Alternative Energy for the Common Person

[Jeff]

I would love to know about people's experiences with alternative energy. What works well, what doesn't, what the costs are after state and federal rebates are factored in. I sense that solar would be a good investment, in addition to being environmentally responsible -- but as someone who is technologically illiterate, I doubt my own ability to make informed choices. Help!!

[DANIELA]

I've been always living in houses which had both possiblities. In Navarre's mountains, there was no other source of electricity than the eolic. We built a house in Argentina which we were forced to sell cause the gvt doesn't allow solar panels, and we had them. It cost us 1,000 dollars to buy and install them, (11 years ago), but we didn't pay a dime for electricity, only the taxes for the import of the panels. But one day, as usual down here, a law was enforced, and we had to pay the whole cost of our house in the mountains for using this device.
I can tell you it's the solution. People can learn to do it themselves. My husband did it together with some friends, and we never had any kind of problems. Yes, the government, of course.
Argentina has mad solar cars, but they are forbidden here, also by law in by-laws, which are impossible to read or/and understand, but the case is you finish paying with blood for this "crime".
Our heating in winter was fantastic, even on cloudy days, we could switch to normal electricity whenever we wanted, but we cooked and bathed and felt comfortable and had no problems. There was practically no cost after we had it running. I believe it would solve all problems. Spain would be helpful, I've been there long enough know that they tend to help other countries, they export electricity, their wind mills work fantastically well.
Daniela

[Jeff]

The government doesn't allow solar panels, so you had to sell your house?! Holy cow!

That $1000 amount sounds right, according to something I just read on a DIY blog. I'll have to dig that one up and post the link.

Thanks, Daniela!

[Tree Thunderchild]

Hi Daniela,
Would you be able to provide me some more details regarding those laws? I do have global contacts and it does not seem very wise move on the governments part to have such laws in effect and I may be able to work on that regard to help to have them changed. Even if to late for your own situation, the future and others is something worth fighting for.
Also I would be interested if you have any links for these Spanish windmills you mention? Are they for individuals or grid applications only?