SourceBookV3 9

TM
BeUtilityFree SourceBook
TM
Your Guide to Sustainable UtilityFreeTM Living
Wind Generators
Solar Electricity
Renewable Energy Fuels
Energy Efficient Products
Second Edition Version 3.9
Solar Hot Water
Energy Efficiency
Building Structure Water System (Day) Lighting
The UtilityFree Triangles
Heating Cooling
Becoming UtilityFree is a process. It can take weeks or years. Start with energy efficiency. The more energy efficient you become, the less expensive the renewable energy system(s).
Hydroelectric Wind Generators Solar Hot Water Solar Electricity
Renewable Energy
How Much Will You Spend On Utility Bills?

You will pay someone during your lifetime for utilities. Our philosophy is: Why not pay yourself and own something when you are done paying for it!
. 2009 BeUtilityFree, Inc.
1995-2009 The SourceBook and our company name, BeUtilityFree and UtilityFree are trademarked. The SourceBook is copyrighted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of BeUtilityFree, BeUtilityFree shall not be liable to the purchaser of any product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of any product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to any product in the SourceBook.
Table of Contents
Energy Efficiency
Introduction and Planning Building Environments Water Systems Appliances Lighting Hot Water
Home planning Benefits Design Services
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
ICFs SIPs Foam Inslulation High Efficiency Windows Heating Cooling Solar Radiant Floor Heating
Water Efficiency Water Closets (Toilets) Waterless Toilets Water Storage Tanks Solar Pumps Electric Refrigeration Freezers Washers Dishwashers Stoves Solar Ovens Non-electric Refrigerators and Freezers Daylighting LEDs Compact Fluorescent Fixtures Outdoor Lighting Daylighting Controls Lighting Controls Solar Hot Water Heaters Tankless Heaters Solar Storage Tanks Heat Exchangers Controls Accessories PV Modules Trackers Controllers Batteries Off Grid and On Grid Inverters Cogeneration Accessories Electrical Equipment .5 kW to 25 kW Towers Hybrids Instrumentation
Renewable Energy
Solar Electric Wind Generators
Hydrogen Energy Hydroelectric Systems RE Fuels Commercial
Electrolyzers Storage Accessories
Small Turbines Large Turbines
Fuel Alcohol Stills BioDiesel Reactors Vegetable Oil Conversion Kits WVO Equipment Micro Utilities Telemetry Sign Lighting Commercial PV
Other
Appendix Information
Worksheets Tax Credits Maps Tables
Index On The Back Inside Cover

- Rocky Mountain Institute, A primer on Sustainable Building
"Energy conservation" and "energy efficiency" are often used as synonyms. But there's a key difference...energy efficiency... means doing more (or the same thing you did before) with less (energy)... It means getting the same energy services - beer just as cold, showers just as hot - while using less energy.
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Be Smart. Be Green. Be Free.
Welcome to Version 3.9 of our SourceBook

The first thing you should note is that we do not put a date on our SourceBook as many others do. The reason is simple: We consider the SourceBook to be a never-ending project as new items come on the market and other items are withdrawn. This SourceBook was first printed in 1995 and since then has gone through many minor updates and one major update with another major update planned for 2009-2010 period. Two of the hardest things in publishing a compendium of products these days are keeping up with the continually changing prices and keeping up with the flood of new products on the market. The renewable energy field has exploded within the last five years thanks to two major factors: 1. States have mandated that utility companies produce a certain amount of their energy from renewable sources; 2. Increased awareness of the ugly truth (or as Al Gore calls it - The Inconvenient Truth) that our continued reliance on and support of fossil fuels is making for a bleak future. Because of the rapid change in all the fields we encompass in our SourceBook, please understand if prices or models listed have recently changed. PLEASE USE OUR SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES IN THE SOURCEBOOK AS A GUIDE ONLY, NOT AS THE FINAL WORD. We offer our SourceBook in both printed and electronic formats. While you cant beat paper for portability, publishing electronically has certain advantages that paper will never have. We can place internet links into the digital version and tap into a huge network of up-to-date resources for data sheets, spec sheets, videos, how things work, etc. In the coming editions, we will be shaping the Sourcebook to integrate more and more with the internet. This SourceBook is designed to show what our company has to offer in the way of energy efficient and renewable energy products. Use it as a means of getting that baseline information you need to start your projects. If you need more information about a product, need a different model or option than the one listed or need help on how to integrate several parts into a whole system, dont hesistate to give us a call or email. Well be happy to help. At this time we do not have an online store with a listing of all our products. While we plan to make one in the future, a store wont ever be able to beat the insight of our staff on matching renewable energy system components. putting together a complete solar electric, solar hot water or wind system will usually require some special knowledge that, in general, makes simply ordering a bunch of stuff not the best thing to do. In most cases its best if you want an efficient and complete system to contact us first!
COMPANY POLICIES
CATALOG NUMBERS
Our numbering system is designed to give the reader as much information as space permits. As an example let us take a Thermomax solar collector. TH-L2OS-125 = Ship code TH = Manufacturer ID code or product category (sometimes just a number only) L2OS = Product or model number 125 = Shipping weight (pounds) of item. If no number is there, then item is under 1 pound or we didn't know weight at printing deadline. For kg mulitply by 1.2.
MAIL ORDERS
Use our convenient order form. Please print legibly. We will promptly ship your order upon receipt. If a personal check is enclosed we will hold shipment until your check clears our bank. If you want faster service please send cashiers check or money order.
WARRANTIES
Terms and conditions of warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Warranty cards are provided with most items. Our invoice will suffice with most items and provide a warranty commencement date.
COD ORDERS
RETURN POLICY
SHIPPING CODES
If no shipping code appears then the item is shipped UPS ground service. If an asterisk (*) is placed after the catalog number then that means free shipping. Common carrier motor freight with freight charge. Common carrier motor freight with crating charge in addition to freight charge.
All Motor Freight is shipped freight collect (you pay freight before it ships) unless other arrangements have been made. We pass along our freight discount of 40% to help our customers reduce costs. Call for price if not given. We cannot ship to a post office box address via United Parcel Service or Motor Freight!
To return an item you must call and get a return authorization number (RAN). It must be clearly marked on the outside of the container. We will process your claim promptly. We will repair, replace, credit your account, or refund you money within 30 days. Product must be in like new TELEPHONE ORDERS The easiest and quickest way to place an condition, in original boxes, and with all order is to use a major credit card. Orders paperwork. A minimum restocking charge of 15% is placed on all returned items. from outside Colorado may be phoned into our corporate headquarters to our toll free number. To help expedite your order, CREDIT CARDS please be prepared with the necessary We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover information. and American Express. They are accepted on smaller items, but there is an extra fee. We ship COD UPS, USPS, Federal Express, and Motor Freight.
PICKUP ORDERS
Most orders are drop-shipped. Please call in advance so we can check stock, and be prepared for your arrival. Our friendly staff will assist in loading your order.
STORE HOURS
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm MST. You can also call any time from any where and leave a message on our answering machine.
SPECIAL ORDERS
CATALOG PRODUCTS
BeUtilityFree has selected only stable, nationally recognized manufacturers with a reputation for providing high quality equipment.
PLACING ORDERS
Your order may be mailed, phoned, faxed or picked up. Take time to review your needs and prepare a list of your requirements. Refer to items by their catalog number. Please be specific so we can better fill your requirements. 888.320.9211 USA and Canada 970-785-6451 International 8:30 - 5:30 MST Monday-Friday Closed Saturdays and Sundays. 888.320.9211 (fax) 24 hours 14149 W County Rd 26 Fort Lupton, CO 80601-9518
SALES TAX BeUtilityFree will accept orders for items not shown in this catalog, but We don't charge sales tax in 49 out of 50 manufactured by the companies for whom states. Colorado residents must pay we distribute. Call for a quote. Lead time applicable sales tax. varies. Special orders require advance payment and are not subject to INSURANCE cancellation or refunds. All UPS and common carrier shipments carry the minimum insurance provided OVERSEAS ORDERS ($100) by the carriers. More insurance We can ship your order to any destination coverage is an additional cost. in the world. Export shipments are FOB dockside, Port of San Francisco/Oakland, SATURDAY DELIVERY CA, Houston, TX, or Miami, FL USA. UPS, Federal Express and Airborne all deliver on Saturdays. There are additional COMMON CARRIER costs for this service. Items with a and are shipped via common carrier motor freight. You can CORPORATE AND INSTITUtrack your order via the internet with a TIONS tracking number we receive from the trucking company and give you. Some items are subject to institutional discounts. All POs of this type are subject to approval by our accounting department. FREIGHT CLAIMS In the unlikely event of a damaged GIFT CERTIFICATES shipment notify the carrier immediately. You must file a claim with the Available in any denomination. Your carrier. We cannot file for you. name and the recipient's are hand written on the certificate by the buyer. AIR MAIL
We can ship air mail via UPS, Federal Express or Airborne. Prices vary, so please call if you need these services.
WHEN DO WE SHIP?
Items in stock ship within 12 to 24 hours, normally by United Parcel Service (UPS). Common carrier normally ships within 48 hours.
email: info@beutilityfree.com Internet: www.beutilityfree.com.
THE BOTTOM LINE...

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Period.
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INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING
A Letter From All Of Us ...

Our BeUtilityFree Sustainable Living SourceBook is designed for homeowners, owner-builders, contractors, green builders and all those interested both in saving money (by saving energy) and making positive environmental choices. Our SourceBook features key elements and details of a UtilityFree home. Some of our products may be new to you and may be important to include in your home. If you are designing a new home we urge you to seriously consider all the benefits of a UtilityFree home, even if you don't think you can go all the way to being UtilityFree. The most important elements of a UtilityFree home are energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. We favor solar electricity as a renewable energy source, because of its simplicity and its ability to be used in the
city, suburbs, and country - anywhere on the planet. We also offer many other types of renewable energy systems. When you are considering renewable energy systems, the ideal time to plan a break from the utility company is in the design stages of your new home. Most people have little direct experience with renewable energy. Our experienced staff works with, lives with, designs, and installs renewable energy sources day in and day out. With years of experience behind us we can work with you in creating your UtilityFree home. We hope you will find this SourceBook to be informative and eyeopening. We strive to support our customers in achieving the greatest possible energy efficiency and independence from utility companies. All of us at BeUtilityFree are excited about the future, and most of all, excited about starting you on your way to becoming UtilityFree!
Why Buy From Us?

1. COMPETITIVE PRICING - If you find a lower price on the same product within 30 days of your purchase, simply show us the advertised price and we will refund the difference. 2. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - If you are not satisfied you can return the item within 30 days, shipping prepaid, in its original condition and box. We will give you a refund, exchange, or credit. No refunds on special orders! 3. SERVICE WITH A SMILE - Our staff is both professional and courteous. We pride ourselves on always solving your problems, no matter how big or small. 4. EXPERIENCED STAFF - We have been in business since 1985 and have over 40 years collective experience in solar, wind and thermal applications. 5. ALWAYS SAVE MONEY - Any product you purchase from us saves you money through energy efficiency or direct replacement of utility power. 6. WE REUSE, REDUCE AND RECYCLE - We follow this rule and use recycled and environmentally safe products whenever possible. 7. CUSTOM COLOR DIAGRAMS - Each complete solar (electric or thermal) system we sell includes a color diagram. 8. DONATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT - We donate 1% of our net profits to environmental or renewable energy organizations. 9. 24 HOUR TOLL FREE NUMBER - Our regular business hours are at the bottom of every page. Any other time you can call us toll-free and leave a message. We will return your call within 1-4 hours. 10. MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS - Our Basic and Gold memberships offer you additional discounts, specials, and new products. See the appendix for details.
I continue to marvel at the uniqueness of renewable energy products. They are the only products I know of that combine tax-free investment return, extreme reliability, and little to no fuel input, day after day - year after year. An extremely gratifying feature of using renewable energy systems is that the environment we live in comes out a winner! No pollution (CO2) is emitted. These products minimize world pollution and all problems associated with it. Although the name BeUtilityFree implies total independence from your utility company, this can't always be achieved for one reason or another. Still, you should always strive to decrease your dependence on the "status quo". Putting money into your pocket by purchasing energy-efficient and renewable energy products can save you a ton of money over the years. By paying utility bills or gasoline bills you will never own a thing, nor will you ever have a "payback". All you do is pay for a service when you buy from a utility company. It's just like paying rent. (see inside cover for a full explanation) The first step towards becoming UtilityFree should NOT be the purchase of renewable energy products, but purchase of energyefficient products. Simply stated, the more energy-efficient you are the less expensive your renewable energy system will be!
Printed with solar electricity
From the President's Desk
John D'Angelo Founder and CEO
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Our Mission
BeUtilityFree's mission is to let people everywhere know that "You don't need them, they need you." BeUtilityFree, Inc. is committed to assisting our customers to become as UtilityFree as possible, through the purchase of energy-efficiency and renewable energy products. BeUtilityFree provides a wide range of products that will significantly reduce or eliminate your utility bills, simultaneously making our world a cleaner place to live and making you richer!
How To Use The UtilityFree SourceBook Our SourceBook and design guide is divided into three main sections: 1) Energy efficiency products 2) Renewable energy products 3) Information In an existing grid- connected house, we can support you in becoming less dependent on the utility company and eventually achieve total energy independence. We suggest that you read the "on-grid" solar system section. Reducing your dependence can be challenging, but certainly not impossible and well worth the effort. See page 134 for more information. If you are currently building we suggest that you study the first section on energy efficiency very carefully and act quickly. Keep in mind that the utility bill can be what you want it to be. Your planning will determine the size of your utility bill even if you do not choose to become UtilityFree. You can still make important changes to a new home depending on how far along you are in the building process. Once the house is built, turning back can be very expensive. We urge you to educate yourself so you can do it right the first time! If you are building within the next 3-6 months, start with the first section and then move into the second section. Once you have your house plans on paper or digitized, consider sending us a copy of the house plans with a $2000.00 deposit and we will design a total energy system for you. For more information see page 16. Tap into the knowledge of our experienced solar engineers and avoid costly mistakes many beginners experience. We have full-time staff available.
When you buy from us, you are buying more than just a product. With your dollars you are supporting a company with commitments and unifying principles that we pride ourselves in following. The popular term for spending dollars with a company with an ethical conscience is 'socially responsible investing.' With your help, we can build the type of world you want for yourself, your family and your grandchildren. Below are the principles we strive to achieve each day we do business.
Unifying Company Principles
1. The customer is King or Queen! 2. We strive to reuse, reduce and recycle wherever we are able. This practice leads to lower overhead costs which translates into lower prices for you, not to mention saving the environment. 3. We try to use renewables when and wherever we can in day-to-day business activities. 4. We try to buy products at the manufacturer level so we can give you the best prices. 5. We strive to get the product to you in the fastest possible way. 6. We manage our business with direction and goals in mind. This supports us in working efficiently and provides us with a way to measure our progress. 7. We advertise extensively so people know there is an alternative to the local monopolistic utility company. 8. We strive to be the best we can be. 9. We search out foreign markets as well as domestic distribution. 10. We reserve the right to be human, mistakes do happen.
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If you are building within the next 12 to 24 months, educate yourself and ask questions! We are only a phone call away! Call 888-320-9211 to talk about your preliminary plans. For more information, please review the section on backup generators and how cogeneration can help you to become UtilityFree! Keep in mind that after you build your house it will consume millions and millions of Btu's (energy) to heat and cool over its lifetime. Your house will also consume millions of kilowatts of electricity to keep the refrigerator humming along and to keep the lights on. If you have reduced your energy consumption as much as possible already by purchasing such items as compact fluorescent lighting and SEEA's, then skip to the renewable energy section. The section on renewable energy systems may be of interest to you even if you already have renewable energy products. You may consider additional solar modules or adding another renewable energy device to your present system. You may find the sections on hybrid wind systems, hydrogen, and cogeneration to be of special interest. If you need to find a specific item, go to the index at the end of the catalog. The index is quite complete so you will not have any trouble finding any of our products. This BeUtilityFree Sustainable Living SourceBook and design guide is yours. Make the best of it to start you on the road to becoming UtilityFree or complete the journey which you may have already begun. Stock Offering We are planning our first public stock offering. If you are An Alternative Building Method
The conventional way of building a house goes something like this:
interested, get in touch with us. The list of interested investors grows daily!
We would like to introduce you to an alternative way to build your home. With this option you won't need to hook up to the electric utility company at all. When you are financing your house construction, the banks may need to know that you are connected to the electric company before they finance. However, just because you have the electric company at your house does not mean you have to use it. In this circumstance you could consider the utility company as your partner. They can provide backup for you in extended cloudy weather or you could use them as your "battery storage". We will explain more on this later, but for now let's look at a different way of building your home in the diagram below:
What Is A BTU? A Btu is a British Thermal Unit, which is the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. A Btu is the common denominator of all energy sales. When you buy energy in any form from a utility company, you pay for energy in the form of Btu's, but in different "units" of energy depending on the type of energy purchased from the utility. When you provide your own energy, what becomes paramount is reducing the loads and not having to use energy in the first place. That's energy efficiency at its best. Until you become UtilityFree we would like to educate you on how to buy the cheapest form of energy in your area. Generally, we have found this to be natural gas even as the price has doubled in many areas in the last few years. To help with this, table 1 shows how much a unit of each form table.xlsx BTU of energy measures out in Btu
Energy Form Electricity Natural Gas Fuel Oil #2 Propane (LP) Gasoline Unit KWh Therm Gallon Gallon Gallon Table 1 BTU Content 3,413 100,000 112,000 96,000 150,000
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content. There are other forms of energy such as wood and coal, but these are not generally used by the public in very large quantities. We have listed the forms of energy that you generally buy from a utility company. Of course, if you live out in the country and far from natural gas lines, then your choice is usually between propane and fuel oil.

When comparing the Btu content of different types of energy, the energy industry measures in millions of Btus. To find out how many million Btus (MBtu) of energy you have purchased, use this formula: Unit of energy (kWh, gallons of propane, etc.) X energy content from table 1 divided by 1,000,000 = MBtu's. do the most work for you. You should heat with natural gas and NOT electricity because electricity costs about twice as much as natural gas on an MBtu basis. Review Table 2, which shows the national current prices for the most popular energy forms and their cost per MBtu. Yet another example: The last time you filled up the propane tank you bought 200 gallons, which cost you $200. 200 x 96,000 = 192,000,000 Btu's divided by 1,000,000 = 19.2 MBtu's bought. The cost per MBtu for propane is $10.41 ($200 divided by 19.2). Although your efficiency factor making them highly concentrated forms of energy. At any rate of consumption all nonrenewable What is Renewable Energy?
fuels will eventually run out. Renewable energy is simply energy that's in natural harmony with the earth because either it renews itself on a daily basis or because using it won't deplete it. The amount of energy available Example 1: is site-dependent and has to be collected and converted by renewStep 1: 379 kWh x 3,413 = 1,293,527 able energy products. 1,000,000 = 1.29 MBtu Renewable energy products inStep 2: $29.61 1.29 = $22.95/MBtu clude: photovoltaic modules (solar electric modules), solar thermal Let's make a sample utility bill modules (hot air or hot water), to use as an example. Say Sample Residential Energy Rates USA wood stoves, alcohol you used 379 kWh and stills, hydrogen electrolyzEnergy Energy Cost/ Total Cost/ paid $29.61. How many Sold Unit Unit Usage Cost MM Btu ers, and wind generators. MBtu did you consume (and Electricity These products collect kWh $0.10 678 $67.80 $29.47 pay for)? From Table 1 the Natural gas or convert energy day CCF $0.97 70 $67.90 $9.74 Propane Gallon $1.40 200 $280.00 $14.58 energy content of a kWh is in and day out for their Gallon $2.43 300 $729.00 $21.70 3,413. Now multiply 379 Fuel oil #2 lifetime. Gasoline Gallon $2.25 14 $31.50 $15.00 kWh by the Btu content in Although renewable Diesel Gallon $2.35 30 $70.50 $20.98 each kWh (3,413) and you All prices are approxiamte and prices vary according to season and region of the country. energy products cost get 1,293,527 Btus. Now Table 2 more initially than their divide by 1,000,000 and fossil fuel counterparts, you get 1.29 MBtu. would change your figures slight- they normally last much lonHow many MBtu you used ly, based on these two examples ger. Table 3 shows approximate is not that important by itself. it makes more financial sense to lifetimes of renewable energy What is important is to find out heat with propane or natural gas products. These figures are from how much you are paying for rather than electricity. Of course, units that remain out in the real those Btus! the cheapest form of energy to world and not some computer To do that you take the total heat with is solar energy - deliv- model. you paid and divide that by the ered to your home free of charge Solar hot water collectors are number of MBtu's you bought. In each and every day! still working after over 30 years the above example you used 1.29 in the real world. Many old JaWhat Is Nonrenewable (Fossil cob wind generators have been MBtu. The cost of the kWh delivFuel) Energy? ered to you home was $29.61. refurbished and are still producing Nonrenewable energy simply electricity since the 1940's! RenewableEnergy Now divide $29.61 by 1.29 and means that once we use it, it's you get $22.95/MBtu. gone forever and cannot be Do the same for natural gas and Renewable Energy Average replaced. This would include all I am willing to bet you will find Product Life (Yrs) the popular fuels we depend on natural gas to be about 1/2 the Solar electric panels 50 - natural gas, oil, coal, propane, cost per MBtu as electricity. Solar thermal panels 40 butane, and nuclear energy. Now that you know how to Wind generator 40 These forms of energy have one figure out the cost per MBtu of Hydroelectric plant 40 thing in common; they contain the energy you buy, you should a lot of Btu's in a small quantity, use the one that is cheapest to
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Recent research has revealed that standby power consumption accounts for 11.6% of Australia's household electricity usage, costing Australian households more than $500 million and generating more than 5 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This is equivalent to the greenhouse impact of more than 1 million cars.
From Australian GreenHouse Office 2001
Phantom Loads What are they?
Appliances and other electrical equipment draw power when they are switched "off" or not performing their primary function. This "standby power" provides remote control capability, network sensing, digital display and other features. Often, standby power is consumed simply because power supplies (transformers for example) remain "on" while their appliances are switched "off". These loads are always on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and cost you money! The worst offender of the bunch is the "power cube", better known in the renewable energy world as the "wall wart." These are devices that plug directly into a wall power outlet and convert AC electricity into DC. Power cubes, are unbelievably
A Typical "wall cube" - always on! www.beutilityfree.com
Your Wall Wart Hog - He will cost you up to 15% of your energy bill if you don't do someting about it!
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inefficient. Take, for example, the cube that charges a Palm Pilot. On every cube there is an input and output rating. The input for any home-use plug in the US is 120V AC. In this case it has an input of 0.15 amps at 120V AC, which translates to 18 watts. The output is 5V @ 1.0A. That is 5 watts of power out. A waste of 13 Watts or 72% of the energy used! And that doesn't even take into account the energy that cube draws while it's plugged in and not charging the device! Nowadays, almost every solidstate electrical device in your house is a phantom load device. A list of those appliances from the International Energy Agency includes: VCRs, DVD players, stereos, washing machines, microwaves, ovens, shavers, garage door openers, security systems, sprinklers, and even doorbells! In short, almost every electric device other than light bulbs belongs to the phantom load gang! How does one deal with this problem? It's actually quite simple! Go to your local hardware store and buy something called a "power strip." They are about a foot long and come with or without a light on them. We recommend buying strips with a light on them. They cost a few bucks more, but without a light on them it's hard to tell if the power strip is on or off! During the day, you turn the strip on for the devices you need to power. At night (better yet, when you're done using the devices) you simply turn the power strips off. Hopefully, one day, engineers will make electronic devices that truly do not consume electricity while off. One problem with using a power strip for your cubes is that
A power strip lets you shut off phantom loads.
the cubes are usually too large for the closely-spaced outlets on the strip. This can be quite frustrating because you'll have to daisy chain another power strip to the existing one. Now there is a product called an extender which reclaims the space on your power strip! It's just a short cord you can use between the cube and the strip. Another way to deal with phantom loads is to buy a small DC solar module like the IPC solar module which bypasses the cube completely. Most small electronic mobile devices can be charged directly with 12 V DC. You plug your solar DC source directly into small devices such as iPods, cell phones, etc.

Why BeUtilityFree Is Concerned About Energy Costs and Why We Support Renewable Energy
1. Energy prices continue to rise with no end in sight.
Historically, the price of energy continues to rise. There is little reason to believe energy prices will decrease as long as fossil fuels remain the utilities' primary method of producing energy. Fossil fuel supplies are limited - no one is making any more fossil fuels. As fossil fuels are used up, the gas and coal companies have to find more of the same at ever-increasing costs from an ever-dwindling supply.
The Energy Information Administration info does not include all the other expenses that a utility bill has attached to it like taxes, fuel adjustment charges, meter charges, or any other items they throw at you! These additions add 10-20% to your bill! To figure out what you really pay for your gas or electric costs simply divide the total cost by the total kWh used to get your cost per kWh. For example, if your last electric bill was $26.51 and you used 235 kWh then $26.51 divided by 235 is $.1128. That means you're paying $.11 cents per kWh and NOT the "national average". Then do the same with your gas bill. When you start examining your utility bills, you will find that the more kWh you use the less per kWh you pay. And the less you use, the
Source for all charts on this page: Energy Information Administration
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One thing we would like to note more per kWh you pay. To put it 2. Renewable Energy is is how much oil is used to generthe Solution to Pollution! bluntly, your utility company does ate electricity. It is a very small The 2nd largest air polluter NOT reward you for using less percentage, 3%! The present energy, they charge you more! in the USA (after autos) comes administration is using the high You may ask why that is. The from utilities burning fossil fuels price of oil to push the resurrecto produce electricity. By far the simple explanation is that utility tion of nuclear power plants. To largest percentage comes from companies are in the business us it is nothing more than a smoke of selling you energy, creating coal-fired power plants sending screen to give the large corporapower over miles of power lines a revenue stream for them on a tions a green light, while relying (that lose energy by their nature) monthly basis. on the public to not understand The more they sell, the more to the end user - you! there is virtually no conthey make. Simple nection between oil and enough! Renewables! electrical power generaTherefore, it would be US Utility Generation ! Hydro! 2%! Other! 8%! tion! The call for "clean 1%! to their disadvantage Fuel Mix! Oil! energy" is a call for more to sell you less energy 3%! renewable energy and less in the form of metered nuclear power. Renewable kWh or metered CCF Nuclear! energy has no radioactive 19%! (hundred cubic feet) of wastes! natural gas. It would be In 2000 alone the eleclike WalMart offering Coal! tric power industry spewed you an infrequent shop- 51%! over 2 BILLION tons of per discount! Nat Gas! CO2 into our air. Then 16%! One thing that we find there is mercury: many amazing is our local utilpeople don't realize that ity's "Metering and BillFigure 1 the utility industry spews ing" charge on the gas meter. out more mercury from its coal A typical residential gas meter fired power plants than any other In Figure 1 you will see that the costs $135.00. A utility company industry! buys them in bulk, making their utility industry uses mainly fossil We believe that supporting and fuels to produce our electricity price substantially lower. installing renewable energy is in the USA. Excel Ener gy has over the solution to pollution. RE sysWith over 50% coming from 1,000,000 residential customers in Colorado. So, with a $6 coal-fired power plants, 16% tems emit absolutely NO airborn coming from natural gas and pollutants, whereas the present meter fee, each MONTH they pull utility industry excels at emitting 19% coming from nuclear power in over $6,000,000.00! pollution, as you can see from plants (which consume uranium It can't cost Excel over Figure 2 below. a non-renewable energy source) $1,000,000 each month for the Each utility company has a cost of a long-ago paid-for meter that makes 85% of all power and to press a few buttons on a plants in the US consuming fossil fuels to provide our electricity. computer for billing purposes! You can clearly see we get the majority of our energy from the conversion of fossil fuels into electricity. What a lot of people don't realize is how much pollution comes from all this activity. Not to mention the energy expended to mine, transport and then convert all the fossil fuels USA Power Plant Emission 2000 once they arrive at the utilities *Mercury Figure 2 power plant.
Source: EGrid year 2000!
Typical kWh meter on your home
Source EPA e Grid 2000
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different mix of fuels that keep their central power plant going. For example, the Public Service utility company that serves the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indi-
Fuel Mix of the Continental USA
Figure 3
Source EPA e Grid 2000
ana, Ohio and Wisconsin has the fuel mix in Figure 3. Each utility is different. To find out the fuel mix in your state, you can look at Figure 4. For example, if you live in Colorado, about 90% of your electricity is generated by coal. If you live in Wyoming then 100% of your electricity is generated by coal...very dirty indeed! 4. Switching to renewables fosters national security. Using renewable energy that is either produced on-site or on a wind farm is home-grown on American soil. With energy produced locally, there is no need to go to other countries and occupy them for our "national" interests. Currently, securing oil is of vital interest, as our transportation industry relies on fuel. Cut off the supply and our economy as we know it today grinds to a halt. However, if we replace our transportation fuels with vegetable oil, bio-diesel, alcohol and hydrogen and produce electricity from solar electric modules on our roofs, then who needs oil? As we say, they need us - we don't
Figure 4
Source EPA eGrid 2000
need them! As we generate more electricity using natural gas, we'll keep seeking out new sources. Our current national plan is to import more and more natural gas into the US. We presently have 4 import terminals with plans to build many more. Just imagine a terrorist standing along the shoreline and launching a rocket and hitting a tanker filled with liquid natural gas (LNG) KaBoom! There goes the whole town up in smoke. Solar thermal alone can displace all your hot water and heating needs with a very small percentage of your roof area. If we mandated solar energy systems like they have in Spain, within a very short period of time we would reduce our dependence on natural gas. 3. Renewables eliminate global warming pollutants. As you can see from Figure 2, the utility industry is our country's
biggest source of CO2, the major cause of global warming. RE systems produce no emissions of any type. Put a PV and solar thermal array on every roof and renewable fuels in every vehicle tank in America and you have elimated the largest contributors to global warming. It really is that simple if only we have the will to do it! 4. Renewables create more jobs than the "fossil" energy industry. Think about it. How many people does it take to install a million collectors? Lots! How many does it take to operate a power plant once it is built? Not as many as it does to maintain 1,000,000 solar collectors! Renewable energy systems are much less complicated than coal power plants, but they still need some basic maintenance, which translates into jobs.
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5. Renewables guarantee price stability. Utilities can't. When you generate your electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar electric modules, you have no rate increases. Once the system is put into operation, you put money back into your pocket each day. Just the opposite of how a utility company operates. A utility company takes money out of your pocket every day! The utility companies only promote what is in the best interest of maintaining the status quo. While utility companies support "renewable energy" programs such as giving rebates, in the end they really want to put up large wind farms and large solar farms and sell you energy as they always have. BeUtilityFree gives you a costeffective alternative to being dependent on utility companies. We act in your best interest and not theirs, supporting you before and after the sale. You really do have a choice and we can help you make that choice each step along the way. You can achieve energy price stability by producing your own energy OnSite. How can we achieve this goal? Bypass the "middleman" and go directly to the source - the sun. All renewable energy originates form the sun. It is available everywhere and knows no boundaries. It surrounds all of us. Utility companies keep pretty quiet. They don't let on that thousands of people are enjoying the benefits of disconnecting from nonrenewable energy sources. People like you are paving the way for a silent revolution with an environmentally and economically sane technology. With over 1,375,000 homes getting their daily energy needs from the sun, you should be one too. It's never too late to start. We hope you become part of the solution and save a ton of money in the process!
The conventional appliances and heating and cooling equipment in an average American household use huge amounts of energy. A conventional home would have a hard time becoming UtilityFree without a lot of money up front for one reason: the appliances and the heating/cooling systems use too much energy. For example, a 21 cu Ft. Side-by-side refrigerator uses 60 kWh per month, compared to our Sun Frost refrigerator which uses 15 kWh per month. It takes about $2,500 - $3,000 of renewable energy equipment to displace one kWh of your utility bill, so the more you can reduce your needs in the first place, the less expensive your renewable energy system will be. A great tool for analyzing your current electrical usage is a load estimation sheet where you can list your electrical devices and their usage. You can then compare your appliances to the most efficient ones available and figure out how much it would cost to replace them vs how fast they would pay that money back in energy savings. Below is a chart that helps explain the importance of energy efficiency. Using energy-efficient products is using energy more efficiently and getting the same results as you had before, often with additional benefits.
Cost of Displacing 100% of your Electric Bill and the Importance of Energy Efficincy in Reducing Those Costs
1,400 $120,000
The Heart Of A UtilityFree Home: Energy Efficiency
1,200
$100,000
$USD for Soalr Electric System
1,000 $80,000
Monthly kWh
800 $60,000 600 $40,000 400 $20,000
200
0 UtilityFree Home Conventional #1 Type Home Conventional #2
$0
kWh
Cost
The conventional home #1 is a typical home that uses natural gas or propane to heat either air or water for the home's heating system. This house has conventional appliances and incandescent lighting and uses from 400 to 700 kWh of electricity per month at a cost of $44 to $70+ per month.
The conventional home #2 is your worst nightmare when it comes to energy consumption. If you live in this type of house our advice to you is to sell this energy hog and build something new or retrofit the house with another heating system. This house has electric heat in the form of electric baseboard or an electric furnace, incandescent lighting, electric hot water and an electric stove. This house uses from 900 to 1400 kWh per month and costs from $90 to $140+ for electricity. The UtilityFree home is superinsulated, has a tight building envelope, daylighting, a natural cooling system, LED light fixtures, SEEAs and solar hot water radiant floor heating provided by a solar rooftop collector.
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In a UtilityFree home you may spend more money for your energy-efficient refrigerator, freezer, and water heater. However, they will consume a fraction of the energy that the conventional appliances do. You will soon find that the extra cost of these appliances is paid back through reduced energy bills long before the appliance wears out. You can bank on that! Additionally, these high-efficiency appliances are off more than they are on, which means less wear and tear on motors, compressors and switching devices. This can mean up to twice the life-span over conventional counterparts. Remember, energy not used is always cheaper than energy used. You will always save money by not using electricity (because it has to be produced by someone). If the utility company produces it, they will charge you for it. If you produce it, you have to buy the equipment to do so. You save money in the long run by buying a Super Energy Efficient Appliance simply because you dont have to feed it as much energy. run the appliances in a home. SEEAs are one of the elements that make a UtilityFree home possible and economical. These appliances are quieter than their conventional counterparts because they run less and use a different technology. For example, the gas refrigerators that we sell make no noise. They run on a technology over a hundred years old called "absorption refrigeration". There are no moving parts, no compressors, and nothing to wear out. They run quietly. Servel gas refrigerators made in the 40's are still in use today in many hunting camps and Amish gives you most of the benefits of a solar electric system without the batteries. You can purchase a starter system with a smaller budget and then, in the future, you can easily expand it. Or, you can purchase a full system all at once. Either way, anyone can get started towards energy independence. With a battery system you can enjoy total independence. A battery system provides you with better reliability than the electric company itself. No loss of electricity when the weather takes a turn for the worse! A standard battery system will take up very little space in a home - about the size of a small pantry for an average installation. In almost all cases, the power from your batteries and inverter produces cleaner power than what your electric company can provide - thanks to today's state of the art DC to AC inverters. If you dont feel comfortable with a battery bank as part of your house, then look at the possibility of using the electric company as your battery bank. (See page 134) In 1978, The Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) was passed which requires any utility company to let anyone who produces electricity from another source tie into their system. This is how a Grid-Tie system works: When you are using more than your renewable energy system is producing, you simply take the needed energy from the electric company. When your renewable energy system is producing excess electricity, it feeds back that excess into the utility company's lines, letting someone else on the system use it. This is a simple system, everything is automatic. Although the utility-interactive
What Is A UtilityFree Home Like?
There are two elements of energy usage in a UtilityFree home. The first element is the energy required to provide comfort for the home in the form of either heating or cooling (depending on your climate). The second element is the energy required to power the appliances in a house, the TV, VCR, stereo, microwave, refrigerator, juicer, etc. Our company works with both elements of a UtilityFree home - the energy required to keep the building structure comfortable and the energy requirements to
Price Cabin , Colorado
homes. Your UtilityFree house can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be and it can be located anywhere you want. Additionally, your home can be totally or partially UtilityFree. It is up to you to decide what degree of utility independence you want. You can have a battery system, giving you total electrical independence, or a utility-interactive system, that
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system is less expensive and less complicated than the battery storage system, there are two pitfalls. The first one is that if the utility's generators are down, you go down with them (unless you have an inverter that can take power from a battery bank). For safety reasons, the utility company does not want you sending back electricity when their linemen are on the job trying to restore power during a power outage. Therefore, your electricity goes off as well. The second one is, you are still tied to the utility company monopoly. That means a monthly service charge, rate increases (aren't you getting tired of those?), and you will continue to support a system that contributes heavily to unhealthy environmental practices by generating almost all its electricity from coal and nuclear power. Small appliances in a UtilityFree home are conventional. Larger appliances like refrigerators and washing machines are provided by SEEA's. Your juicer, coffee maker, toaster, iron, microwave, can opener, blender, etc. can be purchased at any appliance store. Most of these appliances use a moderate amount of power for very short periods of time, therefore not requiring large supplies of constant electricity from your system. Cooking in a UtilityFree home is usually done by natural gas, propane, or hydrogen (page 145). For those people who are extremely sensitive to fumes given off by hydrocarbons (natural gas and propane), hydrogen cooking is the answer. Cooking with an electric stove is taboo in almost all cases because it requires enormous amounts of electricity. Besides, most people who really enjoy cooking prefer using gas! A UtilityFree home is usually heated and cooled by a combination of proper architectural design and OnSite renewable energy, not by the addition of energy bought from a utility company. If backup energy is needed it can be provided by highly concentrated renewable energy like ethanol or vegetable oil to operate backup devices. You should not have to hear noisy blowers or funny noises in the middle of the night or feel cold drafts. Because a UtilityFree home is built with a tight shell minimizing air infiltration, the house is very quiet. It is quiet not only because the insulation values are high, thus absorbing a lot of the noises, but also the mechanical noise in the house is significantly reduced. There is a refrigerator sitting in the kitchen running 2 hours a day instead of running 10 hours a day. The radiant floor heating system that you have transporting solar heated water is quietly operated from the solar electric system. Our preferred method of heating a UtilityFree home is with heated water - usually with a radiant floor heating system. Water is an excellent medium for transporting lots of heat using very little energy. Radiant floor systems are easily zoned (can heat rooms individually), extremely versatile, have no need for replacement air filters, can be easily solar assisted and work with cogeneration. Water can be heated by almost any renewable energy form. A UtilityFree home is designed to be a system that functions in a holistic way. This is referred to as the "whole house approach," in which all loads (water pumping, lights, refrigerators, etc.) are related to one another. Initially, a UtilityFree home may cost more than a conventional home. (See page 12) In the long run though, you will find that your initial investment pays off and you will come out ahead financially. As people learn to bypass the utility companies and oil monopolies, they will discover they can have all the comforts they have in a conventional home, and they will have a more reliable electrical and heating system. More and more people are choosing a UtilityFree home.
Benefits Of A UtilityFree Home
50 kW Wind Generator at WalMart in McKinny, TX
There are six factors to consider when you choose to build UtilityFree. The first is the initial cost of a UtilityFree home. This includes the elements of building design and location, ultra energyefficient building techniques and materials, super energy-efficient appliances, and a renewable energy source. A UtilityFree home may have a higher price tag than the identical size conventional home, depending on the final design. For those of you who are building where there is no power, the cost of a solar electric system almost always will be less expen-
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sive than getting the local electric company to put in a line. Utility companies can charge you $15 to $25/foot of distance to extend the power lines to your site. Instead of spending $35,000 to bring in utility power and then still have to pay a monthly bill, you can invest $25,000 in a renewable energy system such as solar photovoltaic. The second factor is your total operating cost. This is how much you will pay each month for heating, cooling and operation of appliances. The third factor is the mortgage tax benefits of borrowing money at the time you finance your home. There is no tax benefit for a homeowner for paying a utility bill. The fourth factor is the environmental benefit. A UtilityFree home tries not to take energy from the grid, which gets over 70% of its energy from fossil fuel conversion. It strives to operate on renewable energy sources produced OnSite and delivered for free each day. By using renewable energy one can produce zero emissions. The fifth factor is that you not only displace ever-increasing utility prices, but also can get state rebates and tax credits as an added bonus! There is a Federal tax credit of up to $2,000! And that's $2,000 off your taxes, not your taxable income! The sixth factor is the income stream you get from the sale of renewable energy certificates (RECs) throughout the useful life of your renewable energy system. As soon as you flip the switch, you can start selling the clean energy attributes of your no-emissions energy system. At the same time, you'll be displacing energy you once purchased from a utility company. OnSite renewable energy production will be the future of energy. Initial Cost A UtilityFree home can decrease or increase (from 3% -20%) the cost of your home depending on how many UtilityFree features you choose. The conventional heating and cooling systems in a UtilityFree home can be downsized or even eliminated because the structure is superinsulated and tightly constructed. For example, instead of buying a 200,000 Btu furnace you may only need a 50,000 Btu furnace. A solar electric system for a small cabin or a starter package, to get you on your way towards becoming UtilityFree, will cost between $1,500 and $5,000. An average residential system can cost between $10,000 and $25,000 or more if it is designed from the ground up with many of the energy efficiency items listed in this SourceBook. Operating Costs A UtilityFree home really pays off in the costs of operation. UtilityFree features start paying for themselves immediately and continue paying for themselves for the life of the home. In both a conventional house and a UtilityFree home you pay for utilities. The difference is that in a conventional home with utility hookup, you will pay the utilities every month - forever. This is regardless of rate increases, power outages, your financial situation, etc. Once you have paid out every month, you have nothing to show for it. It is exactly like paying rent to a
Operating Comparison Chart Monthly Expenses Item 1. Mortgage 2. Utilities a. Propane/Gas b. Electric c. Water d Service charges 3. Taxes & Insurance 4. Total Cash Out 5. Tax benets 6. Bottom Line Assumptions:
1. 1,800 square foot home family of four. 2. 30 year xed mortgage @10% interest. UtilityFree owner borrowed $125,000 ($25,000 of borrowed funds to purchase UtilityFree features) with 20% down ($25,000). Conventional home owner borrowed $100,000 with 20% down ($20,000). 2. Expenses are monthly. 4. Cost of UtilityFree features will be $25,000 extra on this home. It includes SEEAs, complete solar electric system, and nickel-iron batteries. Up-front system price could be lower if another battery type were substituted. 6. Conventional house has forced air heating system and stud frame construction. 7. UtilityFree home has a super energy efcient building structure. Heating equipment is downsized, thus offsetting the normal expenses of a conventional heating system. 8. Water conservation measures in full force. Cost may be zero if owner has a well.
Conventional 702.06 85 55 25 10 100 977.06 0 $977
UtilityFree 833.33 10 0 10 0 100 953.33 166.25 $787
In almost all cases, a UtilityFree home is less costly to operate monthly. (Fig. 6)
Figure 6
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landlord. You are paying for a service. On the other hand, a UtilityFree home will normally cost more initially because you have to pay for your utilities up front. But with UtilityFree features, such as a solar electric system, you just purchased your electricity for the next 30 years or more. It sounds pretty unbelievable, but it's true!
A UtilityFree home is in a class all by itself.
Mortgage Tax Benefits
Producing energy from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and water is environmentally clean. These systems deliver energy to the site and eliminate the need for large power lines or fuel processing and storage. These types of systems also eliminate the burning of fossil fuels which release carbon-dioxide Evacuated tube hot water collector and other gases into our air and contribute to 10 year payment.xls our ozone depletion and greenhouse effect. Renewable energy is the cleanest! Monthly Payment UtilityFree Home:
$877.57 on $100,000 mortgage* Monthly Payment Conventional Home: $702.67 on $80,000 mortgage* Below gures are interest only payments: UtilityFree Home 833.33 832.96 832.59 832.22 831.84 831.46 831.07 830.69 830.30 829.90 829.51 829.11 $9,974.98 Conventional Home 666.67 666.37 666.07 665.77 665.47 665.17 664.86 664.55 664.24 663.92 663.60 663.28 $7,979.98
Environmental Benefits
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As of this writing, interest on a home mortgage of your primary residence is tax deductible. Normally, when you pay off a mortgage you pay a huge amount of interest in the early years and pay the most principle during the latter years. Thus allowing you to deduct most of your monthly payments for your Utility Free home in the early years of ownership. This deduction of interest is a dollar for dollar reduction of your tax liability! The home mortgage interest deduction is as good as the tax credits of years gone by. In the example in Figure 7, the difference between the UtilityFree first year mortgage and the conventional mortgage total interest payments is $1,995 ($9,974.98 - $7,979.98= $1,995). Therefore, your UtilityFree home would add approximately $175 per month to your mortgage payment. Instead of paying this amount monthly to a utility company, you can pay it to yourself and make a tax deduction. If you would have gone with a conventional home you would pay at least $175 per month for your utilities. Homeowners cant deduct a penny of the money they paid the utility company. People choose to own their
*30 year xed rate mortgage @ 10% Interest
own home for good reasons. Your own home is not just shelter, but a way to increase the quality of your life. Nearly everthing we do uses electricity or gas, so you have to have an energy source. It can be either OnSite renewables or purchased from a utility company. You pay your utilities one way or the other. Using the BeUtilityFree way, you can take advantage of the tax laws now on the books.
Figure 7
Rebates, Grants, Tax Credits, Cash Incentives No other form of energy offers you the cash incentives you can get from renewable energy products. Recently many states have established renewable energy funds with money collected from a small tax or fee placed on your local utility bill. These are commonly called "state benefit charges" and it is analogous to a fee placed on your long distance phone bill. This money goes into a renewable energy fund and then residences of that state apply for the money. In most cases the money is available only to people who are utility customers within the state. Simply stated, there are hundreds of millions of dollars available for rebates or outright grants just waiting for you to come along and claim your fair share. To find out what is available in your state, please go the data base maintained by DSIRE. There are also many local incentives from utility companies and water boards offering cash incentives for the purchase of front-loading washing machines, air conditioners and other energysaving appliances that are so much more energy-efficient than

