Energy Matters with Mat Redsell. Maintaining the system!

I have a windmill, banks of solar cells, a solar water heater , a solar air heater, a biodiesel heater. I also make and process sunflower seeds into oil and then make biodiesel.

I do not notice when the power goes out in Port Burwell as I am self-sufficient but very few people understand what it takes to maintain the system. I must be continually monitoring the voltage, watching the weather for sun and wind and keeping up with regular maintenance and improvements. It is a full time job.

When I get up in the morning I immediately look at the voltage meter hoping that the night winds have built up the battery and I can jump on the computer and research the weather and begin my office duties. If there has been no wind I may delay my early office work until the sun comes out and if the sun is not out as happens on many days from the middle of November till mid February I may have to delay my office work but I can probably can do various maintenance projects waiting in the shop that do not require electricity.

If there is brilliant sunshine I know that will also have hot water and plenty of electricity for things such as doing a clothes wash. If the wind is also blowing I will be able to process some biodiesel.

I do have a biodiesel generator backup so I can charge the batteries and run the shop machinery if necessary, however I prefer to follow the weather.

Knowing and paying attention to the weather is vital for anyone on renewable energy.

My investment in alternative energy is by some standards rather large and may not seem to make immediate economic sense especially considering that I now have a lot less energy than I had when my main source of power was from Bullfrog Power though Ontario hydro. Somehow it makes sense to me to be independent from a central power source that is located far from my home. And at least I know that I am not producing noxious gases from coal or extremely dangerous radioactive waste from Nuclear plants.

But for many who do not have the time or skills to build and maintain a system I would rely on Bullfrog power and learn to live more with the weather and conserve on every level for their customers receive power from windmill and hydro dams.

-mat