Most people start at the Solar panels, batteries, and wind generators; to move fully off grid. I started that way myself, until I realized that it is backwards. You can throw 5 time as much energy at a problem, or you can fix that problem first.
So, I began stripping off the existing walls and floors to add insulation and structure, and the new moisture barriers; needed for an energy efficient structure!
This also allows inspection of what's actually in the wall:
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We also started pulling up the floor:
For the same reason. Here the old flooring is removed up under the wall, with an oscillating tool to allow the new floor to slide under the existing wall.
We did repair the porch first to carry in wood:
We stripped it down to the frame, and then we repaired that frame. We used salvaged wood here, to save money, which should be done whenever possible. That way, the money saved can buy what is still needed and couldn't be salvaged.
Here is the rebuilt porch:
It's solid, and already in heavy service!
Here's the full deck and porch:
Matches pretty well, and the sum and total cost was zero. Which allows me to direct cash to other places!
Here's enough new flooring for the entire building:
Here's where the saved cash goes! Nice new plywood that I got a deal on for buying the entire bundle.
The floor is being removed here:
This also allows detailed inspection with the new insulation install. I originally planned to buy spray foam until I found I'd need to strip the floor from underneath. That, combined with a $5000 cost for R22; changed my mind. From the top, I can leave the old insulation in place; and add R33 for about $1200. The moisture barrier will add another $500 (adding another R4), so it will give me a better assembly for $3000 less!
The stringer structure is going in here:
These are also salvaged wood, to save where it makes sense. I notice that the floor joists are not spaced evenly, with variations of up to 3/8"; which complicated this work. 4 Inch screws were used here for maximum strength, and it's ready for plywood!
I'll be adding silvered high efficiency doors and windows. When it's done, I'll begin sizing the energy sources and batteries.
Right now I'm expecting that the solar will be sized to 3000 watts (expected 2400 watts), and the wind will be about 3000 watts (expecting 1250 watts actual). The higher solar output efficiency, is due to plans to track the sun with the panels.
But the building Must be upgraded first, to make this work! There is a power pole next to the building, that I hope to just take down; and repurpose for power distribution that I'm making on site.
As the optimist said, falling off a building; passing the seventh floor...so far so good!
Incredible move, hope it all goes well. We've got some ideas on making many decentralized power stations or buying a few.
For energy generation, we're looking at solar panels, hopefully a wind turbine, even feet and hand cranks. Diversifying and getting hybrid products is the way to go.
All good ideas. Use what you can maintain yourself. I plan to salvage one of the old style satellite dishes to put my solar panels on. They are usually free for the taking if you agree to remove them. One the dish is removed, a frame can be added to hold the panels. Sun tracking will increase to output from the panels.
Be aware that the wind generators will never produce rated wattage unless they are in a tornado. Research your local average wind speed, and derate the expected output accordingly. You will also need a dump load for when your batteries are fully charged. I intend to use both together, with a generator for backup.
Keep on prepping!
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you guys have done a great job
keep it up
A good start for sure, with a lot left to do! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Be blessed!
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It must have really been a ton of workload doing that
It will be a lot of fight, but it will be a treasure when it's done! Won't take much to make it comfortable....
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#hive #posh
Thanks for reposting this, I'm hoping it will help some one who needs it!
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Welcome brother its our duty to help others
Knowledge is the best way to help people! When they know how, they will be able care for themselves....
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If we help others, then we are also helped
True, and I learn things by reading other people's posts here too!
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This is interesting thing to learn other posts and increase our knowledge
Very exciting! One of my daughters is certified in passive house design. I'll have to show this to her - she would really appreciate what you are doing here.
Cool, put her on this post, or give her my contact info. I'd love to talk to her about alternate energy systems!
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You are right, you have to know where to start in order to optimise not only money but also energy and make everything more profitable.
First it is better to optimise the house and then the solar panels. I love the great work you have done. Excellent work!💪
I have wanted to build a net zero house for decades. Just decided to DO it. Every time I pay the utilities, it reinforces what a good decision this is!
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It was a wonderful decision, I congratulate you!
It was a little harder decision with power already on the land, but I believe the grid will quit when things get bad enough. Decision made, ROFLOL!
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Everything will be fine!
I'm planning on it! All I have to do is out think them....
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And the journey begins
It must have really took you a long effort to finish this
You must really be hardworking
I won't finish for a long time, but at least I'm making progress now. This kind of stuff take a lot of planning to begin right. I do have some people helping me on this rebuild, so that will speed up the construction. That way, I will be able to concentrate on the items that are unusual in this upgrade! There will be an enclosed power wall in the hallway, where all the inverters and chargers will be wired. The batteries will be under the house, to allow ventilation and direct connections.
Hard work is the only thing that pays off! Everything I need is different than normal, so I have to make it from scratch. Life isn't boring....
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Hive is working like steemit used to, which I'm Sure glad to see!
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