what was on the market ten years ago. Contact your local utility or go to their web site and see what they have to offer. You may be surprised! There are Federal tax credits for the purchase of renewable energy products and energy-saving products. For a residential customer there is a 30% tax credit with a cap of $2000 on each solar electric, wind or solar hot water installation. For commercial projects, it is even more generous: a 30% tax credit without any cap. Therefore, if you are a business client please get in touch with our commercial division as soon as possible as both tax credits will end December 2008! Last and most incredible is that you can actually make an income stream from your solar electric system or solar thermal (hot water) system! Renewable Energy Certificates or RECs allow you to sell the clean energy attribute of your renewable energy collector. Click here for more info on RECs. The REC is a set of environmental benefits resulting from not generating the same electricity from fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. The renewable electricity offsets non-green power that would otherwise have been generated and delivered to the power grid. The REC also represents the fact that the renewable energy was generated with better grid solar electric system you contact BeUtilityFree and ask us if we want to buy the REC from you. We send you a contract and you review it. The price for your REC is $400 a year. In our contract we agree to send you a payment every quarter for your RECs. Therefore you receive a check every quarter for $100. Your solar electric or solar hot water system will last at least 30 years (if not longer) so in a 30 year period your system generates a total of $12,000 cash with zero ings. Passive systems remain the most economical means to solar heating. Passive solar systems have no moving parts and they rely on conventional materials, such as glass and masonry. The combination of design, orientation and correct building materials and techniques are the elements of an effective passive solar system. These elements are all determined in the first phases of project development; worked out almost exclusively on the drawing board. There is little passive solar hardware needed. Passive solar energy and super energy-efficient building techniques go hand in hand. UtilityFree offers several informative books on the subject. Please review section 2 for more information. Active systems incorporate moving parts such as fans or pumps to circulate air or water through collectors. Once collected, the heated air or water must be stored. Heated water can be stored in a water tank, whereas heated air must be transferred to a storage medium--a thermal mass. The new way of thinking is to use the house itself as the storage device. By using this direct approach you don't waste energy moving air or water from point A to point B, or waste energy in the storage process. As with passive systems, many active components are conventional. Hydronic systems heat and store water. We have a great deal of experience with hydronic systems. Domestic hot water and swimming pool systems are the most cost-effective use of solar energy, paying for themselves in the shortest time. Solar thermal systems (hot water) collect about 5 times more energy per square foot than a solar electric system. Think about how much energy you
effort on your part. Of course, this is with no adjustment for the value of an REC in the future which, as energy prices continue to rise, will become more valuable. The Current State of Solar Technology As we continue to deplete fossil fuel energy (oil, coal, natural gas), we are realizing that there are costs associated with fossil fuel usage that we never saw before. Among these are pollution and wars. As a result of this awareness, solar technology is enjoying a renewed interest. It is our hope that someday soon solar energy and other types of renewable energy will be the energy of choice. Solar technology is as old as civilization itself. Passive solar systems were used in Egypt and other ancient civilizations thousands of years ago to heat build-
Figure 8
emissions or pollution characteristics than normal electricity. Lets see how you could receive an income stream for the life of your solar electric system. After installation of a 5,000 watt off-
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spend on heating. A good solar thermal system can take care of between 50-90 percent of one's building heat needs. There are now solar thermal systems that are very esthetically pleasing and you would never know you had a solar collector on your roof. For an example, please check out one of our suppliers' web site www. dawnsolar. Hydronic space heating, or hot tub/spa heating and industrial preheat systems are also economical applications. The solar hydronic technology and hardware has been time-tested and proven in thousands of installations. Due to mass production, the cost to produce these products is continually being reduced. The savings of production costs are offset by the increases in the cost of raw materials for the production. The result is that solar hydronic equipment will probably never cost less than it does today. Think about how much you spend to heat your home. You may spend $1,400 a year to heat your home but only spend $500 dollars to supply electricity to your home. So, if nothing else, spend your hard-earned money on a solar hot water system. Radiant heat and solar hot water systems are definitely the heating system of the future. No fans, no noise, no dirty air to filter with a radiant floor heating system. Photovoltaic solar systems (PV's) create electricity from sunlight. originally to power satellites. Since PV's satellite beginnings, the growing demand for photovoltaic systems has caused the cost to drop 100 fold. The components of these systems continue to improve drastically. Progress has been made to bring down the cost of manufacturing solar electric cells. Presently, solar electric systems are being offered by more and more manufacturers. We see this trend continuing at an ever increasing rate. Companies that were not in the business of making PV modules like Sanyo, Sharp and Kyocera are now making millions of modules. We invite the utility companies to the world of renewables, but with caution. We prefer to see people eventually owning their own power instead of "renting" it. Utility companies in some states are required to tell their of surprises for all of us in the industry. Photovoltaic systems are now feasible for the average U.S. home, provided that great care is taken in choosing the proper heating system and appliances. BeUtilityFree will stay current and keep our customers informed of the fast- paced progress being made in this field. People buying a solar system for their home have found many reasons for investing in solar technology. One of those being that they want to be free. These people have chosen not to have utility bills the rest of their lives. They have found a more successful and fulfilling option. A way that is good for their pocketbook and always good for the environment! In terms of economics, you will find that your solar electrical system becomes equity in your house. Money invested in a solar system stays in your pocket and you can use the energy every day. Recent numbers from California show that every dollar invested in a home renewable energy system returns up to $1.20 in equity. Once you choose to sell your house, your solar system adds value to the property because it has an added amenity: it makes its own electricity and/or heat! Conventional energy sources will continue to increase in cost and will continue the depletion of these nonrenewable resources. As the cost of renewable energy equipment continues to drop, the choice to use renewable energy systems makes more sense financially and environmentally. The cost to continue on the path of nonrenewable sources is too prohibitive financially and globally. We must make the change to renewable energy systems now!
Dawn Solar Integrated Solar Hot Water
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customers that they may find a PV system cheaper than a line extension. They are even starting to sell (or rent) PV systems to people in remote areas. In most instances, this is an alternative to the high cost of running miles of power lines which can be much more costly than a photovoltaic system. If the utility companies have it their way, they will rent you a PV system, sit back, and collect the profits once you have paid for their equipment. You can change this pattern by purchasing your own system. New developments in solar technology efficiency are ongoing. While the current technology is now affordable and user friendly, we feel that the next 10 years are going to be full

Energy conservation and energy efficiency are often used as synonyms. But theres a key difference. To many people, energy conservation implies sacrifice, freezing in the dark, and making do with less. Energy efficiency, on the other hand, means doing more with less. It means getting the same energy services-beer just as cold, showers just as hot - while using less energy." (and thus a less expensive energy system or utility bill) Before beginning design work, .... First remember the importance of thorough planning. Sustainable design [UtilityFree living] is front loaded - the work comes at the beginning, the rewards at the end. Early decisions are the most important...
Sustainable Building by Rocky Mountain Institute
Cold Beer/Hot Showers
By combining a few different technologies, your home can become an energy producer, rather than an energy consumer. Our customers have a built-in hedge against inflation because they are investing in their own home. Money spent on energy conservation and energy production becomes equity, which is money in your pocket. Just imagine what prices will be in 10 years! What Makes A UtilityFree Home Possible? A combination of three features makes a UtilityFree home possible: 1) Ultra energy-efficient building techniques, materials, daylighting and efficient ways of using the energy you produce on-site. 2) Super Energy Efficient Appliances (SEEAs) 3) Renewable energy (solar electric, solar hot water, wind energy etc.) Ultra energy-efficient homes require little or no backup heating or cooling to be comfortable year-round. These homes employ high insulation values, airtight construction techniques, passive solar architecture, cogeneration, integrated heating systems, and high R-value windows. SEEAs may cost more initially, but will pay for themselves quickly in energy savings, even if your home isn't UtilityFree. You will find these items in the Appliance Section of the SourceBook. We can provide electricity for a UtilityFree home by using renewable energy systems. Examples of these systems are solar electric modules (PVs), which convert visible sunlight into electricity, and wind generators, which convert wind energy into electricity. "Hybrid" systems combine two renewable energy sources to make a really elegant and productive system. They work best in three combinations: cogeneration, wind and PV, and hydroelectric and PV. You will find this explained in depth in other sections of the SourceBook. We can look at our costs broken down into the same categories. Ultra energy-efficient building techniques add about 3% - 4% to the total cost of a home and will always reduce heating and cooling demands, saving you money in the long run. Your SEEA's cost more than their conventional counterparts, but pay for themselves quickly. Each renewable energy system varies considerably. Your cost will depend on your specific needs. The energy displaced will only become more valuable as long as energy prices continue to increase.
What We Can Do For You!
We at UtilityFree are in business to help our customers free themselves from paying monthly utility billsbills that continue to increase. It is possible to keep your house comfortable without paying utility bills, but we have to look at your entire energy requirements, and use appropriate and cost-effective means to enable you to become UtilityFree if that is your goal!
New Home Construction Since 1995, we have assisted people so they may enjoy the benefits of a UtilityFree home. If you are building a home, we welcome the opportunity to help you from the start of your initial design process through the completion of it. Our assistance will guide you to the correct selection and installation of products to make your home UtilityFree. We will work directly with you, your architect, builder, or electrician. During your design process you can provide us with blueprints and we will engineer your solar electrical and/or solar heating system. We will then provide color schematics (see inside back cover) to assist in the installation process. Our engineering fee is $75 per hour and we require an initial deposit of $2000 to commence design work on your system. In addition to our system design services we can provide you with the selected products and proper installation (ask for our installation policy). Your initial designing deposit will be credited towards your purchase of a complete system from us.
Existing Home Installations We can also design a system for your existing home and assist you in becoming UtilityFree. Provide us with blueprints or drawings of your home and we will work with you in designing a system and specifying products that will meet your needs. Call us today! We look forward to supporting you in making your existing home UtilityFree.
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS
Introduction
The fundamental keys to a successful UtilityFree building are good solar access, the correct type of insulation and tight construction. By using these key principles you will get maximum energy usage from renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.) and minimum usage of nonrenewable energy sources (gas, oil, heat pumps etc.). These fundamental keys reduce the amount of conventional fuel used in heating or cooling equipment (gas, oil, electric) to an absolute minimum. They also drastically reduce the power required to operate the delivery equipment (fans, motors, water pumps, etc.). Reducing the amount of electricity required to operate heating or cooling equipment reduces the initial cost in a renewable electric system in a UtilityFree home. It also increases the life of supplemental heating and cooling equipment. The most important element of the fundamental keys is a house well positioned for solar access with maximium southern exposure. See page 81 and 82 for more information. If you have decided to improve your current property or just bought another home, take a close look at the insulation and building construction. If you are planning to build, consider our PolySteel building blocks or R-Control systems for your building shell. There are two main kinds of insulation in use today: the "air filter" and "true insulation" types. With the air filter type of insulation, the air passes freely through the insulation. The most popular is fiberglass batts, which is a great air filter for your home but a poor insulator. This type of insulation absorbs moisture and mice love it, for all involved. Another main concern of your construction is to seal it tightly. The best applications for the job are very inexpensive, yet highly effective. They include caulking and foams. The infiltration chart indicates where air infiltration occurs in most homes. It should give you a good idea of which areas of the house to tackle first. Caulking can easily be found at local hardware stores. There are many types to choose from. The best is silicone, or a variation of silicone. The next best are foam sealants because they expand to fill a crack. As long as the foam is not exposed to sunlight, it will last almost indefinitely. We carry an excellent line of foam sealants not normally found in building supply stores. One of these canisters goes a long way. Other applications for sealing out the air (warm or cold) are products that go around windows and doors. They can be found in good hardware stores. Among the best are the plastic V strips and foam with adhesive backing. A word of warning; as you employ the use of a "real insulation" and seal your house tightly, you could potentially create another problem. Having your house too tight keeps in moisture and potentially harmful pollutants found in carpets, furniture, household cleaners, etc. Therefore, you may need a fresh air heat exchanger (see page 37). From real world experience it seems that most people do not use these air recovery systems most of the time. However, we advise that you build for the potential installation of one of these units even if you never actually add a unit into your house.
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but it's inexpensive. Something is better than nothing! The second type of insulation is made from some type of closed-cell foam. It allows very little air and heat to travel through it. This is not an air filter, but an insulator. Examples of true insulation are Blueboard, Celotex, Thermax, etc. and are available at your local builders' supply store. The terrific thing about insulation is that it works both ways. This is why it's so important. Once installed in a hot climate, it keeps the heat out; in a cool climate, it keeps the cold out. We recommend going beyond the energy star recommendations and go with the maximum amount you can afford at the time you build. Cellulose insulation works well in the attic areas. Spray-on foams work the best for wall areas and crawl spaces. Check out the biobased soybean spray-on insulation, which is the only environmentallyfriendly foam in the world. Not only do you help out farmers, you also improve our national security when you buy a soy-based insulation for your building. Truly a win-win-win
Another important area that should be given particular attention is glazing. Windows will lose more heat than any other area of the house. To put things in perspective, the highest RValue window on the market is about R-10. We list just two high performance windows that we feel are the best on the market. There are other windows on the market but the proof is in the warranty. Single pane windows are R-1, double-glazed windows are R-2, and triple-glazed are R-3. The higher R-value windows use special coatings and exotic gases between the panes of glass. Try to buy high R-value windows or cover them at night with blinds, curtains or plastic film purchased locally. In addition to adding insulation value to your windows, window coverings also add privacy. Once you have covered the fundamental basics of placement, insulation, air infiltration and windows, you are ready to heat or cool the house. The type of cooling equipment used normally depends on the amount of humidity in the air. Where humidity levels are high, compressor type air conditioning systems are generally used, removing moisture from the air. Where humidity levels are low, evaporative coolers (swamp coolers) are used; although compressor type units are also used at a much greater energy cost. Swamp coolers humidify and clean the otherwise dray air you breathe. They draw fresh air from the outside and
Introduction
constantly renew it rather than simply recirculating it as a typical air conditioner does. There are now two-stage evaporative coolers on the market that claim to outperform the conventional air conditioners by 1/3 in energy cost. Read more about them on page 31 of the SourceBook or check on the web link above that explains the operation and advantages of two stage evaporative coolers. in the first place! If you have to use a cooling device, we suggest you take a close look at our solar evaporative coolers. These systems can be operated directly from a stand alone PV module or through your battery bank for those "off grid" customers. A solar powered cooling system works great because when the cooling is most needed, the solar energy is there to run the motor and fan. When the sun isn't out, there is usually no need for cooling. As far as heating goes, we strongly recommend a hot water heating system. With this choice, you achieve solar heating and have a tankless backup heater, which will provide you with back-up hot water for cloudy days when the solar energy is not abundant. But if this choice isn't right for you then one of our super energy efficient small hot water boilers is the way to go to heat with water. A quick word about hot water "boilers": Most boilers today, and in the last 100 years, have been what we call "dumb" boilers. As soon as they sense that the house needed heat then one large burner or a series of small burners comes on full blast, no matter how much heat the building needs nor how cold or hot the incoming water temperature is. All dumb boilers know how to do is turn on and off. We sell "smart" biolers that can modulate
No one is making a solar air conditioner that will replace the conventional air conditioner yet. However, our position on air conditioning is that if the building is designed correctly from the start with the proper building shell, the need for a cooling system of any sort is unnecessary. If you feel you must have an air conditioner, try to cool just the areas of the house that need cooling and not the whole house. Mechanical air conditioners are simply energy intensive. Better to not need one
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Energy Efficiency Building Materials

the burner intensity depending on conditions. Today there is no need for even the floor-mounted boiler of the past. It's been replaced by the new breed of tankless hot water heaters that we feature in our hot water heating section. They are really small and they can even be - and are actually designed to be mounted outside! You won't even need a traditional "utility room" like you do in a conventional house. Plus, these new tankless hot water heaters can be used to both heat your domestic hot water and provide all the heat your structure needs as well! All for about 1/2 the cost of the new breed of "smart" boiler like the Munchkin stainless steel high efficiency hot water boiler. On the energy side of the equation, moving hot water around instead of hot air uses about 1/2 the energy of running a blower. As an example, a Lennox 122,000 Btu gas furnace Model # G61MPV-60D-135 will use 569 kWh per year. A 125,000 Btu Mewmac hot water boiler uses 296 kWh per year. Just choosing a hot water boiler instead of a gas forced air furnace will save you up to 50% in operating costs in just one year! A balance of insulation, air tightness, and proper selection of windows can make heating or cooling a home entirely on solar energy a reality. Sometimes conventional heating and cooling equipment can be eliminated, thus allowing money to be spent on better windows, etc. We can help you pick the correct equipment to make your home an energy producer instead of an energy consumer! Call us today to discuss your needs.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)

Eliminates the need to install labor-intensive additional insulation. Requires 25 percent less concrete than conventional forming methods. Fire insurance rates are lower than wood frame buildings. Save time : Lightweight and easy to handle. One 5-pound form replaces 140 pounds of concrete blocks. Forms are the fastest method of making a fully insulated concrete wall. Forms shorten total construction time. Reduce Heating and Cooling: Makes a super-insulated concrete wall. Eliminate outside air infiltration. Provide a thermal mass wall of 56 lbs/sq. ft. Reduce heating and cooling costs by 60 to 80 percent. Other Advantages: Provide the perfect protected environment for curing, making up to 50 percent stronger concrete. Eliminate structural damage caused by termites, ants, etc. Concrete can be poured at temperatures as low as -15F without adding special chemicals. Eliminate mildew and odors. Result in much warmer floors and more comfortable homes. Excellent for earthquake zones and hurricane areas. Forms greatly exceed standard building requirements. Result in a cleaner and safer home environment. They can give you one of the most energy efficient homes that money can buy.
We are distributors for other types of building forms. Please call for an information packet. We can help you design your shell and provide you with all the forms. We can even have these blocks delivered directly to your building site. AP-VID1 PolySteel VHS Video AP-1051 PolySteel 6" Block AP-1052 PolySteel 8" Block $19
Foam Blocks are Economical: Fewer man-hours are required for construction than either conventional concrete walls, wood frame, or concrete block. No money is invested in reusable forms which must be stripped, cleaned, transported, and stored after every job.
$8.29 $10.95
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)

you have many choices when deciding which ICF is best suited to your particular needs. To assist you in this process we have devised a checklist of ICF design features that we suggest you look for when comparing competitive products: Web-Ties on 6" centers "Lego-Type" Interlocking Connection System Dovetails Flat-Wall Design Thicker Foam 12" Blocks Web Design We encourage you to ask questions, evaluate and compare competitive products. Your complete satisfaction is not only important to Greenblock, but to the ICF industry as a whole.
Greenblock's high-performance Insulated Concrete Forms are hollow polystyrene foam blocks that are stacked into the shape of the exterior walls of a structure and serve as forms for poured concrete. The sides of the blocks are connected by a unique polypropylene tie system that serves as a rebar holder as well as furring strips for the attachment of interior and exterior finishes. We here at BeUtilityFree believe that the right integrated concrete form (ICF) design is essential to providing you with an efficient, hassle-free and financially rewarding building experience. We know
Straight Block
Angle Block
Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPS)

The Insulspan SIP (structural insulating panel) system consists of solid, one-piece, pre-cut SIP units that are ready to install as wall, floor, or roof components suitable for many residential and commercial building applications. Each SIP consists of a core of molded expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation with engineered oriented strand board (OSB) laminated to the top and bottom faces. For over 30 years, Insulspan has been leading the industry in the development and manufacture of structural inPrinted with solar electricity
sulated panels. The Insulspan SIP System is an industry-leading ready-to-assemble (RTA) system that gives builders a real competitive edge over traditional stick frame construction. The RTA process reduces construction time and improves efficiency. Blueprints for your home are loaded into computerized factory equipment where Insulspan SIPs are manufactured to your exact specifications, then delivered to your location as an RTA building system. Professional on-site expertise is provided with every Ready-ToAssemble system we deliver. In addition to residential structures, Insulspan has also been involved with numerous commercial projects including McDonalds, Pizza Hut, a Harley Davidson
show room, resort cabins, clubhouses, and office buildings. The Insulspan SIP System has long been a leading brand name in the United States and has been featured regularly on such television shows as This Old House and Bob Vilas Home Again. Consumers benefit from the energy efficiency and affordability of structural insulated panels. The Insulspan SIP System offers healthier homes, reduced energy costs, higher appraisals, and lower mortgage rates. Energy Efficiency and Comfort Reduced Air Leakage Effective Thermal Resistance Structural Integrity Building Code Compliance Download a brochure in PDF format. Click here.
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Energy Efficiency Insulation - Foams

Foam Sealants VERSI-FOAM portable systems come ready-to-use in handy twopart systems, and are self contained. No other equipment is necessary. Just take out of the box and start filling the holes with this great product. System 15 will fill approximately 198 square feet 1" thick, ideal where smaller canisters purchased at your local hardware store are impractical. System 50 yields a big 600 square feet 1" thich of finished foam for those substantial jobs where you still require mobility of equipment. We normally stock the 2 pound density with a 7.7 R-value per inch. For smaller jobs try using a few 24 oz cans and a dispensing gun which you can use over and over again. Just buy the cans and save the gun! One 24 oz. can does approximately 30 bf.
RH-SYS15-41 System 15; 198 Sq feet RH-SYS16-120 System 50; 600 Sq feet RH-1342 24 oz cans of Foam $19 RH-1343 Steel Dispensing Gun $99 RH-1344 Plastic Dispensing Gun $49
$329 $699
A square foot is 144 square inches or 12" x 12" square.
Soy-based spray-in-place insulation is an innovative polyurethane insulation which is ultra-light weight and produced using a two-part soybean oil. It is an open-cell, semi-rigid foam that in one step provides a sealed, thermal envelope that simplifies constructions practices. This first-of-its-kind foam insulation has been formulated with the environment in mind. It emits no VOCs or CFCs. It behaves much like a petroleumbased plastic foam, without any of the environmental side effects. Soy-based foam contains no formaldehyde. This product is the most environmentally friendly insulation in the industry. Soy-based foam penetrates every cavity and even the tiniest crevices, expanding 100 times its original
SBF-SOYFOAM-300 SoyFoam Set 2 Part $2,795.00
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liquid size for a perfect air-sealed fit. When expanded it creates millions of tiny air pockets that result in highly effective R-values. More importantly, soy based foam creates an insulated, seamless, wind-proof barrier that eliminates air infiltration, the number one cause of energy loss in a home. The result is a super-efficient, healthier and more comfortable home. Soy-based insulation is in the same class as Icynene and other petroleumbased polyurethane foams of half-pound density and looks very
similarbut at a lower price. These 30% to 50% savings are naturally passed on to you. And at R-3.78 per inch, you don't sacrifice quality and utility savings! Any spray foam insulation contractor in your area can spray soy foam insulation with the machines they have.(list at www. foaminsulation.org) All they have to do is order the chemicals from us instead of from the petroleumbased polyurethane manufacturers. Contact us for foam insulation contractors in your area. We may have associates that can take care of your needs locally. One set is two 55 gallons drums that will spray 15,000 sq ft, 1" thick. 1" = R-7.
THERMA-SHIELD
Paint-On Ceramic Insulation
Yes, you read that correctly! This uses a space-age ceramic material used on the Space Shuttle. The paint (or stucco) incorporates microscopic spheres of ceramic silica borate in the resin mix. Below is a picture of someone holding a ceramic cube heated to 1400F. and just pulled out of the furnace. You can see that the corners are cool to the touch. The ceramic does not conduct heat!
Radiation is the single biggest source of heat loss. With Astro-E you can reduce your utility bills substantially. This foil wrap can be used to wrap hot water heaters, duct work in your heating or cooling system or used it as a sun shield. Other features: Non Toxic Class A fire rating Moisture resistant No special tools needed to install 5/16" thick for a R-15 (down) Never collects moisture Great window covering Purchase in rolls only.
AV-F625 Roll 6" x 25' $8 AV-F626 Roll 16" x 25' $18 AV-F627 Roll 16" x 125' $79 AV-F628 Roll 24" x 25' $28 Other sizes and pipe wrap available.
Residential Windows: A Guide to New Technologies and Energy Performiance

Windows are a home's worst enemy when it comes to heat loss. But that is changing rapidly. Although windows still have a long way to go to equal the insulation value of a wall, windows are getting better and better. This book offers home owners, architects, and builders a fascinating look at the state of the art today, the latest research, new products and rating systems, durability, maintenance, installation, and use of windows for daylighting and passive solar heating. Using the information in this book, you can evaluate windows and make informed choices based on energy performance. By John Carmody, Stephen Seikowitz and Lisa Herschong. 224 pages, Second Edition SE-0557 Residential Windows $29.95
The coating is resistant to ultra violet light, hail and is available with a Class A fire rating. Best of all, this paint cleans up with soap and water! Can be used anywhere insulation is used or to increase the R value by up to R22 at a fraction of the cost of other insulations. TS-TS01 Paint - 1 Gallon $49.00 Comes in 1, 5 or 55 gallons. Price per gallon is the same. Many colors are available, as well as, stucco or roof coating (top coat). Approx. 132 sq. ft. per gallon.
Books To Help You Design Your New Home
Heating Systems for Your New Home
This is the book that explains heating system options for your new home. This background will help you decide which heating system might be right for your area. Covers all heating system types, even solar and much more! MH-0557 Heating Systems $24.95
by Richard Kadulski, MAIBC
The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling

By Daniel Chiras Passive solar heating and passive coolingapproaches known as natural conditioningprovide comfort throughout the year by reducing, or eliminating, the need for fossil fuel. Dan Chiras sets the record straight on the vast potential for passive heating and cooling. Brick House, 2002, Photos/ Figs., 226 p. MH-0558 New Solar Home $16.95
Affordable Passive Solar Homes

Over 40 low-cost, buildable projects of various sizes by one of Americas leading energy architect. FAIA SciTech,1984, 188 p.
Home Insulation
If you are a home owner or a builder, this book is a must read. Covers old and new homes, caulking and sealing of those air leaks, and much more. 133 p.
By Richard L.Crowther
by Harry Yost
SE-0559 Affordable Passive $19.95
ST-88266 Home Insulation $11.95
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS High Performance Windows

Accurate Dorwin's Fibreglass windows are not just windows - they are window systems. All the pieces that go into making an Accurate Dorwin window are an assembly of the most highly-rated window components, specially selected to work together. These smoothly functioning window systems are designed to out-last and out-perform the rest. Accurate Dorwin delivers: The highest energy efficiency rating of any window on the market today. Lifetime warranty on all frames against warping, twisting, rotting, shrinking, denting or bowing. Lifetime warranty on all hardware. Double the industry approved standard warranty on all glazing. Lifetime warranty "Platinum" package available. Windows that are so hi-tech they actually gain more heat than they lose. Gas (Argon) Filled (Optional) Insulating Super Spacer Why is fibreglass superior to other products like steel, aluminum, vinyl or wood? Consumer's Guide says: "The best energy performance in window frames has been achieved using a fibreglass frame with foam insulation in the frame cavities. Frames can have a significant effect on solar gains (and the ER rating). Stronger materials that allow narrow frames and sashes like fibreglass allow more glass area and more solar gain". Fibreglass is also the most compatible material to use with glass. The expansion and contraction characteristics of glass and fibreglass are almost identical. The glass (glazing) and frame expand and contract together.
"Energy Star" and "Power Smart" program endorsement. CAN/CSA-A440-M90, NFRC 100-92/200-92 certified Triple Weatherstripping Low Profile Frames Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Coatings High Performance Glass: Delivering Energy-Saving Comfort and Uncompromised Clarity. *Multi-layer low-emmisivity glass, inert gas filling, and SST warm-edge technology create a state-of-the-art energy-management system. *Our non-metal SST spacer system eliminates metal-to-glass contact and conduction *ClimaTech's low-emmisivity glass is the clearest, highest performing glass available today.
Preservation Premium Windows

