need to replaced, system components fail, etc. etc. The panels themselves are zero maintenance. Wait, until you call out an electrician and realize that you know more about the electrical system than he does!!!

You will have to make changes in your lifestyle in a off-grid house. Not a big deal if your a conservationist, but most people are clueless. Solar generates VERY little electricity, so conservation is a must.

My recommendation is connect to the grid and then pretend that you live off-grid. Which means reducing your electrical consumption by 90%. Check the difference between propane and grid electricity. Propane isn't cheap and you will use a LOT of it in a off-grid house. In my house....propane runs the fridge, stove, furnace, hot water heater, clothes dryer, and the generator when the batteries run down.

To find somebody...just keep talking. Find a off-grid house and find who they use for service. In almost all cases, it will be somebody that is unlicensed. So are REALLY good like the guy that installed my system. Some are almost as bad as licensed electricians.

[rookie725]

Your best bet is to keep looking for an independent installer. You will find one who is willing to walk you through the process.
Yes, there is a learning curve, but it is worth it. As Larry mentions, let propane do the heavy lifting. Invest in mini splits/heat pump for your ac/heating needs. LED lighting, etc. If your system is designed right, and your components sound, you will be happy with the ultimate result. I have solar in my home in MA and off grid in NS. MA is on grid. Both times, I have used wholesale solar. They have walked me through the entire process. Extremely helpful.
Good luck.

[StealthRabbit]

solwest went off the radar in 2013, see what you can glean here:

SolWest Archive past fairs program information

Walla Walla still has Sustainable Living Center (they used to have GREAT energy shows in Fall)

Solar Washington, Advancing Solar Energy in Washington State this group is very helpful, as will be your near neighbor to the south.

Consider some other options.... One friend in a not-so-sunny climate (NO CA mtns) runs his off-grid home on a WVO genset 4 hrs / day and uses the engine heat to run through his floors. He gets free WVO (He also has wood, wind, and solar, but neither are primary),

As mentioned... Off-grid comes with a price... lots of changes to your lifestyle. We stayed in a 30 yr old Off Grid home in NZ last yr. It was very nice and well done, very near to city, but on a Mtn top, (decent sun much of the yr, but still about the same latitude South as KFalls is North). Build as much Passive (light, cooling, and heat as possible, you want MINIMAL exposure / energy offset). It is quite inexpensive to do the passive stuff (unless you ask a contractor).

Beware of Sharks.... I was so surprised to see the same ancient sharks from the 1970's Federal solar incentives re-appear when REC's came back on the scene.

This is a comprehensive website (but a lot to wade through... legislation Blah, Blah...
http://energy.sourceguides.com/
This is about 8 levels deep: http://energy.sourceguides.com/busin...P/byProd.shtml