Basic design considerations will help you clarify your choices:

Wind or solar or hydo?
If you have access to a good hydro site it is likely to be the most effective source of power. Most peple don't have access and those that do often run into environmental issues that can be complicated to solve.

Solar or Wind? A starting point is wind will cost $4-5.00/installed watt and solar will cost $8.00-10.00/installed watt. This leads to a complicated equation, the susn shines everyday but only in the day and it may be cloudy, the wind can blow anytime, but not always.

Off grid systems require batteries which contain lead and sulphuric acid and generate hydrogen cas and need maintenance.

Grid-tied co-generating systems do not need batteries but require the cooperation of your local utility company.

A stand-alone dedicated water pumping system for irrigation or cattle can be very effective if vandalism or damage by the critters who also live in the remote location is manageable.

What do you need to do first?

Look at your electric bill and see how many kw/hrs you use in a month and in a year.

Make the best estimate you can for the amount of wind and solar resources available at your location.

If you are building in a new location, you have the advantage of designing the most efficient construction and equipment configuration for your needs. This will include the orientation and materials for your building as well as opitons like passive solar hot water generation.

There are 3 areas of cost to consider:
A. System design
B. Equipment
C. Installation

Call Wind River Solar if you have any questions you would like to discuss with us. 307 857 6426

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