Preservation Windows encompass all of the hallmarks of exceptional window design - unsurpassed quality, functional beauty, and maintenance freedom - in custom styles to masterfully complement your home's architecture. Plus, Preservation Windows delivers the added benefits of unparalleled energy-efficiency and conservation. Preservation Windows are ENERGY STAR qualified, which means they've been proven to help cut heating and cooling costs and make your home more comfortable, while reducing air pollution and protecting our environment. Every Preservation Window is manufactured to provide generations of worry-free enjoyment. Performance endorsed by a lifetime transferable warranty.
Preservation Windows offer a transferable warranty and has one of the highest R- Values of any window on the market: R-10!
Contact us for a representative in your area.
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Roof Integrated Solar Hot Water/Electric
This is the ideal system to integrate with a radiant floor heating system as you use the same materials for both the Dawn Solar system and a typical radiant floor heating system! Comes with a 25 year Warranty as well, which NO other solar thermal system we sell does. Can easily add solar electric between the gutters to a standing-seam metal roof for a totally integrated solar electric and solar thermal system! Add one of our Superior Solar tanks and a backup Ranni tankless hot water heater and you have yourself an unbeatable heating system! The solar product marketplace is loaded with a myriad of glazed panel systems that can be added onto any roof or structure. By fusing solar
Before Roof Installation
energy and architecture, Dawn Solar Systems Inc. is on the leading edge of a paradigm shift in the industry with its suite of products that can be seamlessly integrated into a buildings architectural design. It is the first commercialized multi-modal, solar thermal collection system that can be externally integrated into a building to produce clean power; power that is renewable, sustainable and socially responsible in every way. All without any compromise to the aesthetics of the building. The Dawn Solar System (Patent Pending) uses the heat generated by the sun shining onto a buildings wall or roof system. Installed during new construction, renovation or a reroofing process, the system collects the suns energy as heat, which is then conducted by the roof or siding material into our proprietary thermal
After Roof Installation
collection system. Depending upon location and application design, an open- or closed-loop system can be created as fluids (air or water) are pumped through the system and cycled through conventional heat transfer and distribution systems. Single family, multifamily and institutional hot water heating, commercial and industrial process water heating and cooling systems, radiant floor heating systems, swimming pool heaters and warm air heating systems are all applications that can be fired by the sun with low operating costs using the Dawn Solar System Patent Pending technology. Solar electric can also be added to this system. Check out their web site at www.dawnsolar.com
Prices start at $7,000 for a Domestic Hot Water System Metal Roofing Tiles
Standing Seam Roof
Metal Shingles Roof
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Comfort is one of the most important and essential qualities we expect our homes to possess. For a heating system to provide optimal comfort at economical prices, it must resolve two basic problems - the efficient distribution of heat and the maintenance of appropriate room temperatures. Physiological tests have disclosed that humans are comfortable when their feet are warm, although they find excessive heat at head levels unpleasant. Consequently, an ideal heating system should be able to provide warmer temperatures at floor levels with reduced temperatures at head levels. The differences in the temperature distribution of the two most common systems-i.e., the forced air heating system (FAHS) versus the radiant floor heating system (RFHS). Forced air heating systems deposit hot air at ceiling levels, while temperatures in the floor areas remain low. This is clearly the inverse of the desirable physiological condition. In this situation, the tendency is to continuously run the system in an effort to achieve floor level warmth, which results in increased discomfort and is extremely expensive. In contrast, the floor heating system emits warmth evenly from the floor areas, This method of radiant heating is clearly superior because it distributes heat in a gradient fashion, with warmer temperatures at floor levels and lower temperatures at head levels. In addition to providing exceptional comfort, the system is economical to operate. Because of its efficiency, room temperatures can be lowered four to six degrees Fahrenheit from those maintained in traditional heating systems. In addition, radiant floor systems are ideal for those looking to use renewable energy sources for heating a structure. There are two reasons why we always specify hydronic systems in a UtilityFree home. The first reason is because radiant floor systems operate at temperatures in the 120F to 100F range which is ideally suited with water that is heated with solar energy! (Once the solar energy equipment is paid for your heat is FREE!) The other reason why hydronic systems are a great match for a UtilityFree home is that a radiant floor heating system uses the least amount of energy to heat a structure, therefore your solar electric system can be smaller than if you were to use a forced air heating system. Most radiant heating systems need some form of back up, so normally a natural gas or propane fired "boiler" is used in conjuction with a solar radiant floor heating system. However, what are more appropriate for a combination solar-radiant heating system are the new high efficiency hot water heaters on the market. One need not install a "conventional boiler" at all! Instead of buying a boiler and a hot water heater, you can just purchase a good high efficiency hot water heater or even an instantaneous hot water heater with hot water storage. With a Marathon (p. 40) hot water heater or storage tank, the radiant tubing can also be less expensive! One other thing we would like to make very clear is that radiant floor systems are not just for the "rich". Unfortunately, there is a perception that radiant floor heating systems are for "high-end", custom built homes. This perception is incorrect! If your budget is modest, radiant floor systems can be designed to make it competitive with any heating system if you do the installation.
Legend 1. Hot water storage tank 2. Floor circulation pump(s) 3. Expansion tank 4. Manifold/zone valve 5. Return manifold 6. Underfloor PEX plastic tubing 7. Solar thermal collector 8. Solar circulating pump (AC
This is a representative drawing. Each system is different and needs to be engineered to your needs
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Hydronic Heat Distribution In a WIRSBO hydronic radiant floor heating system, the entire floor surface is utilized to transmit the precise amount of energy necessary to heat the room. Warm water is circulated through WIRSBO PEX tubing that is installed within the floor structure just below the surface. System Advantages The WIRSBO radiant floor heating system distributes heat through the floor without unsightly radiators, duct grilles or other such obvious appliances. Furnishings can be placed wherever desired without concern for impairing heat distribution or hiding radiators or vents from view. Unlike a forced air heating system, it doesnt blow dust, germs and pollen about the structure. The hydronic WIRSBO radiant floor can be heated by any form of energy, especially solar. The building owner can easily use the most cost-effective fuels. The WIRSBO radiant floor is efficient. Energy use can be precisely controlled on a room-by-room basis. The WIRSBO radiant floor is extremely comfortable. It applies direct conductive heat to the feet and mild radiant energy to the rest of the body. The WIRSBO radiant floor system provides Comfort without Compromise. Total Thermal Comfort With WIRSBO radiant floors, mild radiant heat is distributed according to the needs of the human body. Thermal comfort is achieved despite the heat loss of the building. The even distribution produces Total
Thermal Comfort everywhere in the structure. The human body is a hydronic heating system. Heat is distributed throughout the body by blood circulated from the central body core. The first priority of our bodys heating system is to maintain core temperature, after which heat is sent to the extremities. Since our feet are the extremities furthest from our central core, they are
different from our usual thinking that room temperature must be 70F. Forced-air heating systems are unable to match the distribution profile of the Ideal Heating Curve due to one of the basic principles of physics: hot air rises. In most cases occupants must compromise and choose between cold feet and a hot upper body. Radiant Floor System Design WIRSBO is one of Europes largest and most experienced manufacturing companies. Founded in Sweden in 1620, it has provided radiant floor heat distribution in more than 1,000,000 installations world wide. The patented WIRSBO cross-linked polyethylene tubing has proven its reliability in many applications. Any Type of Heating System WIRSBO pePEX and hePEX tubing is available for closed loop systems where radiant floor tubing components are not isolated from hot metal boiler piping. PEX tubing is available for closedloop systems that provide isolation between ferrous boilers, tanks, and the radiant floor tubing such as plastic storage tanks and noncorrosive metals. Technical Design Assistance Assistance is available through BeUtilityFree. Equipped with the computer heat-loss analysis and structural specifications for your project, we can provide a complete CAD system diagram and materials list for your project. Prices will vary
the last to get heat, and the first to recognize the discomfort of a cold environment. WIRSBO radiant floors address the heat loss of the human body by applying direct conductive heat to the feet as they contact the floor, and a mild radiant heat to the remainder of the body. Your thermostat can be kept at a lower setting, say 65F to 67F, and you will still feel comfortable because your feet are warm. Distribution is the key. The goal of ideal heat distribution is to achieve a temperature profile that is slightly below skin temperature at the floor, rising uniformly to a point just above the height of a normal adult and diminishing thereafter. This is quite
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from $4.00 to $8.00/sq. ft. depending on options, design and who does the installation.
Typical Radiant Floor Manifold
Provide Both Radiant Floor and Domestic Hot Water using only the Space of a Hot Water Heater! Boiler systems are typically designed for a water temperature of between 140 -180 F or higher -- too hot for radiant floor applications. Standard hot water heaters, however, have water temps in the 110 F to 140 F range -- perfect for radiant floors, baseboard and panel radiator applications. And water heaters can handle low flow rates and incoming water temperatures of 50-55 F from your well water or city water main. These same conditions can crack or rupture a boiler which does not like incoming water temperatures that low. Typically, water heaters have standby losses (heat wasted up the chimney), resulting in low energy-efficiency. By adding a radiant heat function, that loss is eliminated and the efficiency of the unit is increased because the water is used for two purposes and is taken from the tank to heat your radiant floor. So instead of being used maybe 1 hour a day total and 23 hours in the "stand by " mode it can be used much more frequently and instead of your heat losses going into the utility room, the water spends less time in the storage tank and gets put into your floors! If you decide solar energy is not for you then by all means try this instead of a boiler. Why use something that is designed to heat water to 180 Degrees when all you need is about 120 F?
$1,592 .00 $1,795 .00
BW-1400-169 CombiCor 65,000 Btu BW-1401-303 CombiCor 80,000 Btu
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Super Energy Efficient "smart" Hot Water Boilers
HT-80M-NG-75 Munchkin $2,399 HT-140M-NG-101 Munchkin $2,999 HT-199M-NG-111 Munchkin $3,599
The Voyager high-efficiency gas-fired water heater is truly a unique appliance, designed with the most advanced technology available. This use of modern technology optimizes the efficiency and operating reliability of each Voyager.
FEATURES 316L stainless steel construction, A 10-year warranty on residential applications. 6 years on commercial applications and 6 years on components for residential and commercial units. Other warranties available. No chimney required; direct venting plastic 2" and 3" pipe. Compact design eliminates bulky storage tanks. Efficiency of 95% dramatically reduces fuel costs and no burning pilot light. High output for any commercial apllication Low emissions. Plastic jacket with 2" foam insulation (R17). Less Than 1/2 degree per hour heat loss. Corrosion resistant high efficiency 90/l0 Cupronickel heat exchanger. Self diagnostic electronic control featuring digital readout of water temperature set point and differential. Optional heat exchanger for radiant floor. Temperature range 70-180 Zero clearance to any combustible surface/ can be installed in any closet. SU-SSV9045S-NG-175 Voyager 90,000 Btu 45G $2,599 SU-SSV13045R-NG-175 Voyager 130,000 Btu 45R $3,200 Other sizes available in both N.G. and L.P.
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Energy Savings Plus Fast Payback
Supply the right amount of heat to your Hydronic Radiant Floor (HRF) system at all times. Proper HRF supply temperatures mean your floor never gets uncomfortably hot or cold, and wide temperature swings are prevented. System Supply Sensor Precise controlling of temperature means the systems supply water temperature can be kept as cool as possible. System heat losses and room temperature fluctuations are minimized. DHW Heat Exchanger Plenty of hot water is available whenever you need it. Your boiler is highly efficient at generating Domestic Hot Water (DHW) if this option is chosen. Boiler Return Sensor Protection is provided against damage to your boiler from shock and condensation due to cold return water from the HRF system. TK-BCTRL Tekmar Basic Control Package $995.00
Tekmar Controllers:
The Tekmar Controller is designed to work with a hydronic heating system, such as the WIRSBO radiant heat system.
Features:
Outdoor Reset Outdoor reset gives your heating system only as much heat as is needed; the system doesnt operate at high temperatures during mild weather. Outdoor reset reduces wear and tear on components, and reduces energy consumption. Plus, comfort levels are increased through a more even and accurate temperature control. Outdoor Sensor The outdoor sensor provides the microprocessor/controller with information so it knows precisely how much heat should be added. Room Temperature Unit (RTUs) Different comfort zones can be easily set up to suit individual desires. Zones can be controlled in each room or from a remote location when required. The Room Temperature Unit (RTU) tunes
your system operation to respond to internal heat gains or losses. Separate setback schedules can be selected for each zone for maximum personal comfort, and fast heat up after setback is assured. Hydronic Radiant Floor (HRF)
Low Btu Heaters

The Monitor GF-12 will provide clean heat for spaces up to 450 square feet. The Monitor's unique "pipe within a pipe" forced flue venting system makes sure the heat goes into the room, not up your chimney. It can be installed anywhere, quickly and easily. The Monitor GF-12 Unique Features: A humidifier providing 8 hours of water vapor comfort Thermostat control Timer to provide automatic start-up operation up to 12 hrs, from the present. Built in air filter Two speed circulation fan Available in kerosene models
LE-551FAP-84 Rinnai 17,390 Btu $1125 LE-552FAP-84 Rinnai 29,680 Btu $1495
Rinnai Energy saver series combines the most advanced gas technology with contemporary styling and customer conveniences. Direct vent is easy to install. Automatic electronic ignition. Built in humidifier. Two fans. These units provide higher Btu units than either Eco Therm or Monitor. Propane models listed. We ship propane models unless specified natural gas. Vent directly out the wall! No need for holes in the roof. Easy to install. Requires no electricity. Uses outside air for combustion. If you are still hooked into the power company and you have an outage you will still have heat! A small flame is used to generate a small amount of electricity that operates the gas valve. Heat up to 800 square feet of space. Built in thermostat and piezo electric igniter, no need for matches! Enamel finish.
Specify gas or propane.
MP-GF12 Monitor 14,000 Btu $799
LE-1400 Eco Therm 10,700 Btu
$492
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Consider the facts:
EFFICIENCY & COMFORT: The Platinum Cat produces sun-like radiant heat that warms people and objects directly. With radiant heat, you can keep room temperature 6-l0 degrees lower than other systems. CONVENIENCE: With the Platinum Cat, you simply set the thermostat and forget it. It automatically maintains the desired comfort level, with no manual heat adjustment, pilot lights or matches. SAFETY: The Platinum Cat utilizes electronic fail-safe controls which automatically shut off the heater in case of a blocked flue, improper combustion, power or gas interruption. The unique power venting system replaces air used for combustion, maintaining a pollution free indoor environment. In addition, surface temperatures are so low that they are even safe to a babys touch. VERSATILITY: The power venting system permits flexible, out-of-the-way installation. The exhaust vent can be routed upward, downward to the rear or to either side of the heater with Schedule 40 plastic flue pipe. The heater can be installed on inside or outside walls using very little wall space (23 1/4. high, 13'1\4" wide, 5 1/4" deep). In contrast, most direct vent or gravity wall CA-6P12A CAT 12 V 6,000 Btu $439 furnaces require large exhaust CA-3P12A CAT 12 V 3,000 Btu $422 holes, outside wall installation and high temperature double CA-1500SE CAT 110V 5,200 Btu $463 wall vents.
Super Efficient Fireplaces Feel Good About Burning Wood! Many people are concerned about causing harm to the environment, yet they wish to continue using wood because of its aesthetic values and economy. Your ENVIROTECH RADIANT FIREPLACE is designed to burn with firebox temperatures that range from 1800F to 2000F. This intense heat is then channeled through a maze like flue system and absorbed by the masonry mass, yet surface temperatures remain below 350F. By the time the heat exits the chimney the temperature has dropped to 350. This fireplace is virtually creosote free and nearly smokeless! Low Emissions: Washington State Certified of .99 grams/ hr. EPA exempted. Creosote Free: Because of intense firebox temperatures most of the materials that cause creosote are completely consumed. Safe: There is no worry of
chimney fires because there is no creosote. The fire burns out quickly (l-2 hrs.) so you do not have to go to bed or leave your home with a fire burning. Masonry surfaces never get hot enough to burn you. Convenient: You only have to build one or two fires per day to keep your house warm and comfortable. All fireplaces are custom designed so call for more information. electric thermal storage unit. These units contain high density bricks which are heated during these off peak hours and store heat for later use when heat is required by the room thermostat. During the day a small quiet fan furnishes heat to the room from the storage unit. Units are rated in kW and are all 230 V AC units. All units require a 220 V AC plug. You may want to consider putting your excess wind or solar power into one of these units! Many size units are available to choose from.
Thermal Electric Storage

What is thermal electric storage? It is a clean, safe, comfortable, and reliable method of heating your home, office or business by taking advantage of off-peak electric rates by electric utilities. These off- peak hours are the times during the day when utility companies have surplus electric available. Because of this surplus the electric companies charge less during that time of day (usually hours between 6 PM and 8 AM) and you can take advantage of it with an
ST-212S Elec. Thermal Storage 2.4 kW $895.00
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Cooling Your Structure

First, one needs to realize that cooling is not normally needed in a UtilityFree home because it is so well insulated, keeps heat out by blocking the sun's rays before it ever gets inside your building (thus never needing to remove the heat in the first place) and uses architectural design to achieve natural cooling. Second, solar energy is the perfect match for mechanical cooling because cooling is needed when the sun shines the most, right? There are two methods of cooling a home or business marketed in North America. One is vapor compression that can release ozone layer depleting compounds and the second is water evaporation that uses water and airflow to create a cooling effect. Vapor compression (heat pumps and standard air conditioning) re circulates stale air in homes and creates low humidity (15-35% relative humidity) and evaporation "wet" cooling creates high humidity (75-95%). Current systems that rely on wet cooling are either the traditional evaporative coolers (swamp coolers) or newer two-stage indirect/ direct air coolers (IDACs). In humid climates people generally use typical "air conditioners" either whole house or window types to cool there living spaces. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to operate a typical air conditioner and therefore, in places of the country where cooling is more prevalent than heating, electric costs are about twice the national average. Traditional air conditioning is rather unhealthy as the structure is closed up tight and the same air is circulated over and over again. We do not sell or promote the use of traditional air conditioning units as they are simply energy hogs no matter how you size them up (except for our Space Pak units). For example a one ton room AC unit (a "ton" is 12,000 Btus) with a SEER rating of 12 power consumption is about 1,000 watts. This is a very small unit and would be designed to take care of just one room in your house. This alone would use about 360 kWh a month! The other type of cooling device For more information on these coolers click here. The great thing about evaporative coolers is that they have power requirements that easily match the output of one or two solar electric modules! No need for a power company and should the power fail during the hottest period of the day then your solar powered cooling system does not miss a heartbeat! These are very effective in most areas of the west and southwest. They use about 2/3 less energy than your typical compressor type air conditioner. For example a one ton (12,000 Btu) air conditioner may use 1,000 watts where the same evaporative cooler may use 300 watts to do the same thing! So if you have to cool your house down then first look at an evaporative cooler. Then look at our Space Pak conventional air conditioner as that is the most efficient central AC on the market that we know of. But if you have to cool your house that much, you need to do other preventative measures that will keep your house cool without the need for mechanical cooling of any type. The best cooling is natural cooling where you allow trees to provide shade and the power of insulation to work in your favor.
used in lower humidity climates where humidity is normally below 50% is called an "evaporative cooler" or commonly know as a swamp cooler simply because it adds humidity to your environment instead of remove it from your environment! In recent years there has been a breakthrough in evaporative coolers called two stage evaporative cooler.
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side of unit. Can be installed with a conventional outdoor condensing unit as long as capacity and refrigerant line connections meet Space-pak recommendations. Shipped with Nitrogen holding charge. Energy Efficient with Better Humidity Control Space-Paks exclusive coil design removes up to 30% more moisture from the air than conventional air conditioning systems. to ceiling. Quiet Comfort Small 2" diameter outlets can be installed in ceilings, walls or floors Can be painted or wallpapered to match surroundings 2" diameter flexible tubing can be threaded through closets or between wall studs or ceiling joists Cools by aspiration for quiet, uniform air circulation from floor to ceiling Removes up to 30% more moisture than conventional systems Provides greater comfort at higher, more efficient thermostat settings Fast, easy installation Accepts a variety of air cleaning devices for improved air quality Over 25 years of successful installations Consume large amounts of storage space Can require major remodeling to install and hide less effective humidity
Traditional Central Ductwork Systems
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM 2 T0 5 Tons Space-Pak makes it possible to install central cooling in any home or small business, regardless of structural design, age, size or type of construction. Space-Pak is an air distribution system which uses a principle known as aspiration - as the air stream enters the room, it creates a gentle mixing of air in the room to provide thorough,comfortable draftfree air circulation. Space-Pak eliminates stratification with a minimum floor-to-ceiling temperature difference.
Ideal Application Flexibility
Can be located nearly anywhere attics (fits up through 1"-on-center ceiling joist), basements, crawlspaces and garages.
Standard Fan Coil Features
Corrosion resistant Galvanneal steel cabinet with baked enamel finish. Fully insulated with 1-1/2" Ib. density bat. Six-row copper tube-aluminum fin evaporator coil removes up to 30% more humidity than conventional coil. Blower motor is factory-balanced for vibration-free operation. Condensate drain connection in base pan for specially-designed, factory-supplied drain assembly. Factory-assembled, pre-wired control center with high and low voltage terminal blocks, blower relay and low voltage transformer. Factory-installed anti-frost control and thermal expansion valve. Optional factory-installed drain pan float switch. Sweat type suction/liquid line connections. All Connections located on same
Because the humidity level is lower, you will feel cool and comfortable at a higher, more energy-efficient thermostat setting. Based on U.S. Department of Energy efficiency ratings, Space-Pak carries a 10+ S.E.E.R. (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) with some models exceeding 11.2.
Draftless Cooling
control Require lower thermostat settings for comfortable cooling Large, unattractive supply vents blemish room decor
Space-Pak cools your rooms using the aspiration principle. A high velocity air stream gently mixes with the air in the room to provide uniform, draft-free cooling. This process eliminates hot and cold layers by keeping the air evenly and comfortably distributed from floor
Room ABA conditioners Unsightly appearance inside and outside home Noisy, drafty operation Cools only one area at a time; requires several units to cool entire home Sweats, drips on outside walls
Each system is custom engineered to your structure. Contact us for a Space Pak specialist
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Exhaust Your Hot Attic Air

Do you realize the hottest part of your house in the summer is your attic? Have you ever had to go into your attic in the summer for one reason or another? If you have then you know how hot it can get! We try to avoid solutions like AC attic fans because they consume energy from your utility company, but in the case of the overheated attic we are presented with an opportunity to convert the problem into its own solution: by placing a solar electric module in the sunniest spot on the roof and using its output to drive the attic fan! Our objections to active systems usually center on the complicated control equipment, probes, thermostats, etc. that tell the fan what to do and when, but the beauty of the solar electric-direct attic fan system is that the energy source is perfectly linked to the need: the attic overheats most when the sun shines most brightly. By harnessing the sun to spin the fan, we use the problem to generate its own solution. More things should be this easy or as they say in some circles a "no - brainer"! The attic temperatures can reach 140 F or more on a hot summer day in most areas of the country, more when you have a darker colored roof. The beauty of solar electric powered attic fans is that not only do they increase your summer electric bill but also they are far cheaper to install and operate!
Courtesy of Solar Electric Supply
Solar Powered Attic Fans

SOLAR STAR SOLAR PANEL Advanced 10-watt proprietary photovoltaic Solar Star solar panel High-impact resistant panel provides protection from hail, wind and foreign object damage 15' (4.5m) cable for convenient placement Solar panel is 11 x 17 x 1 Fan housing is 16 x 16 and meant to fit on 16 on center studs Fan is 12 diameter MOTOR Proprietary high-performance, long-lasting motor 1 to 38 volt direct current operation Double-shielded ball bearings Replaceable copper graphite brushes standard Precision manufactured to industry standard ISO 9001 certifications Whisper quiet Fan Blade 5-wing, aluminum fan blade designed for high CFM output
ST-FANLP SolarStar Low Profile $449.00 ST-FANHP SolarStar High Profile $449.00 FAN BLADE 5-wing, aluminum fan blade designed for high CFM output ST-FANPR SolarStar Pitched Roof $449.00 Designed to reduce noise while increasing performance and reliability ST-FANGF SolarStar Gable W/10 W Solar Modules $449.00
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shielded ball bearings Manufactured to industry standard ISO 9001 certifications Whisper quiet FAN BLADE 5-wing, polymeric fan blade designed for high CFM output and low noise Proprietary canted fan blade increases airflow Lightweight design reduces motor resistance for increased performance and reliability Corrosion resistant SOLAR STAR SOLAR PANEL Advanced 10-watt proprietary photovoltaic Solar Star solar panel High-impact resistant panel provides protection from hail, wind and foreign object damage MOTOR Proprietary high-performance, long lasting motor 1 to 38 volt direct current operation Brushless motor with doubleHOUSING and FLASHING Galvanized black powder coated steel housing Non-corrosive polymeric vent screen Seamless one piece steel flashings ensure fast, hassle-free installations on virtually any roof type and pitch. All flashings are designed to work on flat as well as pitched roofs. WARRANTY 5 year warranty on solar panel
and motor 10 year warranty on all other components Solar Star's "plug and play" technology means easy hook-up to any of Solar Star's Roof Mount Vents. Installs in under 30 minutes. Polymeric housing means long lasting performance in all weather conditions. High-impact resistant panel provides protection from hail, wind and foreign object damage. Costs nothing to operate.
See page 33 for pricing
Heat and moisture are your attic's worst enemies During hot summer months The temperature in your attic can exceed 160. Small, passive roof vents are often woefully inadequate at dissipating this heat. The attic acts like a giant radiator, passing excess heat back into your living spaces and driving temperatures and cooling costs through the roof. During cold winter months The heat trapped in your attic can melt the snow that accumulates on your roof. As the water trickles down, it refreezes at the cooler eaves, leading to destructive and costly ice damming. And all year long Trapped moisture wreaks its own brand of havoc. Everyday activities such as showering and cooking produce water vapor that migrates into the attic. This moisture promotes the growth of mold and mildew and, if it saturates your insulation, can lead to fungal decay and destruction of your roof frame.
SR-FANAF Sunrise Solar Attic Fan $359.00
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Solar Powered Evaporative Cooling We carry two different solar evaporative coolers. The TurboCool and the Solar Chill. The TurboCool is the Recair 18A2 model reinvented and runs hot dry summer air into a refreshing indoor climate, while filtering out dust and pollutants. It can cool up to 750 square feet, using only one 53 watt solar module, linear current booster and 2 gallons of water per day to cool and clean the air. The Solar Chill comes in 12V, 24V and 120V AC. If you do not choose to operate the Solar Chill on DC, the most efficient AC model is the Solar Chill. to moist air, and the TurboKOOL unit is maintenance FREE, with only one moving part.
BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Solar Powered (DC) Evaporative Cooling
The TurboKOOL is a rustresistant feature-packed unit fits all standard 14" x 14" RV roof vent openings. Individually adjustable louvres distribute the cool air where you direct it. The TurboKOOLs three-speed, exceptionally quiet, air cooled reversible motor allows the TurboKOOL unit to also be used as an exhaust fan. This unit delivers up to 750 CFM of cool, clean air while only drawing 4.6 amps. For longer life, the motor is cooled by dry air. The non-organic industrial foam filter provides cooling and filtration without bacterial growth or foul odors. Spraying water over the entire surface of the filter ensures maximum COOLING and FILTERING efficiency. The bearings and motor are never exposed
Unit with solar module
This unit is installed with simple hand tools and connected to a garden hose or a separately available pressure tank. Conventional compressor type air conditioners recirculate the same stale air within your house. Our evaporative coolers use outside air filters and filters out any impurities such as pollen or dust, while adding moisture to the house giving
you more healthy, cool indoor air. Installed with a solar module, it will cool when it is needed most. As the morning sun strikes the solar module, it goes to work cooling your house. As the dry air is forced through the wet filter by the fan, the water is evaporated, which cools the outgoing air. The drier the air, the greater the temperature drop. The only drawback is that it will not work efficiently where relative humidity exceeds 75%. Unit is adequate for cooling a 16' x 20' room. The TurboKOOLhas a patented spraymaker pump which sprays water against the inside of the cylindrical foam filter element.
RE-54201 12 VDC Cooler only $495 RE-54211 12VDCS Cooler W/ 53 watt Solar Module and LCB $895
Solar DC powered Evaporative Coolers
Solar Chill
These DC powered evaporated coolers are just the ticket for those HOT summer days if you live where the humidity is relatively low (<50%) during the summer months. Keep cool using no electricity from the grid! Comes without DC power source.
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Solar Powered (DC) Evaporative Cooling

At the same time, warm air is forced out through open windows, doors or vents. Dust, smoke, pollen and other pollutants are forced out as well - even dangerous radon gas! They come fully assembled and ready to install. They require no ductwork, and there is no tunnel to attach or wiring to connect. You simply mount it in a window, connect a water supply line and plug it in! All units 115 V AC.
Two-Stage Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative cooling has made a major leap forward with the introduction of a two-stage model specially designed for residential applications. Called Smart Cool, this unit can match the cooling capacity of a threeton air conditioner (in a well-insulated house), but uses only 20 percent of the energy. A typical three-ton refrigerant air conditioner has an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 10-12, while the Smart Cool boasts an EER ranging from 26 to 56. And, it has a peak power demand of only 400 Watts compared to about 3,000W for a three-ton air conditioner. Smart Cool uses only fresh air and water, no CFCs, HCFCs or refrigerants of any kind. Two-stage evaporative cooling provides air that is cooler than either a direct or indirect single-stage system can provide individually. In many cases, these two-stage systems provide better comfort than a compressor-based system, because they maintain a more favorable indoor humidity range. Two-stage systems place an indirect cooling section on the upstream side of a direct cooling stage. The first stage cools without adding moisture. Primary air leaving the first stage can be directly evaporatively cooled to a lower temperature than is possible with direct cooling alone, with less moisture addition. The indirect stage can use either an evaporative heat exchange approach or a tower/coil approach, which connects a cooling tower to a finned cooling coil in the supply air ahead of the direct stage. Evaporative cooling systems use the cooling effect of evaporation to condition air, water, or both. A singlestage evaporative cooler, often called a "swamp cooler," cools air by pulling warm, dry air through a water-soaked pad. The water thereby cooling the air and evaporating the water in the air system absorbs heat in the air. Sometimes, the indoor air can pick up too much humidity from the evaporative cooler and cause discomfort inside the conditioned space. An advanced two-stage evaporative cooler uses 100 percent outdoor air and a variable speed blower to circulate cool air. Direct and indirect evaporative coolers can reduce energy consumption It's also quieter than any other system. 60 - 75 percent improvement over conventional air conditioning systems according to American Society of Heating and Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE). Yet this relative improvement depends on location and application. For example homes using a 2.5 - 3.0 ton conventional air conditioners in the Sacramento area of California were refitted with two-stage evaporative coolers. One manufacturer reports that the system uses about 3,000 to 6,000 gallons of water per year. Using one the most expensive California water rates from another locale, Santa Barbara, water costs are less than $16 to $32 per year respectively, using $3.92 FineAire per hundred cubic feet rates.
Call for pricing
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BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV's) Products

A well-sealed structure with the correct type of insulation (closed cell) creates an almost airtight envelope. This type of building structure is commonly referred to as a superinsulated home. Most often a common need in a "superinsulated home" is a mechanical method used to insure acceptable indoor air quality. This is frequently accomplished by the proper installation and operation of a ventilation system appropriately sized for the building. There are two kinds of ventilation systems in use today: The first type is an air to air heat exchanger. These units bring in fresh air from the outside to a box located inside your home and exchange the inside stale air for the outside fresh air. The tempered fresh air is distributed throughout the house via conventional duct work as the stale air is exhausted. LIFEBREATH and VanEE are examples of this type of unit. The other type of ventilation system is called an exhaust only system. These concentrate on simply exhausting stale air out of the house while bringing in fresh air through small vents. In this type of system, the air draws in outside air very slowly. This system will use less energy than an air to air heat exchanger because it is simpler and moves less air at a slower rate. Both systems use very little energy, about the same cost as operating a 100 watt light bulb or less. The actual energy consumption depends on the hours that the unit runs. It is generally agreed that an exchange rate of O.5 air changes per hour is adequate to control relative humidity and indoor pollutants. These types of systems meet this requirement. UtilityFree homes require only 20% or less backup heat compared to similar-sized traditional homes with R-19 walls and R-30 ceilings. Central warm air or hydronic heating systems are rarely used in superinsulated homes. Such homes typically only need approximately 2O' feet of electric baseboard heat! A small heater may be all the heat you need for the whole house! In a UtilityFree home there is no need for added thermal mass, no Trombe wall, no ugly water-filled drums, no noisy central furnace or boiler, no large south-window area. The amount of direct gain passive solar heating is modest, if needed at all. No big added expenses! The costs of the extra insulation and extra care in construction are largely offset by the savings from eliminating the large areas of Thermopane windows, expensive thermal shutters, furnace, or big heat distribution system. The contribution from intrinsic heat (light bulbs, computers, human bodies, refrigerators, etc.) can be of great value in a superinsulated home. In the summer the house will stay cool automatically, especially if windows are opened each night. Additionally, with proper design, the south rooms will stay cool, too. The areas of south windows are small and, in summer, these windows are shaded by wide eaves. A UtilityFree house does not need a great deal of solar radiation, it can perform well in urban sites and in moderately wooded areas.
Air to Air heat exchanger
Exhaust type air exchanger
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RecoupAerator Heat Exchanger These window units are some of the world's most advanced heat exchangers. Even though this is a light weight system, it has a great compact design and quiet operation. This superefficient Recoup Aerator unit recovers 90% or more of the indoor temperature. For example, if it's a bitter 15F outside and 70F inside, fresh incoming air from the Recoup Aerator will be 64.5F. On a sweltering 95F day, your unit will bring in fresh air at 72.5F, when it's 70F inside.
ST-SW115 RecoupAerator $495
LIFEBREATH products are manufactured in Canada. These units have a patented heat exchange core made out of aluminum. This allows a very high efficiency of up to 94% of the heat energy recovered form the exhaust air before it leaves the building. Air filters in both the inlet and outlet are easy to clean. An optional remote dehumidistat can be added at any time. These systems can also handle short term high speed loads.
There are many models to choose from. Prices start at $1,170. Commercial models are available.
The VanEE air-to-air exchangers use a polypropylene core which have a lifetime warranty. No corrosion with plastic. Power disconnects automatically when access door is opened. All seams sealed with silicone to avoid moisture and dirt accumulation. This air to air exchanger was the first one on the market.
The ALDES VMP-K systems are imported from France. These systems bring fresh air from the outside into the bedrooms, dining room, bathrooms and living room through discrete self-regulating air inlets. This way you can ventilate only the rooms in the house with air quality problems. Consists of the following features: A fan and 2 hour timer Exhaust outlet grille and sleeve for the kitchen Exhaust outlet grilles and corresponding sleeves for the bathrooms Noise absorbing duct work Sound attenuators for placing in the bathroom and powder room if necessary A cowl for exhausting stale air
The new THH 1.0 True HEPA Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system is setting the standard in the industry as the very first HRV system incorporating true HEPA filtration right into the unit ! Many different models to choose from. Prices start at $1,400. We also sell through-the-wall and ceiling heat recovery systems. Contact us for more information on these units.
ALDES VMP-K prices start at $1,200
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New Construction Design Services
BeUtilityFree specializes in assisting its customers to make intelligent energy decisions when seeking cost-effective energy-efficient alternatives for their project needs. We system integrate each project so as to optimize our customers desire to become as energy efficient as possible. Our goal is to help our customers actually become energy independent: become an energy producer rather than an energy consumer - thus being truly energy independent! Energy independence is a relative term and can be viewed as an ultimate end. It is our desire and passion to help people work toward the ultimate end of being UtilityFree. We provide the three basic design services you see below. A retainer deposit of $2000 sent with your building plans gets the ball rolling and gets you on your way to energy savings! That $2000 will then be applied to any system we build for you. I. Building Envelope Design Assistance This service includes a review of preliminary design information with recommendations provided for optimum energy design including material, process and/or architectural specific products and methods, as well as corresponding cost/benefit data. You provide: 1. House plans submitted by you or your architect. 2. How independent you want to be: i.e. just be as energy efficient as possible or be totally energy independent. We provide: 1. Building energy load calculation (heat loss calculations) 2. Cost/Benefit Summary. 3. Summary of Recommendations pertaining to your building envelope. As part of this process, and in order to provide accurate cost/benefit data, the building is thermally modeled to determine the amount of energy that would be gained and/or lost and, ultimately, how much energy would be required to heat, cool and/or ventilate the building. Once the envelope data has been input into our computer, we can come up with the optimum mix of measures that will satisfy your overall design criteria. Using the results of this effort, the space conditioning system(s) can be properly sized and formalized into a detailed design. Optional services offered in exchange for fees include: 1. Generating a Formal Mechanical System Blueprint Set - sometimes required for building departments or finance institutions. 2. Generating a Mechanical Bid Submittal Package - often desired to submit to prospective contractors so that applesto-apples quotes are received back by the owner, minimizing selection criteria and associated hassles. 3. Project installation, management or field supervision - sometimes required if installing contractor has a lack of experience with energy-efficiency or renewable energy features, or may simply be desired to assure installation proceeds as designed. II. Electrical Systems Design Assistance Services provided in this area include assisting the customer with the selection of appropriate energy-efficient equipment which will satisfy their overall design criteria. By exposing the customer to proven, leadingedge technologies and their associated costs, the customer can make informed decisions as to how they wish to perform specific tasks or processes. This includes lighting equipment, water supply, heating/cooling equipment and appliances. The end result of this effort is that the customer receives invaluable design assistance and information which will yield very attractive eco-
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nomic returns fo many years to come. Most of the assistance provided in this area would come under the consulting category in our fee schedule. Specific Services provided in exchange for fees include: 1. Lighting/Daylighting design for specific levels of illumination. 2. Water supply, waste, greywater reclamation and heating system design. 3. Process management, control and data acquisition systems design. III. Power Generation Systems Design The area of power generation supply should be the final phase of a buildings overall design effort. Knowing all the energy consumption requirements of the proposed structure or system, the power supply system can then be appropriately designed. For this phase we provide the customer with a load sheet form that they complete. It provides us with your energy consuming lifestyle information. Combining this information with the previously determined building energy requirements, a power supply system design can then be initiated. Once the preliminary design is completed, costs for the power generating system are generated and provided to the customer for review. If the design is acceptable as quoted, then the final design is compiled for the customer into a comprehensive Power Generation System Design Package which includes your load analysis, one-line schematic of your system, and summary information concerning your systems expected performance. If the design is not acceptable as quoted, then up to two reiterations on an acceptable design can be performed for the customer at no additional charge. This design fee is credited to your purchase of a renewable energy system if all components are purchased from BeUtilityFree, Inc. Specific Power Generation System Design Services include: 1. Detailed Power Generation System Design Package IV. Solar Thermal Design We can design any type of solar thermal system from a simple domestic hot water system to a complex commercial solar hot water system. We can also design solar radiant floor heating systems with tank or tankless backups. We like to design systems using tankless hot water systems as a system backup or a backup that uses heat off a cogeneration system that is fueled by renewable Biodiesel or Ethanol. Summary and Warranty Information All work performed for our customers is done interactively and with continual input from the customer to avoid miscommunications. It is our foremost goal to provide unmatched service in both ease of execution and in quality of systems designed. All of our work is unconditionally warranted to achieve the results specified if installed and operated as designed. We have a fee structure which we can fax, email, or mail to you.
Building-Integrated Solar Electric
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Introduction
There are many reasons why we should all be concerned with the efficient use of water. First, moving water from its point of origin requires energy (a gravity feed system that delivers enough pressure and water has zero energy use, but most of us are not so lucky.) If you are hooked to a city water system, you still use energy, but you don't see it as easily as if you had your own water system. With your own water system from a well or unpressurized cistern, you have to pressurize your water and move it to all areas of the house. The less water you use, the less energy is used, requiring smaller power generating equipment and saving you
WATER SYSTEMS
For existing homeowners we suggest changing out your toilet to an ultra low flush toilet which uses 1-1.6 gallons per flush. These toilets really do work because they are specifically engineered to operate on 1.6 gallons or less. Rather than wasting lots of water, they use a forceful pulse of water to complete each flush quickly. If you are building new, we suggest you seriously consider a flushless toilet (composting toilet). They require no water, septic, or plumbing but require alittle more space. They work just like a compost pile, but the organic material is in a container. They also reduce water consumption by 28% and provide the user with high quality fertilizer (See page 41-,43). The flushless toilet can cost less than a septic system with a leach field. If you live more than 400 feet from a septic line, then you can legally install one. The only perceived problems of composting toilets are odor problems and "feeding them" organic matter to maintain a chemical balance. The odor is easily controlled with a solar electric powered venting system. The "feeding" process is solved with food scraps and plant matter found locally. If you choose a flushless toilet you must still deal with your "greywater," or water that is used for washing clothes and bathing. This water can be used for irrigation, flushing toilets (filter first) or watering your greenhouse plants. A complete recycling greywater system including tanks, filters, and pumps costs about $600-$800 dollars. Using a greywater system can reduce your indoor water use
Source: "Water Efficiency for Your Home" The Rocky Mountain Institute
shower head before the hot water runs out! By using a low flush toilet, your water bill will decrease. By using less water, your city's sewage treatment plant avoids an upgrade, costSample Water Bill ing many millions of dollars. If you are using quality water fixtures, you may be able to downsize your hot water heater from a 50 gallon to a 30 gallon, thus saving you money you may have Sewage charges are based on the amount of water you use. never thought The less water used, the less the water bill will be. about. money. If you are hooked up to a The biggest water waster in any city water system, using less water home is the flush toilet. Most cursimply reduces your water bill, rent building codes require a 3.5 saving you money. gallon flush toilet. If your house Second, by using quality water was built more than 10 years ago, fixtures such as low-flow shower then you probably, have a 5 gallon heads, your water will go much flush toilet. farther. Twice as many people as can take showers with a low-flow
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by about 35% or more. Water not consumed can save a dam from being built, destruction of wetlands, or one of your favorite rafting rivers from disappearing. Water not heated with your own power requires a smaller energy system. If you use renewable energy there will be less fuel imported and less carbon released into the air. Saving water-by any means-helps preserve our environment. A well-designed rainwater collection system, once common in the USA, can supply a significant amount of water even in dry regions. A 1,000 square foot roof can provide about 15,000 gallons of runoff per year in the Colorado Rocky Mountain area. At 150 gallons of water a day, that water would last 100 days or provide more than 1/4 of your water free for the year.
The conventional shower head uses 6-10 gallons of water a minute. Our low-flow shower heads use 1-2.5 gallons per minute. Annual savings can result in up to 15,000 gallons of water per person and up to 70% of your hot water heating bill.
Low-Flow Shower Heads
Teledynes newest shower head incorporates a SmartFlow controller that delivers a steady stream of water even if the pressure fluctuates. It uses only 2.5 gallons of water per minute, compared with five or eight gallons for usual shower heads. A pause setting further reduces the flow of water to less than one gallon per minute.
TE-534 Teledyne $29
Spa 2000 is made from Delrin plastic. It never clogs as do other shower heads with disc type flow reducers. It has a lifetime non-clogging guarantee because it has a venturi single orifice design. Gives a pulsating shower. Flow rate 1.5-2.5 gpm with adjustable fingertip control on the Marathon unit.
Source: "Water Efficiency for Your Home" The Rocky Mountain Institute ET-324 Marathon ET-321D Standard $25 $15
Use of any of the water fixtures we offer not only provides service equal to or superior to their old, inefficient counterparts, but are an excellent investment. For example; a $20 shower head typically returns $20-$30 savings per year for a family of three. Then double or triple those savings if you heat your water with electricity! Why put your money in a savings account? $20 deposited in a savings account, at current rates, would earn you about 60 in a year. Use of any of our water fixtures does not mean sacrificing the quality of your life, changing your lifestyle or sacrificing your comfort level. In many cases, our customers find it actually enhances the quality of their lives. They haveg more cash than before and they're proud that they are doing their part to help preserve our water for future generations. Fresh water, like other natural resources, should be used wisely.
We stock two solid brass low-flow shower heads. The Deluxe has been on the market for over 15 years. It has a small brass disc with small holes and comes standard with a built-in on /off button for further savings. At 40 psi, it delivers 1.8 - 2.4 gpm. The second shower head is also made from solid brass, but doesn't have a brass disc in it that could clog from unfiltered water. The Ultra shower head only uses 1 gallon a minute, but works just like the 1.8 to 2.4 gallon shower heads. Deluxe low-flow shown.
RC-104 Shower Head 1.8-2.4 GPM $11.95 RC-105 Shower Head 1.0 GPM $14.95
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Ultra Low-Flow and Energy Saving Fixtures
Make Kitchen Sink Cleaning Easier Than Ever ... And Save Water! Attach Spraydius to your kitchen sink and let its 360 double-swivel neck direct a powerful spray or non-splash stream to every corner of the sink ... at only two gallons per minute! Save 5 to 10 gallons of water per day without pressure loss. Simply screw onto any faucet.
SA-5532 Kitchen Spraydius $12
TURBOFLUSH This toilet uses the pressure of your existing water supply - not gravity - to deliver a superior flush. The heart is the flush-o-meter tank, a captive air tank. Water entering the plastic flush-ometer tank under system pressure compresses entrapped air, "turbo-charging" it. It offers a true one flush. When flushing, the air reacts like a tightly-wound spring, surging the water out of the tank at high velocity. The bowl is emptied in less than 4 seconds! Has no ballcocks and flappers to leak. Only 2 moving parts inside the tank which seal with a force 40 times greater than any tank flapper. Average "carry out distance" of flush is the same as conventional toilets, yet this toilet uses only 6 quarts of water to flush! Having seen these work at DisneyWorld Hotel in Orlando, Florida we were very impressed!
SL-4700 Turboflush Toilet White $339
Everything You Wanted To Know About Your Water System!

If you have a well system or are going to be making a move to the country where you should have your own water supply, then this book should be in your library. Lots of illustrations and photos.
CG-8826 The Home Water Supply $18.95
The PHOENIX Composting Toilet This company has been designing, manufacturing and selling composting toilets since 1976. The Phoenix became commercially available in 1986 and incorporated the improvements and innovations we desired in a new generation of composting toilets such as easier installation, more efficient process and easier maintenance. BeUtilityFree used one of these toilets in our old office location for three years and we can say it produces some great compost! Comes complete with toilet seat, fan, exhaust vent, liquid pump and installation instructions. Includes a toilet, 3' chute, vent system with 25' of flex hose ,12V fan (24V available), liquid spray system, compost rake and bin. Up to three toilets can be accommodated by the tank. Additional chutes can be ordered for toilets on upper stories. A food waste inlet is optionally available for kitchen food scraps (why spend money on an electric garbage disposal?)
AC-R199-500 Phoenix Cabin System
AC-R200-500 Phoenix Residential System
$3,995
$3,495
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Flushless Toilets
What does the Clivus Multrum give you? A return on your investment that will do the Earth a lot of good: excrement and urine (what we now call human waste) are converted into a useful product instead of a problem. This product comes in two forms: compost, which is a stable, rich humus resembling the best garden soil, and compost tea, a balanced high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer. Both are odorless, safe, and ready to use. Put the compost in flowerbeds, around trees and shrubs. Dilute the compost tea and fertilize nitrogen-loving plants such as lawns, trees and flowers. The Clivus composting process has proven itself throughout the world in thousands of installations since 1939. Customers include the US, Canadian, UK, Australian, Korean, and Swedish governments, as well as thousands of satisfied homeowners in over 15 countries. Clivus offers a complete range of composters - from the compact cottage unit to the largest capacity system that can handle over 65,000 uses per year. All our compost tanks are made of 100% recycled and recyclable plastic and all are compatible with waterless and ultra-low flush toilets. All are true composters and all have built-in liquid fertilizer-storage directly under the compost processor. The liquid storage chamber has a convenient port equipped with an electric or manual pump for yearly removal and use of this high-quality fertilizer. Greywater Irrigation as treatment of bath, dish and laundry water has successfully been practiced for over fifteen years. Yet it is a new method as far as the regulatory agencies are concerned. The principle is that greywater is injected into fertile soil for immediate treatment, only preceded by rough filtration to remove fibers and large particles. As the water never turns anaerobic, the problems associated with septic conditions are avoided. The organic content in the water is used as fertilizer in the irrigation process; thus it is no longer a problem to get rid of. Please call for more information concerning a greywater system for your needs. Each has to be sized accordingly. The Clivus Multrum Package includes: Composter Liquid fertilizer storage tank Ventilation system Compost moistening system Starter bed Toilet chute Toilets (waterless or foam) All hardware for Installation Installation manual Multrum composting worms Multrum bacteria Multrum cleaner CI-M1W Multrum 1 Toilet CI-M2W Multrum 2 Toilet $2,495 $2,995 The Multrum 1
Other options and accessaries available Total Clivus Multrum home system
The Multrum 2
AC-AP Phoenix Food Port $89
All units have one waterless toilet included.
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Sun -Mar has been manufacturing composting toilets since 1976. These toilets have been approved by the Canadian government and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF in the U.S.) and are slowly being accepted by local sanitation authorities. The heart of the Sun -Mar toilet lies in the "Bio-Drum" composting principle. Human waste, peat moss, and kitchen scraps are all introduced into the toilet; heat and aerobic (oxygen breathing) bacteria transform this mixture into safe, sterilized soil. All the owner sneeds to do is turn the drum periodically, Centrex maintaining aerobic composting. Freezing temperatures are not a problem, however, composting action decreases as the temperature drops. Extended winter use requires that the toilet be kept at a minimum of about 60F (15C). Compost is removed one to four times per year, depending on use. All Sun-Mar toilets require maintenance. A cup of peat moss per person per day plus, if available, some other organic material such as vegetable cuttings, greens or old bread. If the toilet is used continuously, once every third
Excel
Compact
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Ecolet
day the compost needs to be mixed and aerated. This is done by turning the handle a few times. Sun-Mar makes AC/DC and Non-Electric (N.E.) models. AC models use a thermostatically controlled heating element in the floor to speed evaporation and composting action, running on AC from your backup generator or inverter when electric is available (heating element). The DC part is an optional 12 volt DC fan. Non-Electric models are great for off-grid people who don't want the expense or the worry of another "load" to operate. N.E. unit vents must rise vertically without bends. However, we recommend a vent fan running 24 hours on all units while in service. This draws air through the unit speeding up the composting process and never leaves an "odor" in your bathroom. Electricity to the fan can be supplied by either AC or DC (about 2 watt fan). All Sun-Mar toilets come with a full 2 year warranty, do-it-yourself installation manual and vent stack. Minor assembly is required.
SM-VID Sun Mar Video $19.95 (refundable with purchase of any of the Sun Mar toilets)
Incinerator Toilet
This toilet has no odor or septic tank hookup and uses no electricity or water! The Storburn is great for places where local building codes prohibit use of a composting toilet, or where freezing temperatures do not let the natural composting process work. It handles up to 8 people, full time, in any season. Propane or natural gas. Use up to 60 times per burn. Can be placed indoors or out. 18" W x 53.5" H x 31.25" D.
ST-601P Incinerator Toilet Propane ST-602N Incinerator Toilet Natural Gas ST-603 Vent Kit ST-604 Mobile Building Vent ST-605 Anti Foam Pack $2189 $2189 $199 $169 $19
BioLet Composting Toilet

This composting toilet is made in Sweden. It offers excellent performance and reasonable cost in a very compact design. Features: The seat is 21" off the floor The compost chamber is hidden from view until you sit. The compost process works from top to bottom. A sight tube at the bottom shows you at a glance if there is any liquid buildup in the compost tray. One-piece cassette contains all mechanical parts and mounts at the top of the composter for easy servicing.
BI-XLE Biolet Electric Model EL BI-MAN Biolet Manual EL $1559 $1159
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Greywater Systems
Clivus Multrum Greywater System What Is Greywater? Greywater is used wash water. That is, bath, dish, and laundry water - anything excluding toilet wastes. When dealt with properly, it is a valuable resource for growing plants of all types. We do not recommend using greywater for growing and eating root vegetables unless it is filtered properly.
Create An Oasis In Your Yard With Greywater!
We have found this small book to be the best resource on greywater we have ever seen. Their 5th edition incorporates considerable experience gained from California's long-term drought. This concise book is long enough to cover everything yet short enough to be readable. It is filled with many charts, drawings, health considerations, sources, current designs, what works and what doesn't (very important), which biodegradable cleaners to use, how to preserve soil quality and much more. There is also an extensive bibliography. 2006. 50 pages.
BK-803 Create an Oasis with Graywater $14.95
Typical Configuration - Greywater Filter and Soilbed Injection
Clivus Multrum, a Swedish company, is the world leader in composting toilets. Over the years they have done more work than any other company on the use of greywater. They have been practicing and refining greywater irrigation as treatment of bath, dish and laundry water for over ten years, yet it is a new method as far as regulatory agencies are concerned. The Clivus principle is that greywater is injected into fertile soil for immediate treatment, only preceded by rough filtration to remove fibers and large particles. Problems associated with "septic" conditions are avoided and the organic content in the water is used as fertilizer in the irrigation process; thus it is no longer "a problem to get rid of."
CL-G506 Clivus Filter Tank $495
Building Professional's Greywater Guide This makes your life a bit easier when dealing with your local building inspector. It includes legalrequirements, checklists, tips for passing inspections, design and maintenance tips, and the complete greywater code for California with helpful annotations. This should be on your book shelf if you are making a greywater system in California (or any state, for that matter). 5 pages
BK-804 Building Professional Guide $14.95
Earthstar Greywater Systems This system is simple, with automatic operation. When greywater reaches a certain level in the 55 gallon tank, a float switch starts a 5-minute backwash cleaning process to keep everything in top shape. And you dont even have to get your hands wet! Comes complete with everything you need to install. Color-coded components make easy assembly in less than an hour. 12 gallon tank good for tight spaces. Lead time 8-10 weeks.
ES-ES55GA-155 Earthstar Greywater 55 Gallon $1,195 ES-ES12GA-100 Earthstar Greywater 12Gallon $1,095
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Solar Water Pumping Introduction
Solar Water Pumping . . . Solar pumps (run from solar electricity) provide a welcome alternative to fuel-burning engines, cumbersome windmills, and hand pumps. Over 30,000 solar pumps are working throughout the world for homes, villages, livestock and irrigation.
These [solar] pumps are really tough. Ours has run for 4 years now. We live some 80 miles from the nearest utility. J.M....., May Creek, Alaska
Benefits of Solar Pumping Solar pumps require no fuel! They are quiet, pollution-free, and require very little maintenance. Solar pumps produce best during dry sunny weather when the need for water is greatest. How It Works Conventional water pumps require steady AC voltage that utility lines or generators supply. Solar pumps utilize DC electric power from the sun, that varies with the intensity of the sunshine. They are designed to work effectively during low light conditions at reduced voltage, without stalling or overheating. Many solar pumping systems use a positive displacement mechanism which forces it upward. It will maintain its lift capacity even while pumping at a slow rate. This differs from a conventional centrifugal pump that needs to spin fast to work efficiently. Positive displacement pumps include diaphragm, vane, piston and jack pumps. Centrifugal pumps are used where higher volume is required. A surface pump is one that is mounted at ground level. A submersible pump is one that is lowered into the water. Most deep wells require submersible pumps. A controller or current booster is an electronic device used with most
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solar pumps. It acts like an automatic transmission, helping the pump to start and not stall in weak sunlight. Storage of water or energy is important to solar pumping. Three to ten days' storage may be required, depending on climate and pattern of water usage. On sunny days the system pumps more than the daily requirement in order to fill the systems water tank. Storage batteries may be used to store energy for pumping during night time and cloudy periods. However, most systems use water storage rather than batteries, for simplicity. The cost of solar pump systems range from under $1000 (US) to thousands, depending on water requirements, lift and climate. Even some of the smallest systems can lift water from depths exceeding 200 feet (60 m), at low volumes. You may be surprised by the performance of a 1 gallon-per-minute (4 lpm) pump. In one sunny day (10 hours) it can lift 600 gallons (2,200 l). A photovoltaic array need not be placed close to the water source. It may be placed some distance away from the pump itself, even hundreds of feet (over 100 m) providing the electrical wire is sized properly. Compared with windmills, solar pumps are less expensive, and easier and safer to install and maintain. They provide a more consistent supply of water, when there is plenty of sun but little wind. They can be installed where windmills cannot. Solar pumps can operate automatically. Level sensors are available to turn the pump off when the water tank is full or may be used to turn the pump off if the water source is drawn down too far. Solar pumps are expandable. A pump may be installed with a half-sized PV array, and it will de-
liver half-volume. Later, when more money is available or water requirements increase, the system may be expanded to full capacity. In an emergency, some solar pumps may be backed up by an engine, a generator or batteries. Small solar pumps may even be powered by the battery in a vehicle. Small solar pumps are compact, thus minimizing freight and transportation costs. They may even be portable, allowing them to be moved from one water source to another. Small, lightweight systems reduce the needs for special equipment and skills at the site. Low volume solar pumps offer unique benefits. They allow use of slow water seeps and marginal wells, even those producing less than 1/2 gallon per minute (2 lpm). Slow pumping reduces the cost of long pipelines, since small, inexpensive pipe may be used. Solar Pump Applications: Livestock watering for any animals. Irrigation of crops, trees, gardens, etc. Domestic Water: A water pump may be part of a home power system, like any other appliance. A PV home may use a DC pump made for solar power, or a conventional AC pump powered by the homes DC-to-AC inverter. Some systems use an elevated storage tank and some use a second pump, called a booster pump to pressurize the water. Some use the homes battery system for storage instead of storing water in a tank. A variety of factors are considered in determining the optimum approach for each situation. We can help you determine the best way to meet your needs. The easiest way to minimize the cost of solar pumping is by the conservation of water. By
WATER SYSTEMS
using 1 to 1 1/2 gallon flush toilets, a homes total water consumption may be reduced by half. Energy may be further conserved by installing household plumbing using pipe one size larger than minimum, so that lower water pressure may be used without loss of flow. Landscaping and gardens should be designed to minimize water use. Economics of Solar Pumping A small solar pumping system, providing 10,000 gallons per day or less, often costs less initially than a durable engine-powered system. Most larger solar pumps will cost more initially than fuel-powered systems, but tend to be far more economical in the long run. Determining the life-cycle cost of a fuel-powered pump requires predicting the future costs of fuel, transportation, maintenance costs as well as monetary factors of inflation, exchange rates, etc. A solar pump minimizes future costs and uncertainties. The fuel is free. Moving parts are as few as one. With a few spare parts, you can depend on years of reliable water supply with complete autonomy. If a solar pump costs you less than twice the initial cost of a good fuel-powered system, it is certain to be the economical choice. If the pumping location is very remote, or if fuel delivery, quality of maintenance, and availability of parts and funds are uncertain, then a solar pump may be economical even at five times the initial cost of engine power!
ogy, but we welcome the opportunity to serve you and your neighbors.
We are very, very pleased. Everybody who has a well should have one of these.We used to use a 4 kilowatt generator. Now we do it with solar power with 180 watts. Jim Kimberlin, Stagecoach, NV
Article courtesy of Windy Dankoff
Getting Started Making a successful solar pumping system requires careful planning and detailed knowledge of system design. Your well driller and local pump suppliers may not yet be familiar with the technol-
A Word About AC pumps In general we like to stay away from AC pumps in a system. There are two basic problems with AC pumps. The first is that they tend to draw a tremendous amount of power when they start. For example an AC pump would draw 100 Amps in a 12 Volt system and 1/2 that in a 24 Volt system. That's the normal running amperage, not even the startup surge which can be 3 or even 4 times the running amperage. The more amps an appliance draws from a battery bank at one time, the lower the voltage goes. When it gets too low, your inverter will shut itself off automatically. These types of starting currents are hard on any inverter and shorten its life. The second disadvantage of an AC well pump shows up when you run your pump from a backup engine with an alternator. This is fine when the backup generator works, but when it doesn't you have to go without water and that is a terrible situation to be in. There is one other thing that favors a DC deep-well pump. This is especially true in a marginal well
situation. An AC pump is designed for a very large flow rate, around 30 GPM and the AC pump therefore needs a very deep home in order for the well to replenish itself in a short period of time. This is why so many wells are deeper than necessary because they have to be when you drop an AC pump down the well hole. If you use a DC pump, on the other hand, you have two advantages: 1. The water flow rate is maybe 1-2 GPM and therefore you can put the pump about 2--30 feet below the static water level instead of at the bottom of a 400 foot well! Also in many instances the money that you would spend on a deeper well can be spent on a good quality DC pump and some solar modules to operate it. For example, an AC pump and well may need to be 500 feet deep and cost you $10,000. A DC well in the same spot may only need a 200 foot hole and cost just $5,000. A DC pump will simply dry up your well more slowly than an AC pump. This gives your well plenty of time to replenish the small amount of water the DC pump draws per hour. Rarely would your well go dry unless the water table was dropping due to your neighbors' usage. Some solar dealers still shy away from DC water pumps because back in the beginning of DC water pumps' history, they were failure-prone. However, reliability has greatly increased in recent years. Think twice about putting in an AC pump when a DC water pump may be far less expensive to install simply because you do not have to go as deep. Plain and simple, the deeper the well, the more money it will cost. Put the money you save into a DC system that will work whether your inverter is working or not!
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Water Pumping Questionaire
Please help us so we can help you. This section is for you to copy, fill out and send to us so that we can size your water pumping system appropriately with complete materials list and cost estimate. There are many factors that influence solar water pumping. We would like to size your system correctly so that you won't be spending more money than you have to. 1. What type of water pumping do you plan to do: home water supply ______ livestock _____ drip irrigation _______ move water from point A to point B _______ other _____________________ 2. Do you have an existing well? _________ If so please provide the following information: Well depth _____ ft(m) Well casing size _____ inches, static water level _____ ft (m) Do you have a well report from your well driller? ______ How many gallons per minute will your well produce in a 10 minute period? ______ gpm How old is your well? _______ years Is there a pump installed at the present site? ______ Do you have an existing storage tank? ______ If yes what size is it? _____ gallons (liters) Where is storage tank located? ________________________ Pipe diameter to storage tank? _______ inches (cm) Distance between tank and water pump? ________ ft. (m) Is water clear or silty? _________ Anything else we should know about the quality of your water? ___________________________________________________. 3. What are your water requirements in gallons or liters per day? Spring _________ gpd (lpd) Summer _________ gpd (lpd) Fall ________ gpd (lpd) Winter _______ gpd (lpd) 4. Site elevation: ________ ft (m) Do you have solar access? ______ Do you have wind access? ______ If you do have solar access, how far do you have to go to find sun from 9AM to 3PM _______ ft.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Please, if you can, send a detailed sketch along with this questionaire. Distances are very important as well as any other informaton you care to share.
Water Storage Tanks

There are so many different sizes and shapes of water storage tanks, we can satisfy any water storage tank needs you may have. We recommend the 300 gallon or 500 gallon vertical tanks for basement use, since they take up very little floor space with their small footprint. These tanks are manufactured in the US and can be shipped from several locations to any destination. These tanks are rugged, impact-resistant, and are one-piece seamless polyethylene which makes them suitable for storage or transport of liquids. These tanks are manufactured with resins that meet FDA specifications to ensure safe storage of potable (drinking) water.
Vertical tanks from 65 gallons to 12,000 gallons 1190 65 gallon 23" dia x 39"H $159
1191 300 gallon 36" dia x 78"H
1192 500 gallon 48" dia x 72"H $329
$230
1193 1,000 gallon 64" dia x 79"H $529
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Water Pump Systems Diagrams
A typical two pump system with intermediate storage tank. The deep well pump (pump#1) or the pressure pump (pump #2) can be either DC or AC
Diagram courtesy of Bergy Wind Co.
A wind and water pump can make a good match where you have a lot of wind. One advantage wind has over solar modules is when the sun goes down the wind can still be blowing and pumping water.
A typical submersible pump installation, showing pressure tank and controls. In this diagram, the water is pressurized in the pressure tank and extra pump is not needed in the system, but the deep-well pump does more work than a 2-pump system
The above illustrations are from the book "The Home Water Supply" by Stu Campbell. See page 22.
It is the height of the water level in the elevated storage tank that determines the amount of pressure, not the quantity of water stored in a tank
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System Packages
Pressure System A basic pressure system (sometimes called a booster pump) is needed for those without a gravity feed to the house, either away from the power lines or away from main city water lines. Below are the major components needed for a pressure system. It will provide you with up to 7.8 gallons per minute (GMP) and pressure from 30-50 PSI. All you will need to complete your systems is some plumbing fixtures and wire from your local plumbing or hardware store. Complete assembly instructions come with all packages. We recommend a 24-volt system for your pressure pump. 1 - Pressure pump 24V DC 2 - Bladder tank 40 gallons 3 - Pressure relief valve @ 75 PSI 4 - 10 " Filter housing 5 - Two (2) filter cartridges 6 -Check valve 7 - Hose kit 8 - Pressure switch 9 - Nipple for pressure switch 10 - Breaker disconnect box 11 - One 15A DC breaker 12 - Pressure gauge 0-100 PSI Deep Well Package to 150' A basic deep-well DC pump system that can either pump into a portable holding tank (cistern) or pump up to an open outside tank for watering livestock or irrigation. Below are the major component parts needed for a system that would lift your water up to 150 feet out of your well and into a tank. It will provide you with up to 2 gallons per minute (GMP).Complete assembly instructions come with all packages. Final price will be determined by the depth you decide to put the pump. We recommend a 24-volt system for this application. 1 - Deep well DC pump 24V DC 2 - Waterproof submersible wire 3 - PE drop pipe 1" 4 - Safety rope 5 - Electrical splice kit 6 - Electrical connectors 7 - Cable ties 8 - Controller for pump 9 - Pitless well adaptor 10 - Float switch for holding tank Optional parts: water sensors, sand screen, PV modules.
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Deep Well Package to 250' A basic deep-well DC pump system that can either pump into a portable holding tank (cistern) or pump up to an open outside tank for watering livestock or irrigation. Below are the major component parts needed for a system that would lift your water up to 300 feet out of your well and into a tank. It will provide you with up to 2 gallons per minute (GMP). Complete assembly instructions come with all packages. Final price will be determined by the depth you decide to put the pump. We recommend a 48 volt system for this application. 1 - Deep well DC pump 2 - Waterproof submersible wire 3 - PE drop pipe 1" 4 - Safety rope 5 - Electrical splice kit 6 - Electrical connectors 7 - Cable ties 8 - Controller for pump 9 - Pitless well adaptor
Optional parts: water sensors, sand screen, PV modules.
$1,095 Plus Shipping
Water filter before going into storage tanks
Bladder tank, storage tank and pressure pump
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Grundfos and A.Y. McDonald Solar Pumps The McDonald pump with an 84 volt controller will increase daily water production 25% by increasing the amount of pumping time. These solar-compatible DC submersible pumps are very rugged and are made from all corrosion resistant materials (stainless steel, brass, etc.). No priming is required and the motor is a permanent magnet brushless D.C. motor which operates from 45 volts to 100 volts D.C. Total dynamic head (lifts up to) 450 feet (140 meters). This is our top-of-the-line DC submersible pump. Prices start at $3,910. Grundfos pumps are highly efficient 120-volt AC deep-well submersibles. This pump has proven to be one of our most trouble-free systems. Constructed of all stainless steel, it has a brushless AC motor, is light-weight (11 pounds) and is used with an inverter. Grundfos pumps come in single-phase AC or 3 phase AC (Grundfos inverter required). Designed to fit inside a 3" well casing, with built-in protection provided for undervoltage, overload, lightning and high temperatures. 4" diameter pumps are
Deep-Well Pumps
A Lorentz pump is ideal for domestic water, livestock and small irrigation. It pumps the most during the driest, sunniest weather. Since it requires no fuel and minimal maintenance, it pays off quickly. The larger of the two Lorentz pumps wil bring water up from wells as deep as 600 feet (180m) using electricity from the sun, supplying as much as 2,900gallons (11 cubic meters) per day. Lorentz represents a breakthrough in deep well solar pumping. The patented sealedpiston mechanism on the smaller pump uses only 300 watts of power (1/4 HP). Most solar pumps use centrifugal impellers, requiring much more power. A Lorentz requires a smaller, less costly solar array. Most systems pump only during daylight hours and require no costly batteries. Batteries may be used if a large storage tank is not practical. Lorentz uses a positive displacement helical rotor mechanism to force water up. This allows the system to pump at low speeds when sunlight is weak (unlike centrifugal submersible). The rubber stator and stainless rotor are abrasion-resistant and drinking water approved. The motor is variable-speed DC, brushless. The Lorentz pump controller is mounted at the surface so there are no submerged electronics. It allows the pump to work without batteries by providing a surge to start the motor and boosting the current in 10w sunlight conditions to prevent stalling. Includes a remote float switch circuit to prevent storage tank overflow, maximum power point tracking and low voltage disconnect and restart after the battery has recovered.
LZ-PS200 Lorentz PS200 Submersible w/Controller LZ-PS600 Lorentz PS600 Submersible w/Controller $697.00 $999.00
Typical deep well submersible pump system
available in up to 5 hp ratings. 6" diameter pumps are available in up to 30 hp ratings, for pumping from up to 1,500 feet depths.
GR-SP01-11 Grundfos 1/3 Hp Submersible $399 GR-SP02-11 Grundfos 1/2 Hp Submersible $489 GR-SP03-11 Grundfos 3/4 Hp Submersible $589
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WATER SYSTEMS
Deep Well Pumps
SunPumps (formerly SolarJack)
SunPumps is one of the oldest manufacturers of DC submersible water pumps. Their SDS series, available in a duplex or quad submersible pump, will pump up to 2 gpm, depending on the well depth. The 4" well duplex type can pump from a 230' well depth, but the farther the water has to be lifted, the less water is pumped. The 5" well quad series can pump from 100' and has a higher flow rate, up to 3.7 gpm. Both the SDS series pumps will operate at 12 to 30 volts DC, but we prefer to operate DC water pumps on 24 volts or higher. The amperage draw is from 1.6 to 3.8 amps @ 24 volts DC, depending on well depth. Their newer pump line, the SCS series, operates at 30 to 100 volts DC, and has a permanent magnet brushless DC motor. It is also a multistage centrifugal pump, built from marine-grade bronze and stainless steel. Internal pressure equalization allows pump submergence to any depth, without damage to seals. Both types of pump are positive displacement type pumps, specifically designed for remote DC applications. These pumps fit into a 4" or larger well casing.
$795 $899 $1,995
SDS Pumps
SJ-SDS-18 SunPumps SDS Duplex SJ-SCS-35 SunPumps SCS Series
SJ-SDSQ-20 SunPumps SDS Quad
SCS Pumps Please see page 52 for SunPump controllers
Booster or Pressure Well Pumps

Solar Force Piston Pressure Pump The Solar Force draws surface water from a shallow well, spring, pond, river or lake and can push water uphill and over long level distances. Solar Force is built for decades of reliable use at remote locations. You can upgrade from the Flowlight Booster pump if you already have one of these units. This pump has a piston and is very powerful and efficient, providing the user with up to 60 psi. It not only pressurizes your water, but lifts it. Available in 12 ,24, 48 volts DC and 120 volts AC. Typical wattage for a home pressurized system is 225 watts. It can handle some silt and can draw water from up to 25' below. The 1/4 HP series meets a typical single family demand (5 gpm). The 1/2 HP series meets the demands of a larger family. This pump is one of the quietest pumps we carry and one of the most energy efficient! Can pressurize water from a cistern, holding tank or a shallow well.
DS-3010 DS-3012 Solar Force 5 Gpm Solar Force 9 Gpm $975 $1,249
Flowlight Pressure Pump Flowlight pumps have been in worldwide use since 1983, pumping water at remote locations, from Micronesia to the Yukon. If you don't have a suitable gravity feed system, this pump is a very good alternative for pressurizing your water system. It will provide you with up to 60 psi of water pressure, and as long as you have power, you will have water pressure. The pump provides between 3 and 5 gpm of water. Unlike the Solar Force pump, it will not tolerate dirt and cannot run dry. This pump requires prefiltering. Comes with flexible connector hoses and detailed instructions. Easy installation kit and filter are optional. We like these pumps, but they are a little noisy. Available in 12, 24, 48, and 90 V DC. Call for pricing on 48 volt and 90 volt pumps.
DS-1322-16 Flowlight 1200 DC Pump DS-1422-16 Flowlight 1800 DC Pump DS-1322-10 Flowlight Easy Install Kit $519 $539 $99
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WATER SYSTEMS
Special Purpose DC Pumps
SOLARJACK Centrifugal Pump
Domestic water systems are provided for home use. Pressurized water is supplied by your local community water system or by the homeowner. If you provide your own water system you will already have a well pump installed that is powered by AC. The question often asked is should I keep my AC pump and use an inverter or put a DC pump in and run it off my batteries? DC pumps are simply more reliable than AC pumps operated by an inverter. If the inverter fails, no power, no AC pump. To be able to answer that question we need to know more specific information. Providing AC power to a 1/3 or 1/2 horsepower submersible pump utilizing an inverter is very critical. Many factors determine the inverter size and brand. If you have or are planning on having a washing machine, the washing machine and the pump are usually operated together. When this situation happens both require a large amount of power from your inverter and battery bank. We do not want to see you spend your hard earned dollars on a system that will not work correctly. Please call us at 888.320.9211 and speak with one of our water system specialists.
Domestic Water Systems
Solar Circulating Pump

Magnetic drive: no shaft seal to leak or squeal, ever! Extremely low energy consumption (1/100, 1/25,1/20, or 1/5 HP) Plastic or bronze head resists rust and foreign deposit buildup. High temperature resistance. Compact and lightweight. Vertical or horizontal positions. Fast and easy to service: only a screwdriver required. Impeller and drive magnets are permanent ceramic type. This pump is designed for closedloop solar thermal systems. March seal-less drive also provides for faster, easier motor service, as the motor can be removed without draining, refilling and reheating the system. This unit can be purchased in 12 or 24 Volt DC or 115 Volts AC.
MA-809- 78 March 1/25 HP Pump $159
SJ-SCP SOLARJACK Centrifugal $895
Operates on 1OO to 2,000 watts of DC power at 30 to 180 volts from any DC source. The SC-P series pump is equipped with a heavy duty permanent magnet and a DC motor with long-life brushes. The motor is coupled to the pump. The pump ends are single-stage centrifugals constructed from high performance thermoplastic. They are extremely resistant to mineral and algae deposits. For added protection, a basket strainer is incorporated into the suction side of the pump. These pumps can be installed up to ten feet above the water level in a lake, river, cistern or swimming pool. They can be used to fill open tanks, aerate ponds, circulate water for aquaculture, or for swimming pool filtration.
Miscellaneous Products
SOLARJACK Controls
These controllers are designed to interface between a DC-powered pump and the power source.The DC source can be solar modules, a wind generator, batteries or any combination of the three. The main purpose of the series controller is to maximize the total daily water delivered while providing protection for the pump as well as the power source. For example, if a solar array in the early morning produces 30 volts at 1 amp, the controller trades voltage for amperage. In this case the motor could start with 10 volts and 3 amps, starting the motor earlier in the day or even on partially sunny days. All controllers include a remote switch circuit, a low water cutoff circuit and a high water cutoff circuit. Many sizes available.
SJ-PCA10-4 Controller 10A 30V $229
SJ-PCA60-4 Controller 8A 60V $249
Pond Aeration Systems Pond aeration is a natural for PV systems. Many high altitude ponds have fish which need oxygen in the wintertime. By installing a PV panel on a DC air compressor along with some simple safety equipment, you can pump bubbles all day long to keep a small opening in the ice for the fish to acquire more oxygen. Call for more information and pricing as these systems are usually custom designed.
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WATER SYSTEMS
Miscellaneous Products
Solar Stock Tank De-Icer Water at the bottom of a tank or pond is normally much warmer than water at the surface. A solar panel directly connected to a small air compressor causes a bubbling action in the water. The bubbles draw columns of warmer bottom water to the surface as they rise naturally. Our standard unit can work with small ponds or 10 foot larger tanks, if the tank is sheltered and insulated. Not recommended for small unsheltered tanks in very cold climates or windy sites. Kit includes one solar module, compressor and assembly instructions. Purchase mounting pole locally.
ZO-TD-30 Solar Tank Deicer $999.00
Non-Electric Water Pumping - Ram Pumps

Ram Pump Basics
In 1879 The People's Cyclopedia included the hydraulic ram among the 55 most important inventions in the history of mankind. A ram pump is a water pump that uses the energy of flowing water from a stream, pond, spring or artesian well nearby to pump a portion of that water to a point higher than that of the supply. It operates automatically and continuously without electricity, fuel or other sources of power. A length of rigid drive pipe must be used in all ram pumps to create a "hammering" effect on the pump. With a ram pump, you can supply your home with water, irrigate your garden, water your orchard, fill your swimming pool/pond or water your livestock. Information Required For Choosing A Ram Pump 1. Amount of water needed daily (GPM). 2. Amount of flow from source. 3. The fall (vertical drop) from water source to the ram pump. 4. Lift (vertical height) to discharge 5. Distance from the water source to ram pump site 6. Distance the water has to be delivered through the supply pipe and the delivery pipe. The actual output of a ram pump can be calculated with the formula: V x F x .5 E = WD V is the water flow available in GPM, F is the vertical fall from the water source to the ram pump, E is the vertical lift from the top of the delivery pipe and WD is the water delivered in GPM to the delivery site.
Ram Pump Book

If the information in our SourceBook is not enough for you and you want to know almost everything about Ram pumps, we suggest All About Ram Pumps. There are plenty of illustrations and diagrams in this book on how to make your ram pump to work for you.
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Don't forget to fill out our basic questionnaire located in the water section of the SourceBook. Once we have the basic information we can size your system, but we may need more information. Many times we talk directly with the well driller.
WATER SYSTEMS
Diagram courtesy of The Ram Co.
Fleming Ram Pumps Made of lightweight plastic (PVC), these trouble-free ram pumps never rust, and are reasonably priced. Then can lift water up to 100', and provide flow rates of up to 2.75 GPM. They are designed to handle falls of water to the pump of as little as 15 feet and then lift the delivery water up to 150 feet. You can place ram pumps in parallel if a single installation is not enough to meet your needs (where a large ram pump is not available). Complete units are available that include ball valves, tees, bushings, cutoff valves, pressure gauges, close nipples, and Ernie's reverse flow pickup strainer.
Folk Ram Pumps Folk ram pumps are "heavy duty" and are high quality. They are made of aluminum and stainless steel parts with adjustable water delivery. Their pumps are made in a shape that makes it the most resistant to freezing and shock. A stainless steel pressure gauge is included and has mounting feet to help prevent loss of power from "walking". To operate these ram pumps a supply of water of at least two gallons per minute is needed to operate a 1" pump.
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APPLIANCES
Super Energy Efficient Appliances
Super Energy Efficient Appliances (SEEAs) are essential to a UtilityFree home. Although the appliances that you see on the next few pages will generally cost more than the appliances that you find at your local store, the benefits are many, even if you are not interested in a UtilityFree home. The first advantage is that all the appliances we sell will save you a lot of money just in operating costs. Some appliances (solar ovens) will not require any energy input except the sun! The sun is free, so why not use it? Solar cooking is the
Water Heater! Television! Refrigerator! Radio! Microwave Oven! Iron! Hair Dryer! Freezer! Dishwasher! Clothes Dryer! Blender! Air Conditioner! 0! 2! 4! 6! 8! 10! 12! 14! 16! 18!
have cost you over $1,500 (2006 dollars) to operate. The true cost of that refrigerator is not only the initial cost, but the initial cost plus the cost to operate and maintain that appliance. In this case the true cost of the appliance is about $2,000 - $2,800 depending on the initial cost of a 19 cubic foot refrigerator. When you consider the total life of an appliance, the prices you see in our SourceBook do not look so high. Also, take into consideration the electricity to operate them is either free (solar electric) or a very small amount (utility company).
1 2 3
= = =
Figure 2
Average Life of Electric Appliances!
Figure 1
most economical way in the world to cook a meal. Operating costs of any appliance can be significant over time. Many people don't even think of what it costs to operate their appliances. They buy the least expensive unit and plug it in. For example: the average American refrigerator costs about $80.00 to operate on a yearly basis (800 kWh per year @ 10 per kWh for a 19 cubic foot refrigerator). That is a lot when you consider the life of an appliance, inflation, and maintenance. From the Figure 1, a refrigerator's average life is 15 years. In electric bills alone, that refrigerator will
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The second advantage of buying SEEAs is that they usually have lower maintenance costs. They are more energy efficient so they either use less energy initially or are designed to be more efficient. If they use less energy, they run less often, thus there is less wear and tear on the appliance. If they are designed more efficiently, then the appliances operate with less energy. They also get the same job done as other appliances, and sometimes do the job much better. The third advantage is that because they are so energy efficient they are
the ideal appliance choice for a building structure that produces its own power. The example we like to use is that of a refrigerator, but this also applies to all of the appliances that we sell. See Figure 2. Refrigerator # 1 is a typical AC refrigerator that would need about 8-10 solar electric panels to operate. Ten 100 watt modules would be about $5,300.00 at 2006 retail prices. Refrigerator # 2 is an SEEA. It requires between 1 to 3 panels to operate. About $530-$1500 extra on top of the price of the refigerator itself. Whenever you have an electric appliance you have to also allow for additional battery capacity if you are off-grid. Therefore, you will have to add a larger battery bank than you would have without using an electric refrigerator. An electric refrigerator is designed to operate any time of the day whenever the refrigerator turns on. That can be in the middle of the night when the sun is not shining. Refrigerator #3 is a gas refrigerator. It requires no panels to operate, only propane, natural gas or hydrogen. There are four reasons to consider gas refrigeration especially if you are off-grid or planning to be off-grid; 1. The initial cost is less when you figure the total cost. No extra panels or battery storage to purchase with gas refrigeration. Savings of up to $2,000 depending on what size refrigerator you buy. Our 15
APPLIANCES
cubic foot refrigerator uses about 2 lbs of propane a week (about $3 per week) 2. A gas refrigerator is totally silent. No compressor noises or motors that hum in the middle of the night. There is no noise pollution like most electric refrigerators have when they operate. 3. No CFCs, thus no environmental problems now or in the future. 4. Can be operated on ANY fuel that produces heat. So it can be operated on electricity, natural gas, propane and even hydrogen produced on-site. The fourth advantage of SEEAs is that they are more environmentally friendly. Using less energy (if you are still hooked up to the utility company) means less electricity needed than what was generated by environmentally unfriendly methods such as the Whenever you use an SEEA the initial cost of a PV system drops. In the long run, even though an SEEA is more expensive, the money is paid back quickly every time the appliance is using energy. For example, with one of our washing machines, the amount of electricity used would be considerably lower, and the amount of water used each time you did a load of laundry would also be lower. If you have your own water pump, then the more water you use, the more electricity required. This applies to dishwashers, toilets, and any other appliance that requires water, as well. An example of a house using SEEA's and a house using "conventional" appliances: The hardest part for most people to accept is the initial cost of both
Typical Energy Star Label
The Energy Star and Energy Guide Labels The Energy Star and Energy Guide labels are very important tools when you are shopping for appliances for a UtilityFree home. The best way to explain the energy star program is that the Federal government sets certain energy consumption standards. If a manufacturer exceeds those efficiency standards, they can put the energy star symbol on that appliance. In the SourceBook we place an Energy Star symbol by these appliances. The yellow Energy Guide is also important. This simply gives you the amount of energy and cost of that energy used by each appliance in a year. The smaller the dollar amount on the label, the less expensive the cost to operate the appliance and the less electricity you will have to produce if off-grid!
The Importance of Reducing Your Loads By Using SEEA's: The lower the energy budget, the lower the initial cost of a renewable energy system.
renewable energy products and super energy-efficient appliances. The easiest way to meet the expense is to either purchase these items at the time you finance your home or secure a small loan. For those of you still hooked up to the utility company, many of them will give rebates on your old toilets, refrigerators, etc. Check for the energy office phone number in your area in the appendix section. They should have the information you need.
Typical Energy Guide Label
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APPLIANCES
Small Cabin Gas Refrigerators
9.5 cubic feet of storage space in the cutout space of a 7.5-foot refrigerator! ine Stainless Steel. Look for WH,BK Only Norcold's super- or SS in the Part Number. insulated cabinet makes this capacity possible. And N1095 still goes beyond Best In Class in the areas that matter: *Performance *Reliability *Dependability Roomy, convenient and user-friendly, Norcold fullsize RV refrigerators also have significant ergonomic touches that really enhance the vehicle. Durable, easy-toclean wrapped-edge doors are an available option. Choose white or black finish or genuHigh-humidity switch eliminates condensation problems on twodoor models. Interior light standard on all twodoor models. Power options include either 2-way - LP Gas /120V/AC 60 Hz ` or 3-way - LP Gas /120 V/AC 60 Hz /12 V DC
NC-N641-185 Norcold BK 7.5 cu. ft. $1,795.00 NC-N642-185 Norcold SS 7.5 cu. ft. $1,895.00 NC-N643-185 Norcold WH 7.5 cu. ft. $1,795.00
NC-1200LR-235 Norcold 12 cu. ft. $2,795.00 NC-1200LRIM-240 Norcold 12 cu. ft. W/Ice Maker $2,895
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A gas refrigerator that features 12.0 cu. ft. of space in a side-by-side double door design. This is the roomiest, most practical and most usable RV Refrigerator available! The side-by-side huge unit is perfect for large motor homes and other RV's. It has an exclusive four door design with latches on each door. One side is 26" wide and has room for 8.4 cubic feet of refrigerated fresh food. It also has 2 3.6 cubic feet freezer compartments. It has eye-level LED automatic/manual controls to give you added convenience. The inside light automatically shuts off if the door is left ajar for more than two minutes. This could save your batteries
when your Motor home is stored. The built-in diagnostics automatically give you information on optimum performance. White powder-coated shelves provided long lasting good looks. They are adjustable and removable, giving you flexibility. The reversible doors open 180 degrees. There is even a model that includes an ice maker that holds four ice trays. Two-way with 110 volt AC and LP gas. Draws 2.9 amps at 110V AC. The weight is 215lbs and the cutout dimensions are: 63 1/4" H x 32 11/16" W x 24" D.
APPLIANCES
Small Cabin Gas Refrigerators
Consuls 7.8 cubic foot C8 2426 refrigerator requires no electricity, making it perfect for use in cabins, vacation homes, and remote locations. With no moving parts, it's quiet and reliable. A spacious 1.1 cubic foot freezer is designed to keep cold freezer temperatures even at 90F room temperatures. Consul refrigerators are constructed with a gleaming enameled steel exterior and efficient polyurethane insulation. Interior features include a molded door liner with an 18-unit egg tray, two removable compartments for small items, a deep second shelf and humid-cold crisper. Nylon gliding feet, horizontal door handles and dry-cell battery illumination are standard features on every Consul refrigerator. Reversible door swing eases installations. A safety gas shut-off and piezo igniter assure safe operation at the push of a button. The Consul CB 2426 gas refrigerator is AGA design certified.
Specifications Dimensions: 144cm H x 60cm W x 73cm D 57" H x 23 1/2" W x 28 3/4" D Total Capacity: 7.8 cubic feet Freezer Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet Refrigerator Capacity: 6.7 cubic feet Net Weight: 172 1b. Shipping Weight: 203 1bs. Shipping Volume: 26 cubic feet Propane Consumption: High flame - 1600 BTU/hr. Low flame - 650 BTU/h thr.
Model CB 2426 Features

Ample freezer capacity Polyurethane insulation Piezo ignition Safety gas shut-off valve Reversible door swing
CO-2436-230 Consul 7.5 Cubic Foot Gas Refrigerator $1,195
Servel is one of the oldest manufacturers of gas refrigerators in the world. They have been making gas refrigerators for over 60 years and sell most of their refrigerators to the RV industry. If you need a larger refrigerator than 7.7 cubic feet for your home consider, either the purchase of two of these units or take a close look at our 15 cu. ft. converted Whirlpool model on the next page. Refrigerator Features Reliable thermostatic control. Convenient defrosting drain system. Easy load-unload removable wire basket insert. Therm-electric safety valve for gas supply. Fuel selector.
Manual ignition. Flame indicator. Strong, secure - easy to hold handle. Rustproof wire shelves strong enough for heavy goods. Durable ABS plastic line.r Full one year warranty on complete unit. Specifications Exterior Dimensions: 57 3/4" H x 25" D x 24 3/4 D (1467 mm H x 635 mm D x 629 mm D) Storage Capacity: 7.7 cu. ft. Weight: 197 lbs./58 kg. Power source: LP Gas/110 Volt Uses about 1.5 lbs propane per week. DO-SER7-197 Servel 8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator $1,299 Special price on two units: $1,199 each
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APPLIANCES
Home Size Gas Refrigerators
Back of Crystal Cold Upright Gas Freezer
CC18 cu. ft. SS Fridge/Freezer
The Crystal Cold and EZ are ruggedly built and will give years of trouble-free service. They have been making these converted electric refrigerators since 1999. They have an excellent track record! Extended warranty is $65.00 which covers the absorption unit for up to 4 years. We suggest buying the smaller unit and adding foam insulation if your kitchen is regularly 90 F. If you are thinking of a cabin refrigerator, remember Crystal Cold refrigerators are one of only three refrigerators that works well in temperatures over 90 degrees F. We have tested and worked on all the other makes and they just dont make it in hot weather. The Crystal Cold refrigerator: Available in 12 cu.ft., 15 cu.ft. and 18 cu.ft. We only stock the 18 cu/ft unit. The other sizes are special order. Highly efficient design Full AGA (American Gas Association) approval on 15 cu. ft. models only. Operates on propane (LP) gas. Front push button igniter. Available in White or Almond and now Stainless Steel! One year warranty, extended 3 year warranty available
For natural Gas add $75.00
Please allow a minimum of 6" clearance above the refrigerator for proper ventilation
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APPLIANCES
Gas Freezers
The ZERO 5.7 Cubic Foot chest freezer is a medium size unit with over five cubic feet of storage space. Other features include thermostat-controlled temperature, push- button Piezo ignition, door lock, flame-on indicator, durable Textradek lid, interior storage handles, Top Mounted Controls, built-in level legs, and wire basket. Great unit for a part-time vacation home. Will fit through a 27-inch door opening. Includes optional 110v AC for backup in case your propane runs out. Operates on LPG Propane Gas or 110 volt AC power. Each power source can be run independently of the other. Interior 23' H x 26" W x 16" D. Exterier 337"H x 33" W x 23" D. Gas comsumption 1.5 lbs LPG/24 hr. 1,470 Btu max. Weight 132 lbs/ 60 kg
More About Gas Refrigerators....

Gas refrigeration has been around a very long time and has come a long way. Surely your local electric utility company would have us all believe there is no other way to keep food chilled and ice cream frozen, other than a good old electric refrigerator and freezer. My first experience with gas refrigerators was about 15 years ago. The part that attracted me at first was the fact that they were "quiet," in contrast to the electric refrigerator that seemed to be always "on" and rarely "off" in my parent's house. Years later when I bought my first home, I ordered an RM-100 Domestic refrigerator that lasted me for years. Yes, by golly, that refrigerator was quiet! It worked flawlessly until I sold it at an auction when I moved from Pennsylvania to Colorado. One complaint I had was that the refrigerator was not meant to hold up to the everyday use we gave it (most all gas refrigerators sold are for the RV market. In RV's their average size is 7.5 cubic feet. The door started falling apart after about 3 years and when I went to replace it, I could not find a new door. The other complaint I had was that it was WAY too small for a family. The freezer was really small and did not store much frozen food. Despite these two faults, the refrigerator froze ice cream and provided totally silent operation. In fact it took a while to get used to a kitchen that did not have a steady hum of an electrical compressor in it. Please consider gas refrigeration when you are thinking about that new home. We are confident that you will just love gas refrigerators! And if you plan things right, you can run it on hydrogen!
John D'Angelo
320 watts using 115V AC power consumption. We suggest a foam wrap to reduce your energy con ZE-180-132 Zero Propane Gas Freezer $1,459.00
(a feature the Norder does not have) will show you at a glance what the inside temperature is in your freezer. No door to open and let warm air in while checking on the inside temperature of your freezer. Has push-button ignition so no need to worry about finding a pack of matches. Also any gas appliance that we sell can also be modified to run on hydrogen, the cleanest and most abundant fuel on earth. There is also a Kerosene model available for those people who do not have either natural gas or propane available. This freezer is better suited for mild climates. Normal setting uses 1,200 BTU's per hour while the high setting is 1,800 BTU's. The high setting should only be used for really hot days. However, if you have a location that is in the 90F range most of the time, then it should be left on the high setting. An exterior thermometer
96.5cmH x 112cmL x 81cmD 38"H x 44"L x 32"D GR-FT14P-250 FrosTek Propane Gas Freezer $1,850 GF-FT15K-250 FrosTek Kerosene Refrigerator $2149
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APPLIANCES Electric Refrigeration

The energy-efficient Sun Frost refrigerator makes powering a home with photovoltaics or other low-output energy sources both feasible and affordable. In a home using utility power, energy consumption for refrigeration will typically be cut by a factor of 5. In addition to energy efficiency, the Sun Frost offers amenities not found in conventional refrigerators, such as food-saving high humidity storage, quiet operation, one-piece easy to clean interior, and a zero-clearance requirement on back and side walls for built-in installation. The Sun Frost is cooled by two highly efficient topmounted hermetically sealed compressors. The compressors and condenser (black coils on the back of many refrigerators) are top-mounted, so they cool efficiently (without having the heat they generate reenter the cabinet). The efficiency is further increased by making use of passive (no fans) evaporators and condensers with a large surface area. If a fan is used in a cooling system, energy is needed not only to run the fan, but to remove the heat that the fan produces. There is no air circulation between the refrigerator and freezer sections. This compartmental design reduces infiltration of warm kitchen air when the doors are opened. The walls of the refrigerator contain 2.5 to 4.5 inches of polyurethane foam. For convenience, most units should be set on a 12" or 18" box or cabinet. Frost buildup in the Sun Frost freezer is very slow because there is no air circulating between the freezer and refrigerator sections. When defrosting is needed, it is a uniquely simple process. First, frozen food may be kept frozen temporarily by transferring it to the refrigerator section which is still running. The ice that has formed in the freezer collects only on the ceiling of this section. After the freezer section has been turned off for about 1/2 hour, the ice separates from the ceiling in large, easily removable pieces. The ice does not need to be melted, only separated from the ceiling. The entire defrost process may be completed in just a few minutes. Good Design The door shelves can accommodate half-gallon beverage containers and have adjustable glass shelves lining the refrigerator section. The spacious lighted interior, made from sturdy fiberglass-reinforced plastic, is exceptionally easy to clean. These refrigerators have no exposed ducts, tubing, or inaccessible corners. Custom Choices Available in natural wood or Formica finishes. In formica you have a choice of more than 100 colors and shades.
Three vs. Twelve As discussed in the introduction on appliances, an energy efficient refrigerator is less expensive than buying a conventional refrigerator. Instead of purchasing eight 120 watt solar panels and related hardware ($7,500.00) you can buy a Sun Frost and just a few panels at about half the price. Terrific Defrost System
$60 crating fee on all units listed on chart. Smaller units available (12,10 & 4 cu. ft.) One year warranty. Normally allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. California residence add local sales tax. All units shipped freight collect FOB CA or CO.
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APPLIANCES Electric Refrigerators and Freezers

The ConServ SKF 375 is an efficient European refrigerator/ freezer using about 21 kWh per month at 77 F. This equates to about $25.00 per year in utility bills @ 10/kWh! This unit has separate compressors and controls for each of the refrigerator and freezer sections. Located above the freezer, the fresh food section is easy to use and to clean - no bending over to get at your most commonly used foods. The condenser and cooling tubes are built into the walls of the refrigerator/freezer. The back is sealed so that no dust collects on the working parts of the unit, improving its efficiency and ensuring quiet operation. The refrigerant and foam insulation are ozone friendly. The ConServ, designed by internationally acclaimed Bang & Olufsen artist David Lewis and made by Vestfrost for Oasis Montana Inc., is a beautiful addition to any kitchen. The fresh food section is located at "waist to eye" level, with the freezer compartment on the bottom. The condenser and cooling tubes are built into the walls of the unit, with the back sealed to keep dust out of the working parts, and the unit can sit flush against a wall, as there are no exposed coils. This "sealed" design allows for quiet and ultra-efficient operation. The freezer has three drawers along with an ice drawer making very efficient use of the space in the unit. FEATURES: Left or right hand door. Automatic fridge defrost. Movable door shelves Defrost water outlet (foldout) for manual defrost. Combination of pull-down drawer shelves Control panel at top. Fridge and freezer thermometers. Fast freeze button and light bulb. Quiet operation Can purchase as many freezer or refrigerator units as needed. Can be built into kitchen
Conserv Model SKF 375 Refrigerator - top, freezer - bottom
I run this most of the year off of my 480-watt array, through a Trace DR1524 inverter! I couldnt touch a conventional refrigerator with that small an array of solar modules.
Chris Daum, Oaisis Montana, Inc. PH-SKSW-220 Conserv Ref/Freezer White $1,149.00 PH-SKSB-220 Conserv Ref/Freezer White $1,289.00 PH-SKSSS-220 Conserv Ref/Freezer White $1,399.00
Inside the Conserv
We have one of these operating in the Bahamas and our customer was quite impressed at how little energy it used!
Shipping in continintal USA is $195 to business address.
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APPLIANCES
Electric Freezers
Electric chest-type freezers or refrigerators offer the most efficient electricity consumption of any electric model. The Danfoss compressor's very low amp draw combined with the chest-type cabinet's high density 4.33" thick polyurethane insulation makes this unit ideal for solar systems. Other features include a patented low-frost system on the freezer unit that reduces frost build-up for low maintenance, drain-hole for easy cleaning, lockable lid, interior light, corrosion-resistant coated steel exterior, and front-mounted controls. The SunDanzer products, with their extremely low power consumption, make them unique for cottage and remote home cold storage. With a power consumption from 6.5 to 30 AHr per day, they can be operated with a small solar system. Please consult us for recommendations of a power system for your location.
Crosley 25 Cu Ft Freezer
Crosley 10 Cu Ft Freezer
CR-WCC10-154 Crosley 10 Cu. Ft. CR-WCC25-230 Crosley 25 Cu. Ft.
$589.00 $689.00
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This is 50% larger than the Conserv freezer but only uses 10% more energy than the Conserve at a much lower price. Has an energy star rating and also comes in sizes up to 21 cubic feet! Can be turned into an ultra-low chest refrigerator with an addition of an external thermostat. 12.2 cu. ft. capacity. 350 lbs. of food storage. Two removeable baskets. Commercial cord. Built-in lock. Convenient drain. One piece liner - rounded corners. Delivers five sides of cooling for uniform freezing. Built-in legs. Baked-on textured enamel.
APPLIANCES
Energy and Water Saving Washing Machines
ASKO washers and dryers get clothes cleaner with less water, energy, detergents and wear-andtear. They save so much compared to conventional machines, they will pay for themselves twice over during their lives. Bigger than it seems They can handle up to 14 bath towels. And since the washer doesnt have the space-stealing agitator, it can handle large items , like bedspreads and comforters! Effective yet gentle Conventional washers use an agitator to rub clothes against each other to achieve the cleaning action, ASKO tumble-action washers gently lift and drop your laundry in and AS-20004-205 Asko Electronic Washer out of the water, letting the water and detergent remove the soil. Your AS-7304-95 Asko Electronic Dryer
AS-7004-93 Asko Mechanical Dryer
clothes retain their good looks longer and it uses less detergent. No more dripping clothes Conventional washers spin clothes at speeds up to 700 revolutions per minute (rpm). An ASKO washer spins at speeds up to 1500 rpms. Your clothes are virtually dry when they leave the washer. That also means the dryer uses far less energy. Save over 12,000 gallons of water a year In the normal wash program, an ASKO washercan cleans and rinses a typical load with as little as 11 gallons of water or about 7,000 gallons a year. A typical washer consumes more than 20,000 gallons of water.
$1,499 $1,199 $749 $799
AS-8005-156 Asko Mechanical Washer
Frigidaire Gallery Tumble Action Washer was the July 1997 Comsumer Report top-rated washing machine. It is the least expensive of the new breed of washing machines coming out by major U.S. manufacturers. Gallery Washer Features King-Size Capacity Washing Tub: 3.5 cu. ft. Stainless Steel Wash Drum FR-GLTF2940FS-217 Frigidaire Washer Automatic Water Fill Eliminates $829 Guesswork and Water Waste FR-GLG215ES-217 Frigidaire Gas Automatic Dispenser for Liquid or Dryer $719 Powder Detergent, Bleach etc.
Multi-Rinse Provides 3 Standard Rinse Cycles with Optional 4th 14 Complete Wash Cycle Options Automatic Door Lock Dura Finish Lid/Top Adjustable 12-Hour Delay Start Rotation Speeds (RPM): 52 Spin Speeds (RPM) 450/650 Approximate Shipping Weight: 217 lbs Energy Usage (avg/yr): 264 kWh (22 kWh per month) Door Opening: 11 1/4"
Space Savers Washer/Dryer Combination

If you have a small living space, but need a washer and dryer, this both-in-one appliance may be the solultion. There are three models of the Comb-O-Matic to chose from and they all operate on 115V AC. Some models do not require a vent, so you can install almost anywhere! One 1300 W heating element. Made in Italy.
SP-7100-163 Model 7100 $1,099
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APPLIANCES
Energy and Water Saving Washing Machines
Horizontal Washing System Tumbles Clothes Clean The System 2000 is a revolutionary way to wash your clothes. It gets your laundry cleaner while using fewer resources: less hot water, less detergent, and less energy. In short, the System 2000 helps save our environment while saving you money. The System 2000 turns laundry on its side. It combines the convenience of top-loading with all the advantages of a unique, horizontal, tumbleaction design. It uses up to 66% less water and 75% less detergent. Yet it powers more water through your clothes for cleaner laundry. Theres no agitator to snag delicate fabrics. The advanced electronic drive creates faster spin speeds for less time in the dryer. Last, but not least, the simplified design means fewer repair bills now, and far into the future.
Key Features:
SI-2301-200 Staber Washing Machine Model 2301 $1,199 SI-2900-200 Staber Commercial Washing Machine $1,499
Stainless steel wash tubs. Double-door design for safety Safety interlock door-latch
Maytag Washer and Dryer
This is perhaps the most energy-efficient washing machine on the market today. With water resources becoming more precious every day, you not only save on water bills, but also on sizing your solar power system. The thing we like about this unit is that it has a built-in timer so you can wash your clothes anytime! For off-grid homes that means you can wash your clothes at peak sun time, even when you are out running errands or at work. This means less strain on both the batteries and inverter for your renewable energy system. For those of you still on the grid, you can set the timer to run during "off peak"
Quiet-Efficient-Economical With Superior Cleaning Ability
ASKO dishwashers are built for people who appreciate quality from start to finish. They are for people who value a unique design that cleans dishes better while conserving water and energy, and for people who understand that excellent overall economy comes from lower operating costs and longer equipment life. This dishwaher was found to be the most energy efficient unit available of all dishwahers on the market by The American Council For An Energy Effficient Economy (ACE).
Features and benefits Save up to 42% in water. Save up to 64% in fuel for hot water heating. Save up to 42% in sewer costs. Automatic Detergent Dispenser Very large door opening Stainless Steel tub Extra fast spin cycle that gets out more water than usual so clothes dry much faster
MA-Z600-200 Maytag Epic Z 600 Washing Machine $1,499
hours when the cost of your electricity is about two-thirds off your regular rates.
AS-1375-132 Asko Dishwasher M* $899
AS-1805-132 Asko Dishwasher E* $899

* M = Mechanical controls E=Electronic controls
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Wire baskets are coated with Rilsan graphite-nylon material, which is kind and gentle on your dishes. Water efficient, it uses only 4.6 gallons of water for a normal wash. In fact, running this appliance is less expensive than washing the same dishes by hand! Childproof lock keeps the kids out. Durable circulation and drain pumps conserve energy and last for years. Stainless steel interior. No rusting. The world's quietest dishwasher with triple insulation on all models.
Features:
APPLIANCES
Cooking Stoves
Electric cooking is impractical in a UtilityFree house. First, solar cooking is best, as it requires NO fuel except the sun!! (and sunlight is FREE! ) Using a solar oven can reduce your propane requirements up to 75%! Cloudy and rainy weather mean solar ovens will need a backup. So, we carry a complete line of gas (natural or propane) and wood cooking stoves that can all be converted to run on hydrogen in the future. Most of our gas stoves have pilotless ignition that saves energy by not having continuous-burn pilot lights. The small amount of electricity that they require saves more than the amount of energy wasted by having gas pilots lit on a 24 hour basis.
Heartland Gas and Wood Ranges

These beautiful country cook stoves will add functionality and nostalgia to your home. The Heartland stoves will fit in a standard built-in oven space. The Sweetheart wood-burning stove is a stand-alone unit. Units have porcelain-nickel trim, instant electronic ignition, and can handle up to a 22 lb turkey!
HE-2600-475 Model 2600 Wood Burner $2,695 122cm W x 73cm D x 168cm H 48" W x 28.8" D x 66" H
Model 1903 HE-1903 -395 Model 1903 - Four Burner $3,350 77.5 cm W x 73cm D x 167 cm H 30.5" W x 28.8" D x 65.6" H
HE-2603 -495 Model 2603 -Six Burner $2,449 84cm W x 70cm D x 158cm H 33" W x 27.5" D x 62" H
Extras: Water jacket: $200 Reservoir: $200 Colors: Almond $50 Black $200
Premier Gas Stoves
30" FOUR Burner with Griddle Features:

10" tempered glass Stainless steel backguard Electronic clock/timer Black glass oven door with light Chrome heat reflector trays Fifth burner included Griddle cover
36" FIVE Burner with Extra Wide Oven Features:

10" tempered glass Stainless steel backguard Electronic clock/timer Black glass oven door with light Chrome heat reflector trays 25" oven with 2 racks Side storage space
30" FOUR Burner with Sealed Burners Features:
All 5-burner models include built-in griddle, 5th burner pan and grate plus griddle cover. PR-GFK5S9W-185 $496
Fifth burner available, griddle, or just four burner model. PR-SLK249W-185 $549
10" tempered glass Stainless steel backguard Electronic clock/timer Black glass oven door with light Chrome heat reflector trays 25" oven with 2 racks Side storage space
PR-SDA4SO-185 $399
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Solar Cooking
APPLIANCES
Hybrid Solar Cooker - Solar with electric back up!!

High performance solar oven with backup AC 110v 200-400W electric elements. Ultimate in solar oven technology up to 400 F ! 95% reflective scratch-resistant reflector panel for longer wear and higher cooking temps. (Higher reflectivity than a standard glass mirror.) Double-paned oven window instead of the typical single pane. (Holds trapped energy longer for superior heating.) Double rubber oven seals instead of a single seal. Better long-term heat retention. Attachable Temp. Booster" reflector panels for (higher temperature cooking). Larger internal cooking chamber. Cook 4 different food items at one time - or how about one large pizza! 24/7 electric back-up system is energy-efficient, using typically 75% less electrical energy than your standard in-house oven. (The cost to operate is pennies.) Rugged suitcase design offers clamshell-like protection to internal parts. (Sets up in seconds: Simple as opening a suitcase!) Portable for easy carrying or transport, suitcase design style. SB-HYSUNOV-30 Hybrid Solar Oven $299.00
SC-MAGCH-65 Magic Chef $399
The Sun Oven is a great solar cooker. It is versatile, easy to use, and portable. Ruggedly built with a strong fiberglass case and tempered glass door with silicone rubber gaskets. Interior shelf has a self-leveling mechanism to prevent food from spilling when Sun Oven is tilted towards the sun. Temperature range 360F to 400F. The Magic Chef uses all-glass mirrors for the ultimate in solar oven cooking. It can easily cook a turkey or other large items. This unit is not portable like the Sun Oven because of its weight.
We include a FREE oven thermometer with every oven!
MB-SUNOV-35 Sun Oven $259
SI-BOXSO Box Solar Cooker $69 SI-BOXPL Basic Solar Cooker Plans $5
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This solar cooker from Solar Box Cookers International is perhaps the oldest solar cooker in use today. This cooker is very simple - basically just a cardboard box, some glass and a reflector. The unit comes as a kit and anyone with very basic skills can put it together.
This unit was designed with Third World countries in mind, so you can see how easy it would be to put together. We can order the basic plans in Spanish, Chinese or Arabic. A manual is included that contains detailed plans, recipes and other information pertaining to solar cooking.
APPLIANCES
Other Items of Interest

Classic Wooden Rack Dry your clothes on our solar dryer. Use the sun and wind to gently dry clothes. The large accordion laundry rack, made of poplar and birch, gives you over 40" of drying space, enough for a lot of clothes. The extra-thick dowels provide terrific strength and durability. It folds up to a compact 8 wide. This rack is well-worth it. A 5-year warranty. 48" x 36"x 27"
CR-876 Wooden Clothes Rack $69
Solar or Air Clothes Dryers
The best things in life can be free. Our highly industrialized society has lost sight of some of the simplest ways of doing things. Long before we dried our clothes in our clothes dryer we simply hung them out to dry in the great outdoors. It is still a great way to dry your clothes and it requires neither electricity nor gas. A great way to save energy!
This illustrated handbook provides more than 240 pages of practical, easy-tounderstand steps consumers can take to make their homes more energy efficient. This guide includes updated lists of the most energy-efficient appliances and equipment by brand name and model number.
AC-CGBK Consumer Guide to Home Savings $9.95 AC-EFBK Most Energy-Efficient Appliances $5.95 (not shown)
The Minidryer has five parallel drying lines that extend 12 1/4 feet (3.8 meters) providing a total drying area of 61 feet. Reeldryer is a single 40' vinyl coated steel line in a reel. Retracts when not in use. Has a spring hook for quick attachment to a screw hook.
SD-KIT2- RD Reeldryer SD-KIT1-MD Minidryer $29 $19
Solar Gate Opener
This solar powered fence charger was the first solar battery charger ever built and continues to be a best seller. The 6-volt model pictured delivers 12,000 volts and the 12-volt model has an 18,000 volt output. All DC units are more resistant to lightning than the AC chargers you plug into household current. Features: 100% Solid State UL Listed Weatherproof 2 year Warranty Operates 21 days in complete darkness Gel cell battery
Just the push of a button and this wireless remote control gate opener releases a latch and the gate opens. No wires, no trenching, no electricians! This opener can be used on gates up to 16 feet (4.9 meters) wide and weighing up to 250 lbs (113 Kgs). A built-in battery is charged by a 5-watt amorphous solar panel.
MN-100SA5-21 Gate Opener With 5-Watt Solar Panel and One Transmitter $695
PA-EF12V-24 12 Volt Fence Charger $295
PA-EF6V-23 6 Volt Fence Charger $169
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LIGHTING
Lighting Introduction
The healthiest and most pleasing light is, of course, daylight and it is free. The first thing you might consider, is how to use daylighting by incorporating tubular skylights, conventional skylights, roof windows or large windows into your house. SunPipes allow light to come into a building without bringing in extra heat during the summer months, and not letting heat escape during the winter. They can be easily installed into almost any ceiling, require a minimum time to install, and are very inexpensive. Adding a SunPipe is the lighting equivalent to putting a 1500 watt light bulb in your kitchen or bath! This light is softened by the frosted acrylic lens, and spreads evenly throughout the room. Roof windows and skylights are a dramatic enhancement to any room. These feature such amenities as remote controls and even automatic window closing when it rains! We offer an unbelievable selection, for instance miniblinds between the glass panes, motorized miniblinds, ventilating skylights, and even remote control and automatic operation are available. The next step is to use the latest in electric lighting technology, which is both pleasant and economical in the long run. There are two types of
CF because it acts "differently" then what they have grew up with and are use to. The compact fluorescent light bulb does not "flicker", and emits a pleasant light with truer colors than the long tube-type fluorescents. It uses a different, rarer type of phosphor that is brighter, as well as having more of the blue, green, and red portions of the light spectrum. The bulbs last up to 10 times longer than an incandescent, and use one-fourth the electricity. Initially they may cost more, but the long run cost will be less than half of what you spend on electricity to power ordinary lights. Compact fluorescent where introduced in early 1990 and have come a long way. Now you can replace almost any incandescent type of bulb with a comparable CF. You can do standard Edison base and the candelabra bases. You can also now buy 3-way CF bulbs and even buy dimable CF bulbs. A few years ago one could perhaps replace 75% of their light bulbs with CFs but now close to 100% can be retrofitted. We would like you to have as much light as you need, to suit whatever your activity or ambiance calls for. Now you have many
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25 40 60 75 100
= = = = =
7 11 15 20 27
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Incandescent to CF wattage Equivalents
lighting that we support, compact fluorscent lighting and LED lighting. Compact fluorscent lighting (CF) is still used by only a very small percentage of people using light fixtures especially in the home environment. Most large companies and hotel chains now use CF lighting almost exclusively. The CF still has not become "mainstream" because of the initial cost is about 4 times more then a incandescent light bulb and they don't come on "instantly" in many cases like an incandescent light bulb does so many people that are so used to the instant on feature of an incandescent light bulb rejects the
The many benefits of using compact fluorscent and LED lighting

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LIGHTING
choices of compact fluorescent lamps that will fit almost any lighting situation. The LED bulbs is a little different then a CF in that their is no filament or phosphors to light. The LED is a small solid state device that lights up when a DC current is placed in it. There is more info on the LED on page Things to know about com73. pact fluorescents: 1. Some are taller and wider than the incandescents they are replacing. They may not fit inside your existing fixtures. For example: if you have a globe fixture and put a Panasonic light capsule in it, you may not be able to put the globe back on. However, this problem has been eliminated with the introduction of the Philips triple fluorescents (See page 76) and many other CF bulbs now on the market. Most lamp shade harps are too short for the compact fluorescent, so we also sell longer lamp shade harps. We even have a socket extender that raises the bulb out of the lamp socket by 1 - 3/16". This extender is also useful in track lights, where the recess is otherwise too deep for retrofitting with compact fluorescents. If, for any reason they do not fit, we have a 30 day return policy. 2. These bulbs have an electronic ballast (all fluorescents require a ballast). They may come in two pieces (the bulb and base). The base usually lasts 50,000 hours, and the bulb lasts typically 10,000 hours (incandescent bulbs seldomly last 1,000 hours). The electronic ballast bulbs usually have no problems starting at low outdoor temperatures so feel free to buy these for outside lighting! While compact fluorescent are starting to appear in your local stores, most of these are cheap imports that will flicker and may even mysteriously change your TV channel or interfere with your cordless phone. 6. Compact fluorscent bulbs are not much like their cousins, the long tube fluorscent. They have different phosphors that show colors more vividly and accurately. The electronic ballasts operate silently and operate at frequencies of 20,000 cycles per second, as opposed to the 60 cycle old type of fluorescent. 7. When replacing incandescents with compact fluorescents, replace the bulbs that are used most often and are on the longest. This usually means the kitchen, family room and living room as well as security lights. 8. All of the compact fluorescent bulbs we sell have a minimum life of 9,000 to 10,000 hours. That is just the bulb. The coil ballast also typically lasts 10,000 hours and the electronic ballast typically lasts 50,000 hours. 9. Most compact fluorescents have a color temperature of between 2700K and 2800K. This is known as a "warm" color tone and colors will appear brighter, for example in photos and paintings. We are trying to sell more "daylight" CFs that have a color about 5000 K. 10. At this time about the only thing that can't be converted to compact fluorescents are chandeliers with "candle" type lights in them. Oh well, you can't win them all! The CF simply will not replace that type of lighting but I think will
Only 10% of the electricity in an incandescent (bulbs around the CF in the middle) is converted to light and 90% is turned into heat. Its a great space heater! Compact fluorescents produce light by exciting phosphors to "fluoresce"producing light. About 30% or more of the electricity is converted into useful light and last about 10 years before you have to replace them!
3. As of this writing you can use dimmers on compact fluorescents but the CF you are buying has to state that the CF is dimable. These are not found in to many stores today but it is changing slowly. 4. You can buy 3-way CFs that replace 3 way incandescents. They are usually brighter then their incandescent cousins. They are usually 3-way equivalent of a 50, 100, and 150 watt incandescent bulb. 4. You can use CF bulbs outdoors, like on porch lights, but make sure they can handle cold temperatures (see chart) and are protected from rain. We have a full line of flood lights and solar DC lighting. 5. Why should you buy a bulb for $24 when you can buy one for $14.95 at WalMart? You get what you pay for:
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be replaced by LED lighting in the future that will have a similar effect.
DC Lighting
1
Comaprison of an Incandescent vs LED
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We do not feel DC lighting is necessary in a UtilityFree home. Let's face it, we live in an AC world. In remote lighting systems such as parking lot lighting or billboards, it makes sense to have DC lighting. All that said, with the super low amperage of LED lights it may make sense in the future to have all lighting DC using LEDs instead of even compact fluorescent, but for now (2007) CFs rule.
LEDs
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lifetime of light. And just like the transistor replaced the vacuum tube which was very energy intensive the LED is to the light bulb what the transistor was to the vacuum tube. The transistor prevailed because it consumed tiny amounts of power compared to the transistor and the transistor also had a much longer life as well. The LED can be found on more and more products and as far as the home and commercial markets the LED still costs more than a CF. However, this is changing rapidly. Basically an LED light fixture is made up of many small LED to give you a certain wattage. They produce NO discernible heat, last more than a life time, and consume a fraction of the energy ANY CF or incandescent uses. In general the more LEDs in a lamp the higher wattage the lamp is going to be. General Electric introduced the first LEDs in 1962. These LEDs came only in red, the lowest energy of all visible light colors. In the 1970's, yellow and green were introduced, along with intermediate colors such as orange. However, the materials used were inefficient - very little light was produced for each watt of electric power used. Conventional light bulbs are also very inefficient yielding at best only about 6% of their electric power used in the form of light. The rest of this power turns into heat, as one finds out quickly when touching a lighted bulb. Over the years, LED efficiency, brightness, and lowered cost have exploded in parallel with computer components. Today, LED power efficiency surpasses that of a fluorescent and is increasing with 75% efficiency on the horizon. Welcome to the new world of lighting!
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LEDs are the next generation of lighting. They have on average 10 times the life of a compact fluorscent bulb, i.e. 100,000 hours of life! LEDs have also evolved to last much longer. Today, LED lifetimes are not specified by a time to burnout because it simply takes too long to measure. Instead, LED lifetime is specified at time when a barely noticeable loss of light occurs. This lifetime is about 100,000 hours, or more than eleven years of time. If the LED is off for any portion of time, then this lifetime increases. Conventional light bulbs are typically rated at about 1000-2000 hours or so before they burn out. But even this rating assumes that the light bulbs are not turned off and on and that they are not jarred in any fashion. Anyone familiar with Christmas light strings is experienced with burnout because you shake them a lot. That is what I call more than a
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LIGHTING
Daylighting
The Best Skylights and Roof Windows Velux has been making them since 1978 The suns light has a greater impact on the quality of our lives than practically any other natural element. It wakes us in the morning and its departure signals the conclusion of the day. It's strength provides the sustenance for our growth and its brilliance forms the canvas upon which the beauty of nature is reflected. It even reaches far into our homes to create radiant interiors that warm our hearths and our hearts. VELUX Roof Windows and Skylights enable you to open confining walls and ceilings to the splendor of sunlight and outdoor views. Rooms filled with natural light are invariably more beautiful, spacious and uplifting to your spirit. Imagine a sunroom filled with daylight and cool breezes. A sunny, spacious kitchen in which cooking is a pleasure rather than a chore. Or a quiet, sunny nook under the eaves to which you can retreat to read or hide away from everyday concerns. Daylight is the essential element that transforms conventional rooms into respondent spaces that add to the value and quality of the home. Yet like the sun itself, our roof windows and skylights will soon be taken for granted once theyre installed. All that you will notice is your home suddenly seems larger and the beauty of your furnishings accentuated. There are so many sizes and shapes of Velux skylights to choose from we could not possibly list them in our limited SourceBook space. Please call our office at 888.920.9211 for a complete booklet and price list. Shipping is included FOB Denver or nearest terminal. Features and Benefits of "Sunpipes"
Skylights in a bedroom seeing into the heavens
Advanced Daylighting Technology

Skylights are great, but they can let in too much heat and they have a reputation for leaking (if they are installed properly, they shouldn't leak!). The chimney that encloses the area between the ceiling and the roof is expensive to build and acts like a tunnel, limiting the spread of light into the room. Pipe lights on the other hand offer an alternative.They have a superreflective lining inside the pipe and is more reflective than the common mirror. This lining assures that all the light that enters the pipe from above your roof reaches the diffuser dome on your ceiling, with minimum loss.
SU-RES13 Residential 13" $199
2-4 hour installation No cutting of joists or rafters/No framing Standard flashing and storm collar mean no leaks when properly installed 1/2 to 1/8 the price of awelled skylight, installed Diffuses light uniformly from floor to ceiling No color fading or bleaching Actually pays for itself when used instead of a skylight 200 to 900+ watts (incandes cent lighting equivalent) on cloudy days, 1500 watts on sunny days! Totally energy-free Can leave electric lights off on sunny and partly cloudy days
Basic kits above include everything but piping. Pipe sections are $37/foot for 13"pipe and $49/ft. for 21" pipe.
Sunpipes
What Customers Say

It looks just like a light! " We have a skylight but all we get from it is a spot of light on our floor. The SunPipe Incandescent lights up the entire room"
SU-COM21 Commercial 21" $389
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LIGHTING Daylighting - Skylights

This complete system channels light to any part of your home both efficiently and economically with the patented Flexi-Tube. This new concept in skylights is perfect for hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, walk in closets- anywhere that needs more natural light. The two to three hour installation time makes The Sun Tunnel popular with professional builders and do-it-yourselfers alike. The patented tubing can flex around most attic obstructions with both models fitting neatly between standard rafter spacing. Its aerodynamic shape and built-in double-sealed roof flashing prevents any water build up, providing for a water tight installation on any roof type. Eliminate the need for costly framing, drywall, painting, and texturing with the simple alternative to natural lighting. The Sun Tunnel can be installed for far below the cost of a traditional skylight. Both the 400 and 500 series models are available as a complete do-it yourself kit or can be installed by our trained professionals. Comes with 4.5' of flex tube.
ST-252 Sun Tunnel kit 16" $339.00. Each additional foot of flex tube is $16.00 per foot.
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When SOLATUBE pioneered the tubular skylight in 1990, industry standards were set for product design quality manufacturing that are still unequalled. SOLATUBE is designed to be free of leaks, condensation and temperature fluctuations that plague conventional skylights. Ask any of the thousands of satisfied customers worldwide and they will testify that SOLATUBE surpasses all competitors over time for durability and performance. SOLATUBE offers attractive dress ring options, a selection of ceiling light diffusers and a wide variety of leakproof roof flashings.
SolaTube can be be adjusted from vertical to 45. Unique ceiling fan and Skylight assembly!
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SO-263 Solatube kit 10" tube $369.00. Each aditional foot of tube is $28.00 per foot.
Key Features: Unsurpassed quality and warranty Rugged dome c o n structed of 1/4 inch Acrylite TM Six (6) feet of reflective tube 12" or 16" diameter reflective tubes available Secure snap-lock seams on tubes Patented snap-on finish ring Flat or steep pitched roofjack available Tube can be raised higher above roofjack for maximum desired light UPS Shipments Worldwide
LifeTime Warranty Tru-Lite Tubular Skylights carry a lifetime warranty on all components. Warranty on installation shall be provided by your installer. A step by step illustrated instruction packet with all parts including fastening screws and special caulking is provided. Save hours of labor and significant costs compared with traditional skylights. You can install three TruLite Skylights cost effectively to one traditional skylight that requires drywall and structural modification. For more information on this great skylight please click here!
ST-253RR TruLite 12" For Regular roof pitch 3/12-7/12 $389.00 ST-254SR TruLite 12" For Steep roof pitch 7/12-12/12 $449.00 ST-25516RR TruLite 16" For Regular roof pitch 3/12-7/12 $659.00
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LIGHTING
Remote Source Lighting (RSL)

Remote-source lighting is an evolving technology that is currently more costly but is often the best (or the only) choice in special lighting situations. In the future, it might become more cost-effective, more efficient, and more widely used if recent breakthroughs pan out. In remote-source lighting (RSL), light from a single source is carried over a distance to one or more light outlets, or is emitted evenly along the way. Several benefits result from this type of light delivery system, including: A reduction in the amount of infrared and ultraviolet energy introduced into a space. Improved safety in wet or explosive environments. Improved targeting of light. Remote-source lighting also provides an aesthetic appeal that often can't be achieved by other means. Losses in the light distribution system generally make remotesource lighting less energy efficient than conventional systems, but in some cases the precision targeting of light can make up for those losses. In addition, RSL systems may eventually lead to higher system efficiencies since they enable the use of new powerful and efficient light sources that are difficult to use in conventional fixtures without producing too much glare. The ultimate impact of RSL on energy use comes from systems that simultaneously convey daylight and artificial light. Remote-source lighting is more expensive than conventional lighting for most applications, but it has appeal in certain markets, such as sidewalk and building outline lighting, underwater lighting in pools, fountains, and aquariums; and special effects lighting, accent lighting, wall washing, and downlighting. Some types of remote-source lighting have also found a home in tunnels, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
What Are the Options?
Remote-source light is distributed using either fiber optic or light pipe systems.
Fiber Optics
Fiber optic systems feature a light source, a set of reflectors, filters, lenses to feed the light to the fiber optic cables, and a fixture to distribute the light at the point of illumination. Light sources for fiber optics need to be as small as possible to provide a tightly coupled optical sys-
would not be acceptable, such as under water. End-emitting fibers depend on fixtures to disburse the light. The most common ones available today are downlights, wall washers, accent lights, and special fixtures for landscape and underwater applications. Major fixture manufacturers have been reluctant to put much effort into accommodating remote-source fiber lighting systems because they recognize that fiber systems mainly serve limited niche markets. In addition, they recognize that the design of fiber systems is in a state of flux, with fiber optics developers continually changing their cables and light sources. The number of fixtures that can be fed from one light source depends on the intensity of the light source and the lighting requirements at the end of the run. For decorative applications where light distribution isn't crucial, several hundred fixtures might be fed from one source. For more sensitive applications, the number of fixtures would need to be greatly reduced.
Light Pipes
Figure 1
tem that can yield high transmission efficiencies. Most fiber optic cables are either side-emitting or end-emitting, although there are some seriessource-emitting configurations as well (Figure 1). Side-emitting fibers are most often used as an alternative to neon lights. The fiber optics option offers greater flexibility and greater energy efficiency than neon systems. Also, since fibers carry no electricity, they can be used in areas where neon
Light pipes, also known as light guides, feature a hollow interior lined with a reflective inner surface that directs light within the tube. The most common linings are prismatic films and mirrored surfaces. Most light-pipe applications require side-emitting tubes that can carry artificial light or daylight. These feature a layer of translucent or transparent material surrounding a layer of prismatic light-reflecting film. The light is released evenly along the length of the tube. Mirrored surface tubes are most often used with daylight pipes that emit light at the end of the tube. The above text was provided by Excel Energy. Please contcat us if you are interested in this evolving lighting technology.
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LIGHTING AC LED Lighting
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LEDs on bus
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Model # AC3 AC6 AC18 AC18 AC28 AC34 AC36 AC60 AC90 AC126 Item # 7000 7001 7002 7002 7003 7004 7005 7006 7008 7011 SB ID A A B C D E F G H I
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Power Consum 30 mA 30 mA 30 mA 30 mA 600 mA 2.5 W 1W 1.5 3W 5W IncanD Equiv 1 3 15 15 20 35 40 40 60 75
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# of LEDs 3 6 18 18 28 34 36 60 90 126 rated Life 30,000+ 30,000+ 30,000+ 30,000+ 100,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
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Price Each USD 24.95 24.95 24.95 59.95 24.95 36.95 34.95 99.95 99.95 149.95
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LIGHTING
AC Outside Lights
DC Solar Outside Lights
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G H Outdoor DC lighting Commonly used for driveways, yards, porches, decks or walkways. These particular lights might seem a bit high priced at first, but consider several things: no timers to worry about, no digging trenches, no worry about buried wires becoming shorted or someone digging them up at a later date, and best of all no utility bills!
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LIGHTING
Flood Lights
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A B All compact fluorescents we sell are equiped with standard (just like your regular light bulbs) screw in bases. However, the area just above the screw in base is normally larger.
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Bulbs
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Lampshade Harp
Many tall (Mitor 4 Pin Quad lamp) and light capsule (Panasonic Globe Capsule) type compact fluorescents will not fit a standard floor or table lamp. The solution is to purchase one of our longer harps. They are simple to install and require no tools, just a few minutes of your time.
LA-H0034 Lampshade Harp $ 2.99
Sample of a two part compact fluorscent www.beutilityfree.com

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LIGHTING
Ceiling Mounts
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What you see in our SourceBook is only a sampling of the fixtures and bulbs we carry. If you would like us to do the lighting for your whole house, our experts would be happy to assist you.
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LIGHTING
Wall Mounts
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L Asymmetria Desk Lamp Task lighting is a joy with a lamp like this! A soft warm PL 13 lamp is specially designed to produce little glare on work surfaces and computer screens. Has a 34" arm that is friction loaded no springs! So you can maneuver the head in almost any position. Colors: Black or White
DA-2702-10 Asymmetria Weighted Base Model $74.99 DA-2701-3 Asymmetria Clamp On Model $59.00 DA-2705-25 Asymmetria Floor Model $114.99
Lamps and Task Lighting

Panasonic Task Lighting
Instantaneous lighting, bright as a 100 watt incandescent, no flicker, and has a dimmer function that reduces brightness from 100% to 80%.
PA-SOQ926-4 Panasonic Top Lamp PA-SOQ925-5 Panasonic Bottom Lamp
$69.00 $79.00
DA-6330-11 30" Flex Desk $133.00 DA-6360-23 60" Flex Floor $159.00
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Halogen Flex Series Twist, bend, turn and curl the flex arm into the shape you like. Use this concentrated 20 watt clean white light beam to accent paintings, artwork, floral arrangements, etc. Colors: Black or White
LIGHTING
Lighting Table
TYPE LIGHTING AC OUTSIDE SourceBook Number WE-10006 WE-100010 WE-1400C WE-1400W WE-2100 WE-2300 WE-2500 WE-3200 WE-4300 WE-5200 SOLAR OUTSIDE SE-1000 SE-1001 SE-1002 BR-821-4 BR-821-1 SO-NSL SO-NL HE-2589 SO-NAL BR-821-22 SE-105 BR-8213-31 BR-8215-32 FLOODLIGHTS WE-500PL13 WE-500PL18 MI-W1C6-4 MI-W1PL13-4 WE-500F40 MI-W1C15-7 MI-W2C152-7 MI-W2C48-13 BULBS TCP TCP -FS NA-FS_DIM NA-FS Panasonic Panasonic NA NA Panasonic NA-FS Philips Philips ProLight ProLight ProLight ProLight Philips Philips Philips ProLight ProLight ProLight Philips Prolight TC-FL11 MI-FL16* MI-EL18* OS-DEL07 PA-BFG15 PA-BFT15 PA-EFT18 NA-EFD20 PA-EFD27 PH-SL17 PH-SL18/R40 PH-PAR38 PR-TL5 PR-TL9Q PR-TL13Q PR-TL22Q PH-SLS15 PH-SLS20 PH-SLS23 PL-QCR38 PL-QCR30 PL-QCR30HP PH-QL85 PL-CL22M A B C D E F G H A B C D E F G H I J J1 K L L1 L2 L3 M N O P Q Q1 R S 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 0 0 -20 0 0 0 0 0 E E E E E E E E >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >90 >90 >98 56 52 52 52 52 52 60 60 NA 41 60 53 51 >55 >55 >55 50 50 92 >90 65 13 28 6 13 40 15 30 48 14-19-32 20 22 55 15 15 4 25 27 42 18 60 5 9 13 22 15 20 23 14.5 14.5 14.5 85 21 75 100 100 150 200 150 300 295 50-100-150 75 90 250 60 60 14 100 100 150 75 150 25 50 60 75 60 75 90 75 75 75 150 100 8x4 12x 4 8x4 6.5 x 10 49 6.5 x 18 3/4 6.5 x 18 3/4 6.5 x 51 3/4 2.15 x 6.6 4.25" Dia 2.15 x 6.8 2 1/4 x 5 1/2 3.1 x 6.5 5.7 x 3.7 3.0 x 7.4 2.1 x 7.4 2.1 x 7.8 3x6 5 x 7.25 5x6 1.25 x 5.125 1.25 x 5.5 1.25 x 5.25 2 x 7.5 2.3 x 4.9 2.3 x 5.6 2.3 x 6.2 4.75 x 6 3.75 x 6.125 3.75 x 6.125 4.5 x 7.75 3.875 x 8 N Y Y Y OK OK N Y Y Y Y Y N N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y OK OK OK OK N OK OK OK OK Y N N N N OK OK OK OK OK OK OK N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y N Y 55.00 69.90 149.00 109.95 139.00 183.99 216.00 279.00 15.95 14.95 24.95 23.95 15.99 15.99 24.99 14.95 24.99 24.99 24.99 10.99 28.99 31.99 31.99 34.99 29.00 29.00 29.00 46.99 47.99 47.99 CALL 22.95 52.80 67.10 143.04 105.55 133.44 176.63 207.36 267.84 15.31 14.35 23.95 22.99 15.35 15.35 23.99 14.35 23.99 23.99 23.99 10.55 27.83 30.71 30.71 33.59 27.84 27.84 27.84 45.11 46.07 46.07 CALL 22.03 A B C D E F G H I J K L M SB ID A B C D E F G H I J SB P# 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 Temp Start 0 0 0,-20 0,-20 0,-20 0,-20 0,-20 0,-20 0 0,-20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bal Ty PF% E E E E E E E E E E >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 Fixture/Lamp Watts 5,7,9,13 5,7,9,13 7,9,13,20,22 7,9,13,20,22 13,22,28 13,22,28 13,22,28 35,50,70 5,7,9,13 13,28 Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Ni-Cad Lead-Acid Incandescent Equivalent 25,40,60,75 25,40,60,75 25,40,60,75 25,40,60,75 75,100 75,100 75,100 35,50,70 25,40,60,75 75,100 W" x H" x D" 6x9 6x9 12.5 x 9.5 12.5 x 9.6 12/16/18/20 Dia 7 x 14.5 7,9,13,22 Dia 20 x 14 6x9 6x9 Rec Can Track Table Light Lamp Price Each 10 Qty 47.90 47.90 76.80 76.80 59.50 119.00 51.00 282.00 60.50 73.70 89.00 59.00 59.00 49.00 37.00 98.00 95.00 92.00 34.99 29.00 43.99 49.00 67.00 45.98 45.98 73.73 73.73 57.12 114.24 48.96 270.72 58.08 70.75 85.44 56.64 56.64 47.04 35.52 94.08 91.20 88.32 33.59 27.84 42.23 47.04 64.32
These Are All Low Wattage Bulbs We Suggest You Only Use For Decorative or Accent Lights
0-140 E 0-140 E -15 E 0-140 E 32-95 M 32-95 M 32-95 E 32-95 E 32-95 E 0-140 E 0-140 E 0-140 NA 0 E 15 E 32 E -20 E 0 E 0 E 0 E 0 E 0 E 0 E -20 E 32-140 E
Legend: SB = SourceBook, E = Electronic ballast, M = Magnetic ballast, Bal = Ballast, Ty = Type, Rec = Recessed, PF = Power factor NLA = No Longer Available, FS = Full Spectrum (Daylight 5000+K), DIM=Dimable Cold Weather and Compact Fluorescents (CF's): The best operating temperatures for these bulbs are between 60 and 70F. However, they will normally operate between 50 and 120F. In general, the colder the weather the harder they are to start. Even most lamps that are rated at 0F will usually start between 10 - 20F. The lowest rated lamp that we sell starts at -45F.
Reflectors: Some bulbs that we sell can have reflector adaptors attached to them to convert them to flood lights or spot lights. These bulbs are marked with an *. Starting Up CF's: Most magnetic lights flicker for a few seconds when they are initially turned on. Electronic lights come on instantly. However, both types take about a minute or so to reach full brightness. Substitutes: If we do not have a particular bulb in stock, we will substitute with one of similar or better qualities.
Lighty shaded lines are our best selling items
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LIGHTING Lighting Table

TYPE LIGHTING CEILING MOUNTS SourceBook Number WE-1100PL9 WE-400020W WE-4500PL9 WE-5700PL9 WE-4400PL9 WE-4600PL9 WE-5900PL9 WE-1600GPL7 WE-1600JPL7 WE-2000PL22 EN-1500-RL EN-1022L EN-1013L EN-1026L EN-1039L WALL MOUNTS WE-1700PL7 WE-1800PL5 WE-1900PL13 WE-600PL7 WE-3800PL9 WE-3100PL13 WE-2500PL7 RS-2WFD RS-2WFD1 WE-3500PL9 WE-650026 WE-650027 WE-3700PL9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 E E E E E E E E E E E E E >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 7,9,13 5,7,9,13 13,22 7,9,13 9,13,22,28 13,22 7,9,13,22 13 13 9,13 26,39 26,39 13,20 40,60,75 25,40,60,75 75,100 40,60,75 60,75,100 75,100 40,60,75,100 75 75 60,75 120,180 120,180 75,100 5 1/2 x 7 3/4 4 1/4 x 6 1/4 7 1/4 x 12 4 1/2 x 9 3/4 8 x 10 x 5 1/2 7 x 14 x 5 1/2 10 1/2 x 19 10 x 6 3/4 12 x 6 3/4 8 3/4 x 6 x 2 1/2 12 x 2 1/2 12 x 2 1/2 24 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 33.00 38.95 83.00 39.99 69.99 92.50 53.99 79.99 77.95 41.99 58.99 58.99 57.99 31.68 37.39 79.68 38.39 67.19 88.80 51.83 76.79 74.83 40.31 56.63 56.63 55.67 SB ID A B C D E F G H I J K L L1 L2 L3 SB P# 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 Temp Start 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 32 32 32 32 Bal Ty E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E PF% >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 >50 Fixture/Lamp Watts 9,13 9,13 9,13,18 9,13,18 9,13 9,13 9,13 7,9,13 7,9,13 22,28 13 22,32,54 13 26 39 Incandescent Equivalent 60,75 60,75 60,75,100 60,75,100 60,75 60,75 60,75 40,60,75 40,60,75 75,100 75 75,100,175 60 120 180 W" x H" x D" 11 x 11 x 3 11 x 4 10 x 4 1/4 10 x 4 1/4 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 x 3 11 x 11 x 2 3/4 10 x 5 6 6 1/4 6,7 Dia 9.5 x 3 3/4 11 x 3, 14 x 3 11 x 3 11 x 3 14 x 3 Rec Can Track Table Light Lamp Price Each 10 Qty 39.99 54.95 64.90 31.95 49.99 59.99 44.99 33.00 33.00 69.99 36.00 29.95 24.99 28.59 51.99 38.39 52.75 62.30 30.67 47.99 57.59 43.19 31.68 31.68 67.19 34.56 28.75 23.99 27.45 49.91
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Notes About Lighting Table All fixtures that are listed normally include the lowest wattage bulb available. For example: Item A in the outdoor lighting section comes in a 5,7,9,13 model. The price of $47.00 is the price on the 5 watt model. All solar DC outdoor lighting fixtures have a small solar cell, rechargeable battery (usually replaceable) and usually some method of controlling the light. All solar lights require a minimum of 3 hours of direct sunlight to work properly. If you do not have sunlight available and still want to run these type of lights off solar electricity, then they can be operated directly off a battery bank.
PF% or Power Factor? So, what is that all about? I've never heard of that term before! In laymans terms it is how efficient the light bulb works in matching the power company's power curve. The closer the match, the higher the power factor - the lower the power factor, the lower the efficiency and the greater the energy mismatch. If you are considering disconnecting from the grid, then purchase as high a power factor bulb as possible. Your power will go much further. Socket Extender Sometimes compact fluorescent lamps have a neck that is too wide for your fixture. The socket extender raises the lamp out of the socket by 1 3/16". The extender is also useful if a bulb sits too deeply inside a track light or can fixture, losing its lighting effectiveness. Available up to 660 watts. CR-E0543 Socket Extender $3.95
How Much Can I Save?

Light Bulb Savings Chart Worksheet Your Situation Incandescent 1. Watts of Bulb (total wattage) 2. Life of Bulb (Hrs) 3. How many bulbs will I buy? (Divide life on incand. by life of compact fluorescent, round up) 4. How much electric over bulb life? (Multiply #1 x #2 x #3 and divide by 1,000 to get Kwh's) 5. What is your electric cost? (Divide your total you paid on your last electric bill by Kwh usage) 6. How much will electric cost over bulb life? (Multiply #4 x#5) 7. How much money will I save with Just ONE Compact Fluorescent? (Subtract #6 Incandescent from #6 Compact Fluorescent) 8. Now multiply this by how many bulbs you plan to replace! 9. Total Savings! $ x $ Compact Fluorescent
Example of Savings - Just ONE Bulb Incand. Mitor 1. Bulb Wattage 100 27 2. Avg Bulb Life (hrs) 1,000 10,000 3. How many bulbs will you buy to equal one CP? 10 1 4. How many Kwh will I use? 1000 270 5. Your electric cost/ Kwh .10 .10 6. Electric cost ($) over bulb life? $100 $27 Cost of One Bulb $.75 $25 Operation Cost of One Bulb $101 $52 Savings Over Lifetime of Bulb $49 * Assumes light bulb is on 6 hours a day
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The savings charts and tables take into account only the savings of the lamp (bulb) part of a compact fluorescent light. As stated before, compact fluorescents come in two varieties, a one piece and a two piece. The one piece ballast lasts about as long as the bulb, however, with the two piece compact the ballast typically lasts about 5 times longer than the bulb. The additional savings when you purchase a two piece bulb is an added bonus.
LIGHTING Stand Alone Lighting Applications Parking Lots Billboard Lighting Cellular Phones Area Lighting National Parks Mine Lighting Bus Shelters Outdoor Signs Hazard Lighting Railroad Lighting Traffic Safety Security Lighting Rest Areas Boat Docks Street Lighting Campgrounds Ski Resorts Farm Lighting
Our Stand Alone Lighting systems are state of the art. They are very economical to install when compared to ripping up your yard or pavement, trenching, or running wires long distances. We use either gel cell batteries or alkaline batteries. The light fixtures used are either low pressure sodium or fluorescents. Fluorescents, on the other hand, are a better quality of light. The system's normal component parts include: Pole mount structure (top or side mount) Solar panel Weathertight battery box with lock Outdoor UL rated high efficiency DC lighting Quality battery bank Photo sensitive controller for light operation Battery charge controller
Lighting Packages
#1: $700 - $1,000. This system provides light for up to six hours at night from about 5 hours of sunlight a day. Our battery provides 3-4 days of storage in cloudy weather. #2: $1,100 to $2,500. This system will provide 10 hours of lighting at night from 5 full sun hours a day. This has enough storage for up to 6 days of cloudy weather. #3: $3,000 to $4,500. This system will provide 10 hours per night from 5 full sun hours. This has enough storage for up to 6 days. The difference between system 2 and 3 is that this system has two lights instead of one. Both lighting package l and 2 are a single flood light.
What we need to Know from You: Before you call to inquire about your particular lighting application, please have the following information available. We will be able to give a quote much quicker than if we are lacking this information: 1. How much light will you need? (Is this to light up a walkway or a parking lot?) 2. What color lighting is desirable? (Low pressure sodium lamps look yellow and are used where color rendition is not important. Fluorescent lighting is much whiter and more natural) 3. How many hours do you need the light(s) on? 4. What type of climate is the light going to be operated in? 5. Where is the battery going to be located to power the light at night?
Stand Alone DC Lighting makes sense: No utility line extentions needed No digging up of location Easy installation Almost no maintenance Automatic controls No utility bills
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Solar Energy - The Basics
Your site is the most important factor in determining both the best placement of your collector(s) and the amount of heat or electricity your system will produce. A solar collector refers to either a thermal panel, converting solar energy into heat (hot water or hot air) or a solar electric module, converting solar energy into electricity. There are three criteria for determining the solar energy potential of the collector location: orientation of the collector, the angle, and whether the collector is fixed or tracking. The golden rule of solar energy is to have access to it. It sounds simple enough, but many buildings cannot collect solar energy because of tall trees, buildings, or other obstacles in the way. First, you have to understand how the sun crosses your spot on planet Earth. A building is under invisible longitude and latitude lines The suns arc constantly changes in the horizontal and vertical planes on a daily basis. As you can see from the diagram below, the suns position in the sky changes during the summer and winter. The sun is normally higher in the summer, lower in the winter. The closer to the equator you are, the less seasonal angle change there is. To find solar south (also called true south), you must first find out sunrise and sunset times for that day, perhaps in your local newspaper. If you live near a time zone line, actual sunrise and sunset in your area may vary as much as one half hour from what you read. Put a stick in the ground in your yard where it will cast a good shadow and make sure its totally vertical. Exactly halfway between sunrise and sunset, the sticks
shadow will point be a perfect northsouth line. You can also find solar south by using a compass. However, you The best tool that we are aware of for solar sighting is the Solar Pathfinder. It takes all the guesswork out of your planning. Place it anywhere and It will show you the suns yearly path across the sky, even on a cloudy day! By looking at the plastic dome you can see where any shadows will occur from any object such as a tree or building. You can write down your findings and compare the results with other locations at the same site and even use the included software.
must compensate for the fact that the direction of solar south can vary from magnetic south. Use the Magnetic Variation Map in the appendix section to find the variation between magnetic and solar south for your area. Note the direction and number of degrees of variation between magnetic and solar south. If you live near the 0 variation line, then you will not have to make any adjustments. If you live east of this line, magnetic south is to the left (east) of solar south. If you live to the west of this 0 line, magnetic south is to the right (west) of solar south. We know this can be a bit confusing. Even though the ideal situation is to have the collector facing directly south, you can still be 15 off in either direction and lose very little solar energy. In the end, both the orientation and the angle at which the collectors end up is what determines the percentage of sunshine the thermal
Please specify latitude at which you will be using the Pathfinder
SP-SOLPF Solar Pathfinder $279
collector(s) or solar electric module(s) will receive and how much energy they produce.
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Collector Placement and Mounting
Once you know that your site is suitable (see preceding page), then you have to plan where you want to put the collectors. There are four ways to mount your collectors: 1. On your roof 2. On the ground 3. On a tracker 4. Integrated into the roof The best place is wherever you have the solar exposure and wherever it looks good to you. When we do design work for our clients we prefer to place your solar modules so they look like part of the building instead of an add-on. For years placement has been haphazard. You see pictures of collectors plastered everywhere. We advise mounting solar electric modules on the roof or on a tracker and solar thermal collectors on ground level if not roof integrated. Unlike hot water collectors, solar electric panels produce the highest output when they are the coldest. It is cooler on the roof (in most climates) than on the ground because of the wind. Solar electric modules are extremely reliable so the likelihood that you will be replacing one is extremely small. The only problem with mounting collectors (hot water or solar electric) on the roof is that most roofs are not designed with the right pitch, so you usually have to use separate mounting hardware. If you are building a new building, design the roof pitch to accommodate your collector angle! Trackers for solar electric modules are a solution for people with existing houses with the wrong roof orientation, or no rooftop solar access. They can provide up to 35% more solar energy in the summer months. So if you have special summer needs such as irrigation, think seriously about a tracker. (In the winter months a tracker will only give you about 10% more energy.) To reduce heat loss from wind, solar hot water collectors should ideally be mounted at ground level. You want this type of collector to collect as much heat as possible and to retain that heat as long as possible. Plus, if for any reason you have a leaky valve or other plumbing problem, then you wont have to climb up on your roof in the winter to fix it. At What Angle Should I Mount My Collectors? Collectors that are sloped at an angle lower than your latitude (more horizontal), receive more sunlight in summer and less in winter. Collectors sloped at angles greater than your latitude (more vertical) receive more sunlight in winter and less in summer. If you only need solar energy in the winter, then mount the collector at a fixed winter angle. If you are in a climate where there is snow on the ground all winter, then the reflection off the snow acts as a wonderful mirror and increases the energy received by about one third. Shading of Collectors Shading of solar electric modules is a no-no. Most solar modules are cells connected in a series; if you shade one cell, the output of the whole panel falls drastically. In a solar thermal panel this is not as much of a concern, but shading will lower your overall performance. For best performance with any
If you are in an area with a lot of buildings make sure the building around you do not cast a shadow on your collector!
type of collector you need to keep the surface of the collector perpendicular to the suns angle. The best and least expensive way we know to find perpendicular is to put the head of a a small nail or rivet to the glass face of one of your panels. Then move it until there is no shadow. It works great!
Solar Hot Water Heating

Most of us use hot water on a daily basis. If you do not have a solar hot water heater you are probably paying between $250 and $650 a yearfor your hot water. If you live in the South or West where the climate is very mild, than you can save about 18.2 million Btus (MMBtu) a year. In a colder climate, about 14 MMBtu. If you are heating your water with electricity, then 18.2 million Btus @ 8 cents per kWh is worth $426.60. (18,200,000 Btu 3,413 Btus/kWh x $.08 = $426.60) With this amount of savings, one should seriously consider solar hot water heating. BeUtilityFree carries the most complete selection of solar hot water panels anywhere in the world. The reason is that we always try to match your need with a product we sell, and all products have their strong points! Solar thermal makes a lot of sense, not only as the fastest payback, but as a pollution-cutting device as well! Let us not forget how our electricity is produced: 90% from fossil fuels or nuclear power, 52% from coal! We are all responsible for our environment. Please do your part!
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Solar Thermal Applications
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Thermosyphon This system is one of the simplest types - requiring no motor or pump, therefore no electricity, either. The tank has to be located above the collectors for it to work. Size a collectors square foot service area to 50-70% of storage tank capacity. Example: an 80 gallon tank would require between 40 to 56 square ft. of collector area. This system can be used to heat your domestic hot water or your hot tub or any other heating need your imagination can come up with! Active Hot Water This system requires motors, sensors, and pumps (AC or DC). The fluid is a nontoxic water/antifreeze solution. Size collector square feet service area to 50-70% of the storage tank. Example: an 80 gallon tank would require between 40 to 56 square ft. of collector area. We prefer the simple drain-back system. It is an active system but has only one motor and uses gravity to empty the collectors daily. Solar Thermal Basic Rules 1. Do not design your system and then search for component parts. We suggest that you use as many prepackaged items as possible. It will save time and you will get a product in which component parts are matched and work together. 2. Keep systems simple. The fewer valves, motors and gadgets, the less there is to go wrong. The less material, the lower the initial cost. 3. Be cautious of dual purpose systems. One system properly tuned is far better than one system that has mediocre performance in both functions. Always keep pool heating separate as its requirements are unique. 4. Consult your building department before any decision is made to buy or build any system.
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Pool Heating Pool collectors are typically unglazed (no glass) collectors. Base the number of solar panels on the surface area of the pool. Use between 50 to 75% of that figure. Example: a 20 x 30 pool has a service area of 600 square feet. Fifty percent of 600 square feet is 300. If you own a tropical resort, pool heating can be used all year and the payback is usually in the 1-2 year range. If you own a resort please get in touch with us immediately!
HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Solar Thermal Applications
Hot Tub Heating Sizing these systems depends on how well the tubs are insulated (if at all). A properly insulated 500 gallon tub with a good cover requires about 48 to 72 square feet of collector area to maintain a 105 F temperature. Your existing conventional heater is activated whenever solar conditions are poor. Sometimes a heat exchanger is used, but this has to be engineered correctly for everything to work properly. A heat exchanger can be dropped directly into the tub with flexible hose on each end and removed when you are hot tubbing. If the collector is far enough above the tub you can use a thermoshyphon system with glycol and hot water mixture to prevent freezing in cold climates.
Boulder, CO Solar/Radiant Floor Hot Water Installation
Space Heating
Home-sized systems should be sized according to the heat load calculations of the house and its climate. Storage tank sizes range from 100 gallons to 1,000 gallons. Typical flat plate and evacuated tube collector area is from 200 to 600 square feet. Remember: good insulation + passive solar design + a tight house = a less expensive heating system (solar or otherwise). We design solar hot water systems proven to last the life of your home. Because the backup system is rarely used you will never have to replace your furnace again! Radiant floor heating systems use the least amount of electrical energy and are ideally suited for the low temperatures (typically 100 F to 110 F) that solar energy collectors are capable of collecting. New evacuated tube collectors can collect more usable heat, even on cloudy days. With a combination Rannai tankless heater and a solar collector you have the best of all worlds in heating! Planning stages of a home is where you need to spend a lot of time and thought. The money spent in the design phase of the house will be paid back many fold once the house is actually built because of the tremendous amount of (tax free) energy savings.
Look at this chart carefully which shows cumulative operating costs of gas, heat pump and solar hot water heaters. Solar is the best as fuels continue to rise! Heat pumps may consume NO fuel such as gas, oil or propane but it consumes electricity and electricity continues to rise! Solar energy is delivered to your home each day FREE of charge! And gas..that isnt getting any cheaper either!
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Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors
1. Joint British-Australian designed solar collector. 2. Reliable, efficient, twinglass evacuated tubes. 3. Copper heat pipes for rapid heat transfer. 4. Easy plug-in installation. 5. Maintenance Free. 6. Suitable for mains pressure water (up to 8 bar/116psi). 7. Corrosion-resistant silver-brazed copper header. 8. All stainless steel frame (304 2B grade SS). 9. Black or silver aluminium casing. 10. Tube shape gives even sun exposure and stable heat rate throughout the day. 11. The perfect solar collector for domestic solar water heater systems. 12. Ideal for commercial solar water heating applications. 13. Comprehensive 15/10 year limited warranty.
We recommend this collector for mountain areas, northeast, northwest and Canada.
AP-L20S-125 Apricus 20 Tube System $1,295*
* Other evacuated tube brands are available of the same quality.
This collector is the easiest to install because it is modular. You purchase as many tubes as you need. Vacuum tubes each weigh 4 lbs.! This system can heat water directly or through a heat exchanger. It is one of the most versatile collectors we have dealt with over the years. The absorber plate within each vacuum tube is treated with a semiconductor layer. This special wavelength selective coating ensures high energy absorption and low heat radiation losses. Infrared rays which pass through the ends are also absorbed and converted into usable heat.
Transfer of heat from the absorber plate to the water is via an efficient heat conductor, the heat pipe, which has low heat capacity but fast heat conductivity. The heat pipe also provides the system with a diode function: the heat transfer is always in one direction - from the absorber to the water. The heat pipe condenser transfers heat to the copper water pipe by a heat exchanger clamp which is housed in an insulated protection box. Features
High performance in cloudy weather. Self-limiting maximum working temperature. Special dry connection to water systems accepts draining configurations and line water pressures. Freedom from frost and corrosion. Integrates with existing systems. Flexible, light weight design. Good-looking. Round tube collects longer than flat plate collectors. Great for radiant floor systems TH-L20S-125 Thermomax 20 Tube System $1,995* TH-L30S-175 Thermomax 30 Tube System $2,995*
*Price includes manifold and straps for sloping roof. Other types of roof mounting extra. Please call for your particular need. Plumbing fittings not included.
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Flat Plate Solar Panels
Frame: The variable Quick Lock mounting hardware reduces mounting time and makes it simple for anyone to install. The Quick Lock System allows the highest flexibility in mounting and is tested to wind load conditions time or location. K. Aluminum Frame and Lightweight Construction: this facilitates long life and strength. The frame is powder coated in an attractive medium bronze color. AET has produced the Morning Star brand solar collector since the 1980 and still many of the original units are in operation today. This is a testament to how long-lasting a good quality solar collector can be!
Since 1987, the AET AE-Series has set a new standard in solar thermal collector excellence by offering both excellent performance and structural integrity. AESeries collectors have been successfully utilized in all facets of residential, commercial and industrial applications. A. Corner brackets: Architectural aluminum angles inside with special pin grip rivets insure high stability. An additional corner seal produces the water tightness. B. Low-iron tempered glass: Exclusively using the new High-T tempered glass with an iron oxide content of less than 1% and total solar energy transmission of greater than 91%. C. Coatings: Selective Crystal Clear. D. Full Copper Absorber: The heat transfer is optimized by the high frequency Thermafin forge weld which creates a crystalline homogeneous connection between the fin and the riser. Focus window shows absorber joint magnified 800 times. E. Foil-faced Poly-Isocyanurate Insulation Thermax Sheathing. F. EPDM Grommets. G. Embossed Aluminum Backsheet. H. Quick Lock Mounting
of 181 m.p.h. Mounting possibilities include: Pitched-roof, Flat roof, Ground, Balcony, and Facade mounting. Focus window shows Quick Lock Mounting cross-section. I. Glass Gasket: A UV durable EPDM channel with molded corners assures long life and avoids all water penetration. J. Aluminum Extruded Batten: No silicon is used. Ribbed aluminum extrusions and a smooth compressed EPDM gasket provide water tightness. This allows easy access to the collector for repair or maintenance at any
All collectors below are Crystal Clear Series Collectors

AE-AE40-150 4 x 10 Collector $995.00 AE-AE32-125 4 x 8 Collector $795.00 AE-AE28-120 4 x 7 Collector AE-AE24-91 3 x 8 Collector AE-3027 Standard mount AE-3028 Flush mount AE-3029 Rack mount AE-AE21-97 3 x 7 Collector $599.00 $695.00
$529.00
$20.00
$36.00
$49.00
All collectors shipped freight collect via FedEx freight from Jacksonville, FL.
Price is per collector. Quantity discounts are available for 5 or more.
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ing and solar wholesale distributors. SunEarth makes more models of any solar collector manufacturer today. They are the only manufacturer that makes stainless steel solar collectors for people who are faced with any salt water environment. They have the most complete line of flat plate solar collectors of any solar thermal company in the world that we know of. Over 10,000 Sun Earth collectors have been installed in Hawaii alone! So if find yourself in a salt water environment then by all means look into purchasing of our SunEarth Solarstar Stainless Steel collector! All SunEarth products carry a 10-15 year warranty, one of the longest in the industry! These will last the life of any building that you attach it to!
SunEarth Inc., established in California in 1978, manufactures industrystandard solar water heating collectors and systems for residential and commercial applications. Each SunEarth product is carefully engineered for a world market that demands simple, durable, and reliable solar water heating components and integrated systems. We are dedicated to helping our customers reduce conventional water heating costs while minimizing the environmental pollution associated with burning fossil fuels. SunEarths focus is on continually crafting new products and strategies that meet emerging market opportunities for solar thermal products worldwide. Why Choose SunEarth? SunEarth designs and builds solar components that survive the worlds most challenging climates and environmental conditions. Over the past twenty years we have learned what works and, more importantly, why one product or system is superior to another. This experience is built into every component we sell. The Sun Earth Empire and Imperial solar collectors and CopperHeart ICS systems are manufactured for a thirty-year design life. SunEarth products require little or no maintenance and are backed by a solid ten year warranty. Our collectors and systems are marketed throughout the U.S. and Pacific Basin by a network of leading plumb-
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Imperial Series
CopperHeart Series
SunSiphon Series
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Imperial Series
SunEarth Stainless Steel Solar Collectors are designed for resistance to sea air.
$897.00 $1,084.00 $1,275.00 $779.00 $940.00 $1,199.00 $1,097.00 $1,245.00 $1,489.00
SE-IP24BC- 3 x 8 Collector SE-IP32BC- 4 x 8 Collector SE-IP40BC- 4 x 10 Collector SE-EC24BC- 3 x 8 Collector SE-EC32BC- 4 x 8 Collector SE-EC40BC- 4 x 10 Collector SE-SSC24BC- 3 x 8 Collector SE-SSC32BC- 4 x 8 Collector SE-SSC40BC- 4 x 10 Collector
Empire Series
SolarStar Series
Copperheart Series
SE-CP-20- 21 Gallons SE-CP-30- 32 Gallons SE-CP-40- 42 Gallons $2,009.00 $2,099.00 $2,499.00
For 1-12 SunEarth collectors there is a $125.00 crating fee and a $40.00 pallet fee. All shipments from Fontana, CA
Micro-Flo Collectors Thermo Dynamics S32 and S40 flat plate liquid collectors are single glazed with low-iron tempered glass. The absorber consists of a single serpentine aluminum fin with an integral copper tube, which is completely surrounded by the aluminum and metallurgically bonded together. The back and sides are insulated with a 25 mm (1) layer of compressed fiberglass. The collector frame is extruded aluminum with a baked-enamel finish. (dark brown). Collector mounting is by way of a sliding bolt-track. Flush or rack collector mounting formats are easily accommodated. Ten year warranty on collector. We suggest these panels if you are in the northeast or eastern sections of the county including Canada to save on freight costs. These panels are manufactured in Canada and if you live in the U.S. you can take advantage of the current high value of the dollar and the lower value of the Canadian dollar.
Since 1980, Thermo Dynamics Ltd. has been dedicated to researching, developing, manufacturing, and marketing the finest solar energy products available. Company innovations include the patented Sunstrip solar fin absorber, one of the most efficient absorber plates on the market today.
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS

direct water circulation mild climate condition systems. The few components needed for the Heliodyne Helio-Flo System assure simple installation and reliable operation. A Helix Photovoltaic Solar Power Pumping Station can be added for off- grid systems. Heliodyne is one of the oldest manufacturers of flat plate collectors on the market and are located in California. They are one of the few in the industry that have unions on the ends for easy installation. Talk to us about their package deals for space heating, pools and domestic hot water.
HE-1089-100 GOBI 306 HE-1090-125 GOBI 408 HE-1091-153 GOBI 410 $929.00 $1199.00 $1399.00 Heliodyne Gobi Panel
This liquid flat-plate collector is designed to absorb heat from sunlight with its all-copper absorber. Water or a water/antifreeze mix flows through, transporting the heat to a solar tank or water heater. This process continues until the tank is hot for evening and morning use whenever enough sun is available. The Gobi collector features a frame that is designed for good looks as well as weather resistance in both very hot and cold regions. Because of its special absorber coating, the Gobi operates efficiently in the winter for year-round hot water production. The Heliodyne Helio-Flo Systems listed below are open-loop
Shipped FOB California
Solahart is an Australian company whose systems operate on the passive thermosyphon principle. They use a revolutionary closed circuit to provide fail-safe freeze protection. Hot water is stored in a thickly insulated tank lined with two coats of vitreous enamel (glass). The main tank incorporates a specially designed spreader to prevent the incoming cold water from mixing with the hot water in the tank. In summer months, during periods of low usage, temperatures of up to 185 can be reached. The suns energy heats the special fluid in the solar collectors. As hot water rises, the fluid will rise naturally into the tank heat exchanger and circulate around the stored water, heating it. This circulation is accomplished without the need for pumps, sensors or any moving parts. What could be more effective? As you
know, the fewer moving parts, the fewer problems you can expect. If you do not have a solar system now and dont have a backup gas or electric hot water tank, this unit could be for you. Solahart is unique in that it is a solar collector as well as your back up all in one package! There are two models available. The 180J has just one panel, the 300J has two. We recommend the smaller units for vacation homes or small families. The two panel system is designed for 3-6 people. All tanks that sit atop the solar collectors have a 220V AC 50 or 60 Hz, 2,000 watt backup heating element for extended overcast.
181K Specification Capacity: 47.5 gal (180 liters) Weight: 218 lb (98 kg) dry; Wet 625 lb (283 kg) Collector Size: 20 sq. ft. (1.86 sq. M.) System size: 58 W x 76 L x 20 D (1,016 mm x 2,452 mm x 510 mm D) Btu rating: 17,000 Btu/day
SH-181K One Panel System SH-302J Two Panel System SH-RACK Solahart Rack
$1,595.00 $2,295.00 $355.00
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302J Specification Capacity: 80 gal (300 liters) Weight: 150 lb (68 kg) dry; Wet 867 lb (369 kg) Collector Size: 43 sq. ft. (4 sq. m.) Overall system size: 83 W x 76 L x 20 D (2,060 mm W x 1,934 mm H x 510 mm D) Btu rating: 31,100 Btu/day
HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Passive Solar Hot Water Heating
Copper Passive Solar Heater
The PT-40-CN is a passive system because it has non- moving parts and operates on local water pressure and solar radiation. There are no pump controls to maintain, and no electrical energy is required to make it function. Once installed, the system will operate automatically; reducing or eliminating electricity or gas usage for heating water. The collector/storage tank of the PT-40-TN absorbs solar radiation through its selective surface coating which raises the temperature of the water stored in the collector. It is well insulated with closed cell foam, and the unit is double glazed (2 layers of glass) for increased heat retention. The 8 copper tubes are welded into a series flow
pattern so that the top of the lower tube feeds the bottom of the next tube. This allows the PT-4O-N to contain the colder replacement water in the lower tubes where it is heated by the sun as it flows from one tube to the next. Each time hot water is used, the PT-40-CNs innovative design eliminates the cooling down of the remaining heated water that normally occurs in other types of solar water heating systems. Not only does this design ensure the delivery of the hottest water, but it also provides more hot water at a higher temperature and with a faster recovery time than other solar systems of similar capacity.
TC-P20 - 268 Thermal Conversion 20 Gallon Crating charge applies depending on the number of units ordered. Fixed mount, flush mount and adjustable-tilt brackets available. Call for pricing of racks. TC-P30 - 268 Thermal Conversion 30 Gallon TC-P40 - 268 Thermal Conversion 40 Gallon TC-P50 - 268 Thermal Conversion 50 Gallon
$1,223 $1,123 $1,824 $2,002
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS Super Energy Efficient Hot Water Storage Tanks
Solar Storage Tanks Now that you have collected the FREE energy from the sun you need to store it, usually for days during prolonged periods of cloudy weather. Whether on- or off-grid, one should use a tankless hot water heater to provide both a backup for your hot water heating system and for your domestic hot water. Also consider using waste heat from your back up generator or waste heat from your fuel cell if you are off-grid. Solar storage tanks fall into two basic categories: pressurized and non-pressurized. They also fall into five different types of material: fiberglass, plastic, glass-lined steel, stainless steel and lined freestanding tanks. Most metal (carbon steel and stainless) tanks are pressurized by your city water or well water systems and come in a standard 80-120 gallon size. Larger steel tanks are rare because the weight and ability to move such a tank is hard without a 10 man army or fork lift. Always install pressure and temperature relief valves on these tanks. Tanks with liners are not normally pressurized tanks and are typically made much larger than round steel tanks. Steel tanks are generally very heavy and awkward to move and install. Non-pressurized tanks are large insulated fiberglass, cement, or steel tanks where the water is open to atmospheric pressure. Sizes range from 50 to 3,000 gallons. Installation may be above or below ground, indoors or out. a stainless steel tank or a lined tank Open tank is the terminology such as our Superior Solar Tank, used to describe a swimming pool, which has a limited lifetime warhot tubs ranty. and spas We prefer to Conventional Tank Heater Facts: where the sell unpressurized water in 1. You will wait 1/2-1 hour for open air tanks for the pool water to get hot again. (especially electric) many reasons: is also They carry 2 .The average water heater (gas or the heat limited lifetime electric) lasts 5-8 years depending on water storage quality. warranties on medium. their liners. 3. In a 8 year period, an electric hot This is They have the water heater will cost the owner over $3,000 generally highest insulation just in utility bills! a war m value of any tanks water 4. Noth America and Canada are the only made. system, countries in the world that sell tank Large size type hot water heaters! where a tanks can be pool covshipped in parts er is used and installed onat night. site. We no longer carry steel tanks They are more versatile than (but can order them on special pressurized tanks. order) for solar storage for several Heat exchangers last longer. reasons. They are not designed to No sacrificial rods to replace. last the lifetime of the solar collector Easy replacement of heat ex (which should also be the life of your changer if one ever goes bad. Solar water can never mix with domestic hot water. Can adapt easily to spa, hot tub, snow melt. Perfect match for radiant floors using low-watt DC pumps. Can easily be recycled after its useful life so you dont have to landfill it! Designed for solar hot water storage, not just hot water! Distilled water used to assure good quality water instead of bad tap or well water. We sell three types of solar hot water storage tanks: plastic, stainless steel and lined tanks. All carry home). We believe that any storage some type of life time warranty on tank that stores free heat collected them, therefore you buy one tank by the sun should last the life of the and one solar collector and that is collectors. Simply put, steel tanks that! are not designed to last as long as
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Pressurised Stainless Steel Tanks
Insulation 2 foam insulation allows only 1/2 per hour heat loss Full Line 18 models available in four sizes; 20, 30, 40, 60 gallon S8 Series with standard control for use with a zone valve MA Series with mechanical relay/temperature control and Taco #005 circulator C8 Coil Booster Models Operates in conjunction with tankless heater to increase hot water storage capacity. Dual Coil Models Use one coil for the wood boiler, the other for the oil boiler. Adaptable to solar systems as well.
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Stainless Steel Tank (#316L) Tolerates higher temperatures and wont crack or melt. Cupronickel Heat Exchanger 1 outer diameter allows greater flow/low pressure drop on boiler circuit - higher performance (12 Head @ 8 GPM). Prevents blue water. Design prevents loss of efficiency in lime water conditions. Closed thermostat well. Controls can be changed without draining system. Standard well accepts any standard aquastat. Quality materials allow for highly efficient product with lightweight construction.
SU-SSU60-106 60 Gallon $1,275.00 SU-SSU80-141 80 Gallon $1,575.00
SU-SSU119-210 119 Gallon $1,879.00
SuperStor Heat exchanger with electric backup
Plastic Hot Water Storage Tank

Because most radiant floor heating systems require a small volume of water for the heat distribution and low temperatures, using this hot water heater for both radiant floor heating and your domestic hot water is possible. If a radiant floor system needs 20 gallons of water and your hot water tank holds 50 gallons, you would have plenty of stored water for a shower (with low flow shower heads) or other domestic activities! Another advantage of using a hot water heater with a plastic tank is that there is no worry about corroded parts in a radiant floor heating system. The radiant floor tubing that does not have an oxygen barrier is cheaper than those that do, thus saving more money on your radiant floor installation. This is the best insulated hot water tank on the market!
The Best Water Heater or Small Solar Tank Money Can Buy This unit is unsurpassed in energy efficiency and durability. It has 2 of foam (R-17) surrounding the whole tank on the 50 gallon model and 3 of foam on the 85 gallon model! The tank and outer shell are all plastic and has a lifetime warranty to the original owner. Almost every hot water heater you purchase today has a steel (stainless or plain steel with a glass liner) tank. The reason for the glass lining is to prevent rust and give the steel tanks as long a life as possible. Unfortunately for the homeowner, steel tanks are excellent conductors of heat. Even if they are well insulated with foam or fiberglass, they still lose more heat than a hot water heater with a plastic tank. As a hot water heater used in conjunction with off peak electric, it may actually be cheaper to operate than gas hot water.
Electric models only, no gas models available
WH-MAEL-111 40 Gallon EL $1,089.00 WH-MAEL-111 50 Gallon EL $1,159.00 WH-MAEL-160 85 Gallon EL $1,529.00 Add $900 for this to be turned into a solar tank
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Super Energy Efficient Hot Water Storage Tanks
Superior Solar Tanks
300 Gallon Tank with Aluminum Siding
Broken Down tank ready or shipment and to be assembled on client site
Two Heat Exchangers
Click here for current prices, specifications, etc. or go to our web page.
Patent pending
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The Superior Solar Tank is simply the best non-pressurized tank on the market today. Check out the key features of this tank! Lowest heat loss of any solar storage tank on the market. Limited lifetime warranty on the commercial tank liner. No penetrations below the water line, all penetrations between top lid and water line. Custom-made sizes to fit your needs. Can be used outside or inside. Horizontal heat exchanger placement for maximum heat transfer. Highest R value of any solar tank available - standard R-32. Can EASILY add extra insulation - up to 6 inches total! No conductors of heat and cold used in the construction like steel. No thermal bridges used to allow for heat loss. Can be shipped broken down and built on site. Can easily be exported to other countries broken down. No penetrations on the lid, all are on the side of the tank. Easy access to heat exchanger through top lid. Multiple heat exchangers into the tank for snow melt, hot tubs, etc. Can add external heat exchangers for hot tub heating, etc. All copper heat exchangers used inside tank for DHW loop. Comes with standard copper domestic hot water heat exchanger. All stainless steel hardware, nothing to rust! The perfect tank for use with a solar hot water radiant floor. Can draw hot water directly out of tank to a radiant floor system. Do away with a closed loop radiant floor system that adds complexity and costs more than a low pressure radiant floor loop. Can easily adapt to a wood-heated system. You can take stored heat in the winter from your wood stove and use Myson water circulating heaters or use radiant floor PEX tubing to heat areas of the house that the wood stove heats poorly. Use the tank for storing off-peak electricity and use the cheaper heated water when your electric rates are high. Not built to be obsolete in 10 years. The last solar tank you will ever buy.
One heat exchanger (standard)
HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Tankless Hot Water Heaters - Endless Hot Water
Gone are the days when one installed a tankless hot water heater and got a cold shower. Until recently most tankless hot water heaters could only handle ONE faucet at a time. In other words, if you were taking a shower and your wife decided to get some hot water out of the kitchen sink then you would instantly get a cold shower! Yuck! Today, with the introduction of both the Rannai and Takagi tankless hot water heaters one can use up to three faucets at the same time and not notice any change in temperature! These tankless hot water heaters are also different than the old tankless hot water heaters simply because they modulate their gas or propane flame. Just the right amount of energy applied to get your water just the right temperature whether you are in the shower or using the water to heat your baseboard hot water or your radiant floor heating system! In fact, you can toss out the boiler AND the tank hot water heater and use one tankless to do BOTH your domestic hot water AND your hot water to heat your home! These units are the hottest things in homebuilding right now. Why? Because they are the most energy-efficient water heater on the market. You can also put these outside. They are specifically designed to go outside no matter what climate you are in! No inside combustion to produce carbon moxoxide or rob precious heat from your home for combustion air. Used in conjunction with a solar hot water heater they might use less energy than a tank of gasoline!
Features Whole-house continuous hot water system. Up to 8.5 GPM of endless hot water - never run out! Thermal efficiency up to 88%; Energy Factors up to 0.87. Remote water temperature control. Space saving, compact size. Output temperature can be adjusted to provide specific water temperatures for home, schools, nursing homes, etc. Maintenance/diagnostic codes are displayed on the remote controls simplifying service calls. Direct electronic ignition (no standing pilot). Very low noise level. Safe, low-voltage remote controls. All parts are replaceable. Life expectancy of 20+ years. Residential warranty: ten years heat exchanger, five years all other parts. Commercial/space heating warranty: five years all parts. Safety Devices Flame rod indicates flame failure. Overheat sensor activates at 194 F. Boiling protection switch activates at 203 F. Thermal fuses activate at 264 F. Built-in freeze protection to -30 F. Combustion fan rpm check indicates blocked flue or intake vents. Power supply is protected by two 3 amp glass fuses. Surge protector in line with power supply.
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HOT WATER SYSTEMS Backup for Solar Hot Water Systems
RA-R94LSi Rinnai Indoor 9.4 gal/min 15,000- 199,000 Btu $1,469.00 RA-R75LSi Rinnai Indoor 7.5 gal/min 15,000 - 180,000 Btu $1,125.00
RA-R74LSe Rinnai Outdoor 7.5 gal/min 15,000- 180,000 Btu RA-R94LSe Rinnai Outdoor 9.4 gal/min 15,000- 199,000 Btu
$1,199.00 $1,420.00
The units listed are residential units only and operate up to 140 F. Commercial units have the same Btu ratings, cost about 10% more and reach temperatures to 180 F.
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Typical hot water tanks fire up to eight times a day whether you use your hot water or not, wasting plenty of heat! The US and Canada are the ONLY countries to sell tank-type hot water heaters!
HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Solar Hot Water Pumps - DC
March DC Pumps
These pumps have been around for a long time. They have brushes that last about 8-10 years depending on the hours run, but brushes are cheap to replace. They can be run directly off solar electric (PV) modules easily. They can also be put in series to increase the head or height to push the water up to the top of your solar hot water collectors. Very reliable! More efficient than the AC circulating pumps because they require NO DC to AC conversion.
MA-809HS12 March 12V DC 4A $195.00 MA-809HS24 March 24V DC 2A $195.00
These pumps have NO brushes and last up to 20 years or more. They have a magnetic drive with no bearing to wear out! They can be easily run directly off solar electric modules. They can also be put in series to increase the head or height to push the water up to the top of your solar hot water collectors. These pumps are used for solar hot water systems but are great for use in radiant floor low voltage DC systems. Using these pumps in a radiant floor system can cut your energy demand up to 75%!!! Very reliable! More efficient than the AC circulating pumps because they require NO DC to AC conversion.
IV-10PV12 IV-10BAT12 IV-10BAT24 IVANPV 12V DC 1A $229.00 IVANBAT 12V DC .5A $259.00 IVANPV 24V DC .25A $259.00
Solar Hot Water Pumps - AC

These AC pumps have been around for a long time. What we like about them is the fact that you can buy just the guts of the unit should the motor ever need replacement. The body stays on the plumbing! These are AC units and have a history of lasting up to 20 years or longer in a properly designed solar hot water system. Very reliable! All pumps should be sized properly: if not, improper sizing will lead to premature pump failure. We carry two popular sizes. One for a one-story building and one for a twostory building based on an average domestic hot water collector size of 2 - 3 solar collectors per system. All pumps are bronze, flanged, with one flange set.
TA-008BF-15 TA-009BF-15 Taco 008 BR AC 85W $299.00 Taco 009 BR AC 127W $399.00
Made in Germany and come in stainless steel. They have been used in water circulating applications for years. These are AC units and have a history of lasting up to 20 years or longer in a properly designed solar hot water system. Very reliable! All pumps should be sized properly if not improper sizing will lead to premature pump failure. Rated to 230 F, same as Taco. We carry two of the most popular sizes. One for a one story building and one for a two story building based on an average domestic hot water collector size of 2 - 3 solar collectors per system. Many other sizes available. All pumps are SS, flanged and come with a flange pair.
GR-UP2564SF-11 Grundfos AC 85W $329.00 GR-UP1542F-7 Grundfos AC 85W $249.00
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Solar Controls and Accessories
Thermo Technologies Unversal Differential Controller 2004A 10 K sensors for most temperature differential controllers like the Goldline and Delta -T. Bolton type but have other configurations available. This is the most popular type of sensor. Also 3 K sensors available for older DTCs.
GL-SE10 Sensor 10K BO $9.99 GL-SE3 Sensor 3K BO $11.99
The USDT 2004A uses two sensors to measure the difference between the temperature at the solar collector and at the bottom of your storage tank. It can also be programmed to use a third temperature sensor or a flow sensor.
This is a great remote control for your solar hot water system. It includes one base station and one remote. The remote has a 6 foot long temperature probe for putting into the storage tank. Runs on a total of 4 AAA batteries. Can read up to 3 remote sensors!
NU-RETH Wireless Therm W/one remote $39.00 NU-RETHR Wireless Therm Rremote $19.99
TT-USDT 2004A 120V AC Hardwired $149.00
4653 - Flowmeter 3/4 $139
PA-76654 Dial Thermometer 2.5
$18.95
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The temperature of the water flowing through a system is largely dependent on the flow rate of the fluid going through the pipe. If the flow rates are not within designed parameters, then your solar system may not be performing to its optimum, thus losing heat you could otherwise be collecting.
It has adjustable freeze (-4F to 39F) and overheat (32F to 299F) protections and delay times to prevent too-frequent pump starts. This is a sophisticated piece of equipment, capable of handling the differential temperature control functions for operation of domestic water heating or pool heating. 120V AC. Comes with two 10K sensors, expandable up to 150 feet. Can be used with up to 3.15 amp pump (1/6 HP or 245 Watt). Hardwired.
ReSols DeltaSol BS Controller is an exceptional differential hot water controller for solar heating with adjustable anti-freeze and overheat functions. Its display shows a diagram of your system and temp readouts of up to four collectors and tanks. You can monitor your system remotely by computer and use the time-controlled thermostat function. DeltaSol is the Cadillac of differential hot water controllers. This is one of the more basic of their ten-model line that can handle some pretty extraordinarily complex systems.
RS-DeltaSol BS 120V AC Controller $159.00
Analog Thermometers
This inexpensive thermometer provides you with an effective way to see how hot the water coming from or going to your solar collector is or the temperature of your radiant floor heating water. Once plumbed in line, it is replaceable without replacing any plumbing. Fits in a 3/4 Type M pipe.
HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Solar Accessories
Solar Paint This acrylic-base latex paint was the winner of the IR 100 Award. It is a maze of tiny carbon balls that traps a tremendous amount of solar energy. Approximately 300 sq. foot per gallon.
SR-59091 One Gallon Can $39 SR-59092 Five Gallon Pail $139
Single- and Double-Wall Exchanger for Active Solar Hot Water Systems A complete heat exchanger plumbed and ready to go. Please check your local plumbing codes to make sure what type of heat exchanger you are allowed to use. Most domestic water heat exchangers are required to be double-wall. All you need is a few solar panels (new or used) and you are on your way to free heat! 30 H x 23 W, 54 lbs/25 kg.
SR-5960-75 Double Wall HX $1,089.00 SR-5845-65 Single Wall HX $889.00
Therma-cel All solar piping to and from the solar collections should be insulated! Aeroflex - SSH is a new flexible high- temperature insulation material made of modified EPDM synthetic elastomer with complete closed-cell structure, special properties for all solar and heating techniques. Aeroflex-SSH has excellent UV and weather resistant properties. We also carry Rubatex. -40F - 220F. Comes in 6 foot lengths.
RU-THERM Therma-Cel PI .75 R 4.5 $8.95 RU-AERO Aeroflex PI .75 R 4.5 $10.95
Heat exchangers are used for transferring heat from one heat source to another. Examples are: heating pools, spas, domestic hot water, radiant floor heating systems, etc. The uses and the sizes and shapes of heat exchangers are endless. Many heat exchangers come in tanks and others come as a separate unit such as the ones pictured here. For example, after the pool-heating season you can take the heat from the solar panels and use it to heat your domestic hot water. If you have a radiant floor heating system, you can put a heat exchanger in and heat your water for your radiant hot water system. Because of the low tem-
peratures that radiant floor heating systems use, you can get a great reduction in your fuel bill using this method. If you have hot water baseboard heating, you can use the solar as a pre-heater, also reducing your fuel usage. If you heat with wood, you can use a heat exchanger to make hot water for the same purposes as if you had a pool heater. Heat exchangers come in copper, steel, stainless steel and different combinations of materials. Each application is designed and engineered by BeUtilityFree to perform to meet your needs, no matter how large or small. Prices vary according to the application.
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SOLAR ELECTRIC Solar Electric Systems

What is Solar Electricity?
Light from the sun strikes the surface of a photovoltaic (PV) cell and then converts that light into electricity. The photons are slowed down enough in the silicon to drop down an energy level; they then become electrons. These electrons find their way into an electrical path (the solder strips that connect the cells together) and ultimately through wires to be either stored (batteries) or used immediately (inverters). It may take several PV modules hooked together (an array) to provide enough electricity to power your home.
Solar Panel (DC)
Basic Component Parts of a Solar Electric System:

Solar Access PV modules require unshaded, full sun. The more hours of sunlight, the better. Locate the modules in the sunniest spot near or on your house. Solar Electric Modules All solar electric modules generate direct current (DC) which can be either stored in batteries, used as DC power, or converted to alternating current (AC). Most modules produce voltages from 16 to 18 volts. These 16 to 18 volt modules are used to charge 12 volt batteries. Electricity, like water flowing downhill, flows from a state of higher charge to a lower charge. Solar cells may be crystalline or amorphous silicone. Crystalline cells are grown by a process similar to the way synthetic rubies are grown. The crystal structure is fairly indestructible, therefore these modules may last a lifetime. Some of these modules have been in use since the early 1960s. RWE Scott, Kyocera, Sharp, Solorex and Siemens make crystalline modules. Amorphous silicon cells have gaseous silicon deposited directly onto glass or thin metal. Solar calculators use amorphous PV cells. These amorphous silicon cells produce about 1/2 the power for the same size as a crystalline solar cell, and may survive 2 to 10 years of direct sun. Amorphous silicon cells will produce electricity in lower light conditions better than crystalline cells. APS and Uni-Solar produce amorphous silicon modules. Powercenter Powercenters provide connections and fusing for all DC wires from the PV modules, batteries, inverter, and may also include controller(s) and meter(s). Proper DC fuse protection and grounding required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides a safe and professional system. Batteries Batteries are an electrical storage tank for use during cloudy weather or at night. They can also provide quick surge pulses of power required for starting big appliances such as washing machines or shop tools. Choosing the correct batteries can make a difference in the quality of your system. In a stand alone system (independent of the utility companies), batteries are the ticket to being UtilityFree. DC to AC Inverters Inverters make it possible for you to change DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current) from either your battery or directly from your PV module(s). After conversion you may operate all the appliances that you use daily in a normal household. We provide three main types of inverters: the true stand alone (Exeltech), the line-tie (Fronius), and the hybrid inverter (OutBack FX, Xantrex SWPlus). Back Up Generator Back up generators are used to provide electricity or heat (see page 127) during extended cloudy periods. Generators produce AC power which may run lights and tools directly. The excess power produced goes through a battery charger to be saved for later use in batteries. A generator tied into a battery bank and inverter will last much longer than one used as a sole source of power. It may provide that extra power you need to get you through the winter months in a PV system, or during the summer months for a wind power system. If you have electric refrigeration, then a back up generator is a must.
Powercenter Back Up Generator
Battery (DC)
Battery Charger
Utility Intertie DC to AC Inverter
Stand Alone DC to AC Inverter
Loads: Lights Appliances Power Tools Water Pumps
Solar Electric No No's Do not shade any part of the module. Full output requires full sun. Do not mount modules so they contact the roof. Allow at least 3 inches air space under the modules for air circulation to dissipate heat. (See the roof jacks on page. 66). Do not add your own concentrators on PV modules. This will void warranties, and age modules prematurely . Do not put electricity into the modules. Solar Electric System Discounts Whenever you purchase a total solar electric system from us, we offer you a package discount. We do not sell prepackaged systems as some of our competitors do. While system needs may be similar, each system is unique. This is why each of our system packages is designed specifically to suit your needs.
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
Why Purchase a Larger Solar Electric Module? Savings!
51 Watt Total Watts 1020 Number of Modules 20 Cost per Watt 7.20 Installation Costs Wire/Conduit/Nips 26' #10/2 Ring Terminals 40 - #10 Mounting Rack(s) 2- 10 module Labor (1) 10 Roof Area Needed (2) $5.75/Sq.Ft. Total Module Sq. Ft. 94 Total Cost Savings From Buying Larger Modules $ 7,344 100 Watt 1000 10 6.45 22' #10/2 40 - #10 1-10 module 6 $5.75/Sq.Ft. 86 $ 6,450 320 Watt 1280 4 5.29 17' #10/2 12 - #10 Roof Jacks 2 $5.75/Sq.Ft. 97 $ 6,771
133 6 695 500 546 9,224
71 6 495 300 495 7,817 1,407
23 2 220 100 0 7,116 2,108
Modules based on current retail pricing, labor based on $50 per hour (electrician rates). 320 Watt unframed module is used in place of conventional roof. Modules are fixed mounted on the roof. 1. Labor includes wiring of modules into an array, building mounting racks and mounting modules to roof. 2. Includes cost of plywood, shingles, underlayment, and labor to install.
Our customers save money by purchasing larger modules rather than many smaller ones to do the same job. We prefer using 100 watt to 285 watt modules in our systems. The labor and materials involved in wiring and assembling many small modules will always be more expensive. Additionally, the larger modules will supply you with more electricity because it minimizes the total resistance from the wiring and connections.
Financing
By purchasing any renewable energy product, a person has invested in his/her home. Rather than paying out money to utility companies, which we receive no return on, we can invest into a renewable energy system that will last a lifetime. If we are able to finance renewable energy systems the way we buy cars, homes, and major appliances then the "average" person could purchase a complete system to become UtiltyFree. This type of financing would allow them to then make monthly payments into their long term investment.
=
4 ASE Panels 980 Watts 20 Kyocera K51 Solar Panels
Our customers have several options:

We have two financing programs available for our customers. Program #1 Loans up to 100% of the cost of product and installation. The minimum loan is $2,500 - $10,000, with no money down and up to 10 years to pay off.
Solar Today Magazine
This is a major breakthrough! You can shift your spending pattern into a saving pattern, immediately. This new and exciting program is financing at its best - 100%, with nothing down! A very small processing fee is required: from $50 to $100. This program is available in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Idaho. Call for current interest rate. With good credit, you can apply over the phone. The final application must be signed in person at a regional office nearest you. Program #2 adds the cost of your system into the financing for the purchase of your new home. It is an equity type loan. Call for more details.
Invest in a Solar Future!

Best publication for ongoing solar projects. It covers all types of solar energy. The articles can be somewhat technical, but is generally written for the lay person. Published bimonthly by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES).
AS-USA Solar Today Subscription USA AS-CAN Solar Today Subscription Canada AS-FOR Solar Today Subscription Foreign (All foreign magazines are sent air mail.) $29 $39 $49
We will offer a financial investment opportunity which directly supports renewable energy systems. Money in this fund is used to finance renewable energy projects and energy conservation products. It is a "no load" fund. You will receive a quarterly statement. You can redeem your shares at any time, or reinvest your dividends to buy more shares of the fund. Minimum deposit will be $1,000 to open an account. This opportunity will be available late 2007. For rates and information regarding this program, contact us.
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SOLAR ELECTRIC Rigid Solar Modules
For more than 30 years Shell Solar (formally Siemens) has been active in the conversion of sunlight into electricity and the provision of solar power solutions. The technology of Shell Solar Shell Solar is involved in photovoltaics, the technology that converts light directly into electricity. Shell Solar manufactures and sells Shell PowerMax solar panels, an excellent performing range of panels with high energy yields. The Shell PowerMax range consists of monoand multi crystalline cell technologies and the leading Shell thin film technology, CIS (Copper Indium Diselinide). Shell is part of the Shell oil company and Shell Solar is a subsidiary of Shell, whose main business is selling oil products.
25 YEAR WARRANTY
7
SQ160-PC, SQ150-PC, SQ-165-PC , SQ-175-PC SQ75, SQ75
British Petroleum has developed a very innovative manufacturing technique. By using laser cut grooves, electron transfer and cell efficiency is increased by 4% over other modules.
BP3160U,S
BP-3125S
25 YEAR WARRANTY
BP-380U,S
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
Rigid Solar Modules
Sharp is a world leader in PV modules for the telecommunication industry, home power, and outer space usage. SHARP has the largest selection of high wattage PV modules of all the PV manufacturers. Most large PV modules have to be shipped by truck and not UPS.
ND-205U1
ND-167U3, ND-NOECU
NE-80EJE
NE-165U1, NT-175U1
25 YEAR WARRANTY
25 YEAR WARRANTY
Suntech solar modules are made in China. The STA170-24 is a 170 Watt, 24 Volt monocrystalline solar panel designed under IEC 1215:1993 standards, manufactured with proven materials and tested to ensure electrical performance and service life. The STA170-24 module is suitable for larger electrical power applications such as grid connected systems, and remote area power supplies (RAPS). They sell a complete line of PV modules from 2 Watt up to 175 Watt modules at this time. They have MC connectors for easy hook up and can be used with all standard mounting hardware on the market. At this time we only carry their modules rated over 110 Watts. We can special order the smaller sizes. Our supplier for these modules is on southern California. We can drop ship these to your door step for customers needing PV modules in CA, Oregon and Washington We also have a CA resellers number so that California residences can quality for the CEC rebates on both new and existing installations.
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
Rigid Solar Modules
String Ribbon polycrystalline solar cells outperform thin films and achieve comparable performance to bulk crystalline technologies while using half as much silicon. The proprietary cell fabrication process is among the most environmentally friendly in the business.
25 YEAR WARRANTY
EV-EC100, EV-ES170SL
PV-MF165EB3, PV-MF170EB3
Only Module in the world that is LEAD FREE!

PWX-1250, PWX-1650, PWM1700
25 YEAR WARRANTY 25 YEAR WARRANTY
PW-750
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Photowatt Matrix Solar Technologies has developed its own process for manufacturing multi-crystalline silicon called POLIX. In this process silicon is melted and then forced to grow in a given direction, from the bottom to the top, which gives the solar cells large-grain columnar structure. This unique crystal growth process with the high electrical efficiency and stability over time minimizes the quantity of material used to make high efficiency solar cells. These cells are then packed into a very reliable package with a rugged aluminum frame designed for decades of reliable use. Sales limited to supplies on hand. Matrix is also the only module manufacturer to make double glass modules for extreme environments, a great module for salt water environments!
SOLAR ELECTRIC
The World's Largest PV Module
This module is the world's largest. The best high voltage module to We recommend these modules for module connection system anycommercial applications and large where. (>2 kW) home solar electric systems. RW Scott modules (formerly ASE) were developed for large utility photovoltaic systems. These modules are built to a higher standard than other modules. BeUtilityFree is offering RW Scott modJohn introducing the ASE Americas, Inc. panels at ules for both the 1994 Midwest Renewable Energy Fair home use, commercial applica It is the only module with a "Class tions, and village electrification. A" fire rating. The technology for producing Their modules (as well as some these modules is light years ahead of Photowatt modules) have a double the competition. glass construction insuring the utImprovements have been made most in protection against the eleon all levels of production, including: ments. They also make single glass Bypass diodes which protect as well. against hot spot heating. If you have any doubts that larger modules save you money. These large modules can only be shipped via motor freight. They save a significant amount of labor costs when you do large installations. These can only be shipped via motor freight because of their size.
20 YEAR WARRANTY
Quick module connection, called MuliContact or MC connectors now come on almost all solar modules. ASE was the first to adapt them as standard on their modules.
The APS thin film technology deposits a total of 6 layers of materials between 2 layers of glass, for high efficiency and complete protection from the elements. This is the first amorphous module to have a 10 year warranty. The color is black. APS-EN1 APS-DN1
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
Solar Electric Roofing!
UNI-SOLAR: The worlds most versatile and durable line of solar battery chargers UNI-SOLAR battery chargers offer performance no other brand can match. Heres why. The UNI-SOLAR module is lightweight, flexible, and amazingly durable. There are no glass or crystalline cells to break, fracture, or shatter. Unique construction: The heart of the charger is the patented UNI solar cell. This cell is made by depositing silicon alloy materials onto a roll of stainless steel. The cells are linked together, then enclosed in a combination of polymers including Tefzel. Impact resistant: UNI-SOLAR modules withstand rough handling. They can be dropped or stepped on without losing their charging power. They are cut-resistant and even float. Flexible or framed modules: For fixed installations the unique UNI-SOLAR module is backed by a galvanized steel plate and framed in anodized aluminum. For attachment to pliable or curved surfaces, the flexible UNI-SOLAR module is edged in durable polyvinyl and fitted with nickel-plated brass grommets. Works even in partial shade: The unique structure of the UNI-SOLAR module enables it to keep on charging even on overcast days or when partially covered by shadows. Installs in minutes: Just run the 6 wires of the UNI-SOLAR module to your battery and attach with the convenient ring terminals. Competitively priced/Saves money: State-of-the-art manufacturing techniques allow United Solar Systems to offer you the superior performance of the UNI-SOLAR battery charger at a cost comparable to that of less advanced products. UNI-SOLAR modules cost nothing to operate. They save fuel, engine wear and help batteries last longer. Beneficial to the Environment: UNI-SOLAR battery chargers save natural resources and cut down on pollution caused by internal combustion engines. Call for pricing and brochure. Product is available for immediate delivery!
Roofing that looks like a "metal" roof
Roof "shingles". Have five tabs and can be installed to replace or for a new roof.
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SOLAR ELECTRIC Flexible Solar Modules

The UNI-SOLAR module is lightweight, flexible, and amazingly durable. There are no glass or crystalline cells to break, fracture or shatter. UNI-SOLAR modules withstand rough handling. They can be dropped or stepped on without losing their charging power. They are cut-resistant and even float. Flexible UNI-SOLAR module is edged in durable polyvinyl and fitted with nickel-plated brass grommets. Works even in partial shade. Installs in minutes. Just run the 2 wires of the UNISOLAR module to your battery and attach with the convenient ring terminals. Competitively priced. State-of-the-art manufacturing techniques allow United Solar Systems to offer you the superior performance of the UNI-SOLAR battery charger at a cost comparable to that of less advanced products. UNI-SOLAR modules cost nothing to operate. They save fuel, engine wear and help batteries last longer.
MBC 525
MBC 262
MBC 131
Unbreakable Solar Panels
Major advantages of our consumer product solutions include: * Up to 20% more energy per rated watt over conventional solar panels * No glass construction * Exceptional durability * Extremely lightweight * Unparalleled flexibility * Outperforms competition in high temperature conditions This is one of the best modules to have if you are in a hot climate like southern California, Arizona or New Mexico. We currently only sell their largest 64 watt module.
US-64 Largest Module in picture The UPM-880 works even if a bullet penetrates the module!
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Solar ElEctric Solar Module table

BeUtilityFree Model Module SourceBook# Number RIGID SOLAR MODULES SHELL SH-75 SQ-75 SH-SQ80 SQ-80 SH-SQ150 SQ-150-PC SO-160-25 SQ-160-PC SO-175-25 SQ-175-PC BP SOLAR BP-380US BP380U,S BP-33160US BP160U,S BP-3160Q BP-3160Q BP-SX170B BP-SX-170B SHARP SA-NU80 NE-80EJE SA-NDNOECU ND-NOECU SA-NE165U1 NE-165U1 SA-ND167U3 NE-167U3 SA-NT175U1 NE-175U1 SA-ND205U1 ND-205U1 SUNTECH ST-11012 STP110-12/Tb ST-12012 STP120-12/Tb ST-13012 STP130-12/Tb ST-14012 STP140-12/Tb ST-15524 STP155-24/Ac ST-16024 STP160-24/Ac ST-17024 STP170-24/Ac ST-17524 STP175-24/Ac MITSUBISHI ME-PVMF165 PV-MF165EB3 ME-PVMF170 PV-MF170EB3 EVERGREEN EV-EC100 EC-110-GD EV-ES170SL ES-170-SL EV-ES180SL ES-180-SL EV-ES190SL ES-190-SL PHOTOWATT PW-PW750 PW-750 PW-PW1250 PW-1250 PW-PWM1700 PWM1700 PW-PWM1700 PWM1700 RW SCOTT RW-ASE30017 ASE-300-DG/17 RW-ASE30050 ASE-300-DG/50 FLEXIBLE SOLAR MODULES UNI SOLAR US-MBC131-3 MBC 131 US-MBC262-5 MBC 262 US-MBC131-6 MBC 525 UNBREAKABLE SOLAR MODULES UNI SOLAR US-UPM-9 UPM-880 Cat P# 105 105 105 105 105 105 105 105 105 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 107 108 108 110 110 110 110 Peak Amps 4.4 4.6 4.4 4.6 4.9 7.3 7.1 6.7 5.0 4.7 7.0 2.8 7.1 4.9 7.1 6.5 7.0 7.6 8.0 4.9 5.0 4.8 4.9 6.8 6.9 6.7 7.6 7.9 8.0 4.6 4.6 4.8 5.1 16.8 5.9 .30 .60 1.9 1.4 Nom Volts 12.0 12.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 12.0 12.0 16.0 24.0 12.0 14.0 24.0 14.0 24.0 16.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 15.0 15.0 12.0 25.0 26.0 27.0 12.0 18.0 24.0 24.0 12.0 50.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 Volts OC 21.7 21.8 43.4 43.5 44.6 22.1 17.6 34.4 44.2 21.3 24.9 43.0 29.0 44.4 36.3 21.0 21.6 21.8 22.1 43.2 43.2 43.8 44.2 30.4 30.6 21.5 32.4 33.0 33.0 21.9 32.0 44.4 44.6 19.1 60.0 23.8 23.8 23.8 15.6 Watts 75 80 150 160 175 80 125 160 170 80 140 165 167 175 205 110 120 130 140 155 160 170 175 165 170 110 170 180 190 80 125 170 180 300 300 5.5 11 32 64 Wt Lbs 16.7 16.7 39 22.5 38 23 26.5 34 40 21 32 37.4 36.4 37.5 37.5 24 24 24 24 31 31 31 31 34.2 34.2 28 40 40 40 16 22 30 30 107 107 1.5 2.5 4 8.3 Module Size L" x W" x D" 46.1 x 20.8 x 1.2 46.1 x 20.8 x 1.2 64 x 32 x 1.6 64 x 32 x 1.6 64 x 32 x 1.6 47.4 x 20.1 x 2 59.4 x 26.5 x 2 62.8 x 31.1 x 2 62.8 x 31.1 x 2 47.3 x 21.4 x 1.8 45.9 x 38.9 x 1.8 62 x 32.5 x 1.8 52 x 32.5 x 1.8 52 x 39.1 x 1.8 52 x 26 x 1.6 58 x 27 x 1.4 58 x 27 x 1.4 58 x 27 x 1.4 58 x 27 x 1.4 62 x 32 x 1.4 62 x 32 x 1.4 62 x 32 x 1.4 62 x 32 x 1.4 62.2 x 31.5 x 1.8 62.2 x 31.5 x 1.8 62.5 x 25.7 x 1.4 62 x 38 x 1.6 62 x 38 x 1.6 62 x 38 x 1.6 1237 x 556 x 24.5 1280 x 822 x 38 1237 x 556 x 24.5 1237 x 556 x 24.5 74.5 x 50.5 x 2 74.5 x 50.5 x 2 22 X 10 22 X 16 56 X 16 54 x 29 x 1.5 Wty. Yrs. Cells 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 3 3 3 10 36 36 72 72 72 36 36 36 72 36 42 72 48 72 60 36 36 36 36 72 72 72 72 50 50 72 108 108 108 36 54 72 72 216 216 N N N N Pal # Each 399 425 799 989 1,159 399 629 799 433 399 679 799 829 879 1,029 619 630 685 725 800 875 890 915 1,025 1,095 549 850 900 950 399 629 849 829 1,399 1,399 89 149 319 459 $Price /10 379 404 759 940 1,101 379 598 759 411 379 645 759 788 835 978 588 620 651 689 760 831 846 869 974 1,040 522 808 855 903 379 598 807 788 1,329 1,329 0 85 142 303 436 /Watt 5.32 5.31 5.33 6.18 6.62 4.99 5.03 4.99 2.55 4.99 4.85 4.84 4.96 5.02 5.02 5.63 5.25 5.27 5.18 5.16 5.47 5.24 5.23 6.21 6.44 4.99 5.00 5.00 5.00 4.99 5.03 4.99 4.61 4.66 4.66 16.18 13.55 9.97 7.17
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
44 44 44
Solar Panel table Notes 1. Weights are "module only." Add 10% to module weight for shipping purposes. 2. Most modules shipped in boxes of two or four. There is a $20.00 additional charge if boxes must be unpacked and repacked for one module. 3. Price per watt is figured with the individual module price. Buying more or larger modules reduces the overall cost. 4. Any SourceBook number in italics is available unframed. Great for integrated roof systems. 5. More modules are made now as 12/24 V or 24 V. Great for 24 and 48 Volt systems. 6. Areas in yellow are usually used for grid-tie systems. However, almost any module can be used for off-grid systems today with an MPPT charge controller such as the OutBack MX-60, which can use input voltages as high as a nominal 150V DC. 7. Most modules under 110 watts can be shipped UPS. Most modules over 160 watts are shipped by motor freight. Plan accordingly. 8. If modules are shipped motor freight, the shipment has to be prepaid. We pass along our 45% discount to you if we ship via motor freight or truck. 9. Many of the modules we ship come on pallets. Please call us to find out how many modules come per pallet.Many times we can provide free shipment should you need a full pallet. It is easy to have 16 or more modules in a 3-5 kW home power system. In commercial installations pallet shipments are common.
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Solar ElEctric What do you do with the solar modules once you have them?
There are five basic types of mounting structures for solar modules: 1) Ground mount 2) Roof mounts 3) Pole mount (tracking or non-tracking) 4) Integral roof mounting where the roof is designed at the proper orientation and the solar module is part of the roof 5) DeckRacks There are variations of each type of mounting types. For example there are many ways to mount PV modules on a flat roof. One can have roof penetrations or no roof penetrations. The most popular type of flat roof mount makes no roof penetrations. The SourceBook will show you the different types of mounting structures and it will be up to you to decide what is right for you. Because there are so many solar modules today and more on the way we do not list all of the different combinations of mounting structures. Please call and talk to one of our sales engineers for a quote on a mounting structure. When you call please have the 1. Number of modules you want to mount, 2. The manufacturer and the model 3. Where the modules will be mounted 4. What angle the original mounting surface is 5. What you want the actual mounting angle to be. For example, I want to mount 20 Evergreen, Model EC-110-GB on my roof at a 50 degree angle. The current roof pitch is a 6/12 pitch. Call us at 888.320.9211.
Should i build or buy?

Commercial racks are of high quality, and are predrilled for most solar modules currently on the market. If you are pretty handy working with metal, it could be cheaper for you to build your own. Otherwise, we suggest you buy prefabricated mounts.
What angle?
Ideally, you want the front of your module to be perpendicular to the sun's angle at all times (this is what dual axis trackers do). If you have a fixed rack, then point it South, at the winter angle (latitude plus 10 degrees). If you have an adjustable rack, then you should adjust it twice a year, on the Fall and Spring equinoxes.
What type should i buy?

The best type of mounting is one that allows the free flow of air that will cool the modules. In general, the cooler the module operates, no matter what type of module, the more power they will produce. Many other factors enter the picture. If you have a large amount of acreage, a ground mount may be the way to go. If you do not want or like the look of solar modules that may be another reason to mount them on the ground. If you have a small array of PV modules then we recommend that you adjust the angle a few times a year with an adjustable rack. What usually happens is that once the PV module is mounted people rarely if ever adjust them. So if you mount them on a pitched roof then mount them at the best angle for your end use purposes.
Should i have a tracker?

There are several great advantages to installing a tracker. If you have larger summer loads, such as irrigation, refrigeration or any other need for extra power during the long summer days, you can install a tracker to maximize your solar potential. During the winter, on shorter days, a tracker increases your solar exposure by an hour or two. Aesthetically, if you do not like the look of solar modules on your house, you can locate the modules away from your house on a tracker and bury the cable from the tracker to the house. Additionally, if there are large trees shading the house, and you have a sunny location near by, this would be a better location for your modules. You can maximize your solar potential by placing the modules in this area and using a tracker.
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Solar ElEctric High and low Profile Mounting
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UniRacs are universal - they fit any framed module from 64 watts up on the market, including RW Scott, Shell, BP, Sharp, Sanya, UNISOLAR and others. UniRac can be purchased with adjustable or non adjustable tilt legs. Can be ordered for different angles depending on the geographical area that you live in. For example if you are far north you would want a stepper angle, say 60 degrees. If you are in the tropics where the sun is almost overhead then you may need a 25 degree angle. All products are aluminum for a lifetime of support. The systems that include adjustable legs can be optimized for positioning of modules throughout the year. This can be done from two to four times a year. Never receive the wrong rack or misdrilled hole: waste no time on the job site - simply slide the UniRac components to fit the particular module. The ground mount systems come in a high profile mount and a low profile mounting system. What determines the profile is the way the modules are attached to the frame. For low profile modules the modules are mounted vertically (the longest part of the module from top to bottom on the frame). For high profile mounting the longest part of the PV module is on the horizontal plane. Please see the diagrams above for a better idea of how you would mount the PV module you purchase on for your particular situation.
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Solar ElEctric Pitched roof Mounting

roof Jacks - a great way to mount your solar electric modules on your roof! Roof Jacks are the easiest and least expensive way to mount your modules. These were originally developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for use on the New England Electric, Gardner, MA project in mid -1980's. This system can really speed up the mounting of PV modules. It can provide protection against wind and cooling for the module. Made out of aluminum, this type of mounting is best suited for a pitched roof having the correct angle for solar electric modules. This mounting is not adjustable for different seasons. You can either lag bolt the stand into the roof joists, or you can bolt them to the roof. If you drill through the roof and miss the joists, a steel plate on the underside Two types of roof jacks are available. The end type is for a single of the roof sheathing may be used to anchor into. This module and the interior type is for more than one module. system is not recommended for flat roof structures. Roof Jacks can be mounted on almost any roofing maAS-ERJ End Roof Jack Set (2) $40 terial. Metal roofs require an additional bracket. Includes stainless steel hardware, sealant, and pin assemblies. These are specifically made for the RW Scott modules but can AS-IRJ Interior Roof Jack Set (2) $50 be used for other panels.
SunFrame is the only PV module mounting system designed to enhance the appearance of a PV installation. This rack meets Uniform and California building codes.
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roof Mount
On the roof or on the ground, SolarMount components assemble into structures that support a variety of PV array configurations. Design for high profile or lowwhichever suits your unique sitewithout worries that it wont meet code. * Residential Roofs Mount flush on a pitched roof where aesthetics are critical. * Commercial Roofs Install at a low slope, remaining invisible behind a parapet. * Ground Mounts Base an array on any type of footing or pad. * Five year warranty. All UniRac racks are based on their SolarMount system. These work with sliding feet and clips. The simplest SolarMount rack is a flush mount consisting of a set of rails and a set of clips. Available accessories include splice kits, taller standoffs and adjustable legs. Structural engineering documentation is available if necessary. The smaller racks ship UPS and the longer rails ship truck freight. In order to determine which set of rails is compatible with your module(s), please refer to the PDF Sizing Chart below. If you have any questions, please call us.
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Standoffs are used whenever flashed installations are required with tile roofs, for example. All standoffs3, 4, 6, or 7 inches tallare compatible with Oatey No-Calk flashings and other non-collared flashings.
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roof Mount
Simplicity is a non-penetrating mounting system designed for mounting Evergreen EC-100 series modules on flat roofs of 5-degree pitch or less. Held in place by its own weight and an aerodynamic cowling system, the Simplicity system means fast, cost effective installationallowing you to get the job done more efficiently and cost effectively than ever before.
These are high quality, low cost, support structures for the installation of modules on flat roofs. Suitable for both small and large scale solar applications. Made from100% recycled, chlorine free polyethylene the ConSole has a long life and requires no maintenance. Quick and easy to install with integrated cable ducts and cooling slots. Electrically insulating. We stock one size that fits Shell 150-175 W and Sharp 165-185 W. They are weighed down using gravel or concrete tiles as ballast, so no fixing holes are required in the roof structure. 25 degree tilt. CO-7000 ConSole Flat Roof Mount $95
Deckrack
The DeckRack is an excellent option for someone who does not want to mount into their roof. This system is designed to be mounted off a deck of the building. These racks can be seasonally adjusted for winter or summer angles either manually or with an electric motor, or be positioned at a fixed angle. A nice feature of a DeckRack is it is high off the ground so the snow slides off and does not accumulate on the ground blocking the module (s). Standard color is black and standard material is steel. Other materials are available such as aluminum or stainless steel. Custom racks and colors are available.
Front view of DeckRack
Rear view of DeckRack
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top of Pole Manual Seasonally adjustable racks
This top of a pole rack is seasonally adjustable. You can manually rotate the tracker on both the horizontal and vertical axis. Tilt adjustment is from 0 to 65. Stainless steel mounting hardware is included. The pole is not included, but can be purchased locally. The layout for the tracker comes with the tracker for the amount of cement needed and the size pole needed. Poles are normally carbon steel picked up at a local pipe company. Other structural material and design options are available.
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top of Pole automatic Single and Dual axis trackers
These passive trackers follow the path of the sun automatically and can increase the amount of energy by up to 30% in the summer months. No motors, gears, pistons or controls to fail in the field. Maintenance free, sealed freon moves inside the steel framework, using simple gravity to follow the sun. Single axis only. We do not recommend this type of tracker for windy areas. They have been in use worldwide for over 20 years. Shipped from New Mexico. They can hold from 2 to 32 modules. Designed for up to 90 M.P.H. winds. Prices start at $559.00 and go to $3,499.00. For small racks we ship UPS and larger ones motor freight year warranty! Call for pricing.
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TrackRack by Zomeworks Single Axis Tracker
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We highly recommend dual axis trackers, if you have the room for them, these can provide you with up to 40% more power than a fixed array. Using an optical controller, with a battery that lasts 5 to 7 years, the satellite dish motors keep the collectors pointed at the sun with a .01% accuracy. These trackers, when installed properly, will withstand winds of 120 m.p.h.. Tracker are ordered corresponding to the module brand you are buying and the number of modules you want to end up with, so the predrilled system will fit. You can order the tracker to fit a partial system and then add more modules at a later date.
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Solar ElEctric controllers and Powercenters

Controllers are used for one reason - to protect lead acid batteries from destroying themselves. The solar industry has been using the lead acid battery as its primary storage simply because it is readily available in most areas of the world. The lead acid battery is also very economical. In many cases, controllers are not needed with alkaline batteries (both nickel cadmium and nickel iron). Batteries that have gel in them they definitely need a charge controller. There are mainly two types of controllers available; on-off (series and shunt) and solid state (pulse width modulation, taper charging, MPPT, etc.). The on-off type has either a mechanical or mercury relay that is either on or off, depending on preset voltages. The solid state type regulates the amount of charging current to the battery. Sandia Laboratories has found that the solid state type can get the most energy into the batteries. The latest development in solid state charge controllers are the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) tracking controllers. When you buy one of them they can give you up to 20% more power than a non MPPT controller. They do cost more than a "regular" charge controller, but with getting up to 20% more power a year out of it. This is like having thousands of dollars more in PV power without physically buying more PV modules. Another great thing about MPPT charge controllers is the fact that most of them can accept higher voltages form a PV array and then reduce the voltage automatically to your battery bank. For example, the OutBack MX60 can accept input voltages up to 150 volts and still charge a 24 V or 48 V battery bank! This type of set up will reduce the wiring costs from your PV array to your electrical distribution center. If you are using lead acid batteries you have to use a charge controller. If you use alkaline batteries you may not need a charge controller as long as the inverter can handle the higher voltages. What happens to the electricity when the charge controller shuts off? Mechanical controllers either disconnect the incoming power from the charge controller or short circuit the source. Either method does not harm the solar electric modules, but any excess power is wasted. To avoid this, special controls are made, such as the Enermaxer that divert excess power to another load. These loads could be a hot water heater element, a hydrogen electrolyzer (see page 144) or another battery bank. With these controllers you don't waste any energy. How do I select a charge controller? You must know the voltage and the maximum current of your charging source. Usually choose a controller with the same voltage and a larger current (amperage) rating. For example, if you buy 10 Evergreen watt modules, that is 1,000 watts (10 x 100 watts = 1,000 watts), the voltage you have decided on is 24 volts. The maximum current is 41 amps (1,000 24 = 41). To meet the NEC code the controller must be rated at 1.35 times the module rating (41 x 1.35 = 55.4 amps). If you need assistance in designing your system, just give us a call and talk to one of our experienced technicians.
This relay/mechanical type controller has no meters, just a red light on the top to let you know it is charging. It has an equalization switch for lead acid batteries, but can be used with ALL battery types.
TR-C30A Trace charge controller $99
The Mark III is a simple reliable controller for small systems. It is rated at 15 amps. Two small meters show charging amps from modules and battery volts. This controller is NOT adjustable. For lead acid batteries only. Flush mount.
SC-MK3 Mark III Controller $95
The Simple Switch is a clever device. Its name implies simplicity, but it does a lot for a small box (2" W x 3" L). It can perform any of these functions: charge controller, low battery alarm, start generators for back up power, and more. It employs many possible combinations with more than one Simple Switch. Din Rail compatible.
SC-SIMSW Simple Switch $95
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Solar ElEctric controllers

The TriStarTM is Morningstars newest and most advanced product and is capable of handling solar arrays up to 4 kW. The controller has a three-function controller that provides reliable solar battery charging, load control or diversion regulation, but can only be used for one function at a time. 12, 24, 48 V user selectable. PWM controller. Uses advanced technology and automated production to provide exciting new features at a competitive cost. UL listed and is designed for both solar. home systems and professional applications. Can add a remote display up to 100' away from controller using RJ-11 jack. Can add battery temperature sensor. Has 7 different set points with dip switches. RS-232 communication enables PC to adjust controls and data logging.
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MS-TS45 Tristar 45 A Charge Controller $169 MS-TS60 Tristar 60 A Charge Controller $219 MS-TSIRTS Tristar Battery Temp Sensor $29 MS-TSIM Tristar Digital Display $99
MS-TSRM Tristar Digital Display W/100'Cable $139
MorningStar Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new Relay Driver for renewable energy applications. This product is a logic module which provides high level system control functions such as high/low voltage alarms, load control and generator start. The Relay Driver is less expensive than other alarm and generator start packages. It controls four independent relay driver outputs by reading digital data inputs from MorningStar's TriStar controller or by reading battery voltage when used in systems with other controllers. The Relay Driver may be mounted to a DIN rail and is fully programmable with the included PC software via serial RS-232 port connection. Other key product benefits include high reliability, flexibility to choose the exact relay needed for each application and advanced generator control.
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MS-TRIRM Relay Driver $295
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Solar ElEctric MPPt charge controllers

The MX-60 raises the bar for high-performance solar controllers. Our real-time active Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system ensures that your solar array is operating at its peak power point regardless of age, shading or environmental conditions. Great features of the MX-60: 60 amp DC output current rating for 12, 24 or 48 VDC systems. Wide-range DC input - up to 150 VDC. Allows step-down to a low-voltage batery. Reduces wire size and intsallation complexity, saving you money. Smart multistage recharging process ensures your batteries are recharged efficiently and gently to prolong battery life. Large built-in 3.1" (8 cm) backlit LCD screen. Data-logging system that automatically records the last 64 days of system operation. If you add OutBacks MATE (see next page) to your system, your MX60 can communicate with the rest of your OutBack system up to 1000 feet/300 meters away, eliminating multiple product interaction problems and allowing remote monitoring. For all of these features plus the ability to operate at its 80-amp max in up to 104F (40C) temperatures and remote programmability with the MATE, choose the FlexMax 80.
OB-MX60-16 OutBack MX60 $669
OB-FM80-16 OutBack FlexMax 80 $749
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Solar ElEctric outBack communication tools

MATE The MATE system display and controllers are complete management tools for your OutBack Power system. Through the use of a single MATE you can remotely manage and monitor multiple inverter/ chargers, MX60s and any future OutBack power conversion and control products. The MATE and MATE2 are packed full of features to make system management simple. The easy-to-read 3.1" (8 cm) LCD is backlit for dark operating conditions. Four soft keys allow easy context-based navigation of menus and functions. Two hot keys give immediate access to AC and inverter functions. A built-in clock and calendar function enables timer-based programming of inverter and charger operation. This permits you to set the system to work with time-of-day power rates or to limit a generators run time to a specific time period of the day or week. All of your settings are stored in permanent memory to eliminate the need to reprogram in the event of a system shutdown or battery replacement. The MATE and MATE2 include a RS232 port with DB9 jack for connection to the serial port of a PC computer. Through the use of optional WinVerter software you can perform such operations as data logging and graphical display of the systems operation and performance. MATE2M The MATE2M is the same technology as the MATE and MATE2 but is designed to be used with your M-series inverter/chargers in mobile applications. Incorporating a more simplified menu, the settings needed for mobile power system management are more quickly accessed. A flush mount case design makes installation in boats and RVs more compact and attractive.
OB-MATE Mate OB-MATE2 Mate 2 OB-MATE2M Mate2M $295 $295 $295
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OB-HUB4 Four Port OB-HUB10 Ten Port
$195 $375
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HUB The HUB system communications managers are the backbone of your networked OutBack power conversion system. The OutBack HUB communicates stacking, load share and power save off/on signals. Interconnection cabling is standard Ethernet CAT5 with RJ45 modular jacks. Through the use of a HUB, your system is completely coordinated and managed by the MATE.
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Solar ElEctric Batteries - the Heart of an "off Grid" Electric System

If you want to be truly UtilityFree you need battery storage. You can store direct current (DC) but you can not store alternating current (AC), which the power company sends to you and bills you for each month. If you have a grid tie system then when your electric company has a power outage then your line tie inverter will not work unless you have an inverter that can switch to a battery bank during a power outage or you have a back up generator run off a liquid or gaseous fuel. There are generally two categories of batteries that are used in solar electric systems, lead acid and alkaline. Alkaline and lead acid batteries come in dry cell or wet cell batteries. A wet cell battery can be opened up via a vent cap. Water (distilled or deiononized water only) can be added to replace the water used by the battery charging and recharging process. A dry cell is a battery that has a gel or some other sort of electrolyte that is not like a liquid at all and remains like a solid in the battery. In almost all cases when you use the electric company as your storage bank then the electric company still look sat you as a "normal" customer because the utility still has to provide electricity for your house when the sun goes down and also when the utility experiences peak loads which is usually in the early morning and early evening on most utility grids. If you want to help out a utility then go with a battery system even if you are grid tied. A battery consists of a group of cells. A lead acid cell is 2 volts and an alkaline cell is 1.2 volts. The easiest way to tell how many cells there are is to simply count the number of vent caps. When you connect your cells in series, by connecting a positive terminal to a negative terminal, you increase the voltage. When connecting cells in parallel you increase the amperage, but the voltage remains the same. A typical 12 volt lead acid battery consists of 6 cells (2 volts x 6 cells =12 volts). A typical 12 volt alkaline battery is 10 cells (1.2 volts x 10 cells =12 volts). Lead acid batteries come in cases with not drain more than 50% of the capacity. In general, with this type of battery you cannot repeatedly drain more than 50% of its capacity without harming the battery. With alkaline batteries this is not a concern and they can be drained completely without any harm to the battery. A battery is like a bucket of water. You can put only so much water (electricity) in it before it overflows. When the bucket overflows the excess spills out and is not stored. However, if you have another bucket to catch the overflow or have a bigger bucket, then you will increase the amount of available storage for your water (electricity) but at an additional cost. If you have excess electricity then you can also use a "diverter control" that sends the excess electricity into a heating element to heat your hot water. An electric storage battery is measured in units of ampere hours (Ah). A "100 ampere hour battery" stores 100 ampere hours. The rate at which you remove the ampere hour (amperage) is called the discharge rate. This is specified by the battery manufacturer in hours, not to be confused with "cold cranking amps"; a term used by manufacturers to sell batteries. For example if you buy a battery rated at 100 Ah, with a discharge rate of 20 hours, then the amperes taken out for a 20 hour period is 5 amps (5 amps
Ventilation system for lead acid batteries
cells grouped together for 12 Volts (6 cells-typical car battery), 6 volts (3 cells- battery for electric car) or 2 volts (1 cell-industrial fork lift battery). Alkaline batteries normally come in separate 1.2 volt cells only. In general, the less that the battery is cycled (completely charged and discharged), the longer the life of the battery. For maximum lead acid battery life you should
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Lead Acid 1
1 Cel l - 2 Volts/cell
Alkaline 1
1 Cel l - 1.2 Volts/cell
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Battery - 6 Volts, 3 cells
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Battery - 6 Volts, 5 cells
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ity is always 100% available. If you discharge the battery 100%, there is no permanent loss of capacity to the battery. If you were to discharge a lead acid 100%, then the battery would never be able to fully recover to 100% of its rated capacity. Before making a final decision on a battery, consider all the facts.
x 20 hours = 100 ampere hours). So what does all this stuff have to do with my solar electric system? When you buy any type of renewable energy system (solar electric, wind, hydro) they all generate the same thing: electrical power. This happens when you generate current (amperage) by using solar electric modules, wind generator, etc., and then store this amperage in your batteries for later use. Amperage flows through your wiring (pipes) to your storage battery (bucket) where it is either used immediately or stored for later use when power is not being generated from your renewable energy source. The amount of power you remove from your batteries is removed in ampere hours. For example: if you have a 1,000 ampere hour battery bank (a big bucket) and you remove 200 ampere hours a day from that battery bank, then your battery bank will be empty in 5 days (1,000 500 = 5 days). If you are using lead acid batteries then you would only want to drain 50% of the capacity, 500 Ah. If you have alkaline batteries then you would have all 1,000 amps available to you. Although alkaline batteries are more expensive than lead acid batteries, you can use all the battery capacity; which more than compensates you for the increase in price. When buying your batteries, you must consider what the
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true usable capacity of the battery is. Again, if you want maximum life from a lead acid battery the golden rule is not to discharge them more than 50%. This means a 200 Ah battery is really a 100 Ah battery. However, an alkaline's battery capac-
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Solar ElEctric Battery Metering
Battery Metering and Storage
A battery ampere hour meter is like the gas gauge in your car and is just as important. With the proper meter you can operate your renewable energy system and know how much energy you have in your batteries! With every off grid complete system you get a FREE Tri-Metric amp hour meter!
tri-Metric Meter 2020 This meter can fit inside a standard double gain electrical box. The meter measures battery voltage, instantaneous battery amps, and the amount of energy in the battery at a glance. Battery efficiency can be set by the user. For use with a 12, 24 and 48 Volt systems. A 48V system requires a adaptor. The price includes, 12/24 V meter , 500 AH shunt, and one AH fuse and fuse holder. Does not include 4 stranded #22 AWG wire. Order the wire separately! The PentaMetric battery monitor system offers a lot more capability than the TriMetric 2020 ... * Complete system consists of 3 parts: Input unit (near batteries), Display unit (shown above) and computer interface unit. * Monitor up to 3 shunts-For example: measure total solar input and wind input independently in addition to monitoring battery "state of charge." * Access the data with display unit (shown above) with LCD display and buttons up to 1000 feet from batteries. * Optional computer interface with (Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, XP) software to control all data. * Extensive system logged data * Relay output to control generator or external alarm. * Audible and visual alarms for high and low battery conditions.
BG-PENMET PantaMetric Meter $399 BG-PENMETCI PantaMetric Computer Interface $99
BG-TRIME Meter 2020 $249
The Link 10 is one the newest meters on the market. Power supply is 8 to 40 volts DC. Voltage range selectable from 0-100 volts and 0-500V selectable from the front panel. Collects historical data, has a RS-232 output for computer interface. Other features makes this meter a good buy.
CE-0325 Link 10 W/500A Shunt $249 rules for Maximum Battery life Keep battery tops clean at all times. Keep batteries dry at all times. Keep battery cables tight. Keep batteries at room temperature. Never mix lead acid and alkaline batteries. Do not equalize gel electrolyte batteries. Never discharge your lead acid below 50% of its capacity. The shallower the cycle on a yearly basis the longer the life. Keep batteries under 90F. Do not let batteries freeze. Safety tips Don't add water to discharged batteries. Don't smoke around batteries Always wear eye protection while working with batteries.
Battery Boxes We carry a wide assortment of battery boxes for a variety of purposes. The Cool Cell battery box has no moving parts and is self regulating. There are two types of Cool Cells. One has a roof tank designed for shallow cycle battery cooling and the other, a floor tank model designed for hot climates for deeply cycled batteries. We carry pole mounted battery boxes that are NEMA approved with a 14 or 16 gauge steel shell, white or gray finish. Many sizes are available. We also carry a steel galvanized box that comes insulated or not insulated. Designed for harsh environments and long life.
Cool Cell
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lead acid Batteries - Sealed

Pictured on the left are the best in the line of sealed valve regulated gelled-electrolyte batteries. These incorporate GNB's patented (U.S. Patent 4,401,730) ABSOLYTE technology. The manufacturer claims a 20 year life expectancy in float service. Deep cycle capability of 1200 cycles @ 80 % DOD at 77F. You should expect about a 10 -15 year life in a home power system depending on their depth of discharge (DOD). Sealed batteries never require watering. They are spill proof and leakproof. No gases escape during normal charging. Operate at low internal pressure. Also operates in horizontal or vertical positions.
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Deka Solar Batteries

These batteries are valve-regulated, and filled with gelled electrolyte. They offer maintenance-free power where deep cycles are required and minimum maintenance is desired. Their construction eliminates periodic watering, corrosive fumes and electrolyte spills. Because the electrolyte does not stratify, there is no need for equalization charges. The biggest advantage of the Deka Solar Batteries is that they can be transported easily. They can even be shipped by air. The battery life is about 6 years at 10% daily discharge. A charge controller is a must!
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lead acid Batteries - Wet cells

These batteries are what we call a learner battery. Many people starting out with a solar system buy these batteries. They are deep-cycle golf cart batteries for use in small, inexpensive systems. These batteries come in 6 volt units. However, they are smaller and lighter then the L-16 listed below. They weigh 65 lbs each. That is still heavy, but easier to carry than a 125 Size: 10.5" x 7" x 11" ( 25.4 cm x 17.8 cm x 27.9 cm ) This battery is a very popular battery in the solar electric industry. It falls in price between a more expensive industrial lead acid battery and an inexpensive lead acid battery. This battery comes in 6 volts, not 12 volts! Therefore, for a 12 volt system you need to order in multiples of two. For a 24 volt system you need to order in multiples of 4. Each 12 or 24 volt set is 350 Amp-hours. For example, two batteries at 12 volts will be 350 Amp-hours (Ah), 4 batteries will be either 700 Ah @ 12 volts or 350 Ah @ 24 volts. We can ship your batteries with your total system package or we can ship separately. You will need to order battery pound battery. They are rated at 225 Amp-hours at a 20 Ah discharge rate. Purchase 2 for a 12V system, 4 for a 24 volt system and 8 for a 48V system. They can be wired in parallel for increased amperage. Expected life is 2 - 5 years depending on how far down you cycle these. With a 20% depth of discharge on a regular basis one can get up to a five year life from this battery. $449/Pair
TR-BAT105-CC-130 Trojan T-105 6V/225 Ah interconnects since they do not come with them. Solderless battery lugs might also be needed to run your battery cables to your power center. These batteries are heavy: 125 lbs each! So plan ahead. The size is 12" W x 7" D x 17" H. They are about 30% taller than the typical auto or golf cart battery. They tend to last 6 to 8 years, depending on your average depth of discharge.
TR-L16-CC-120 Trojan L-16H 6V/420 Ah
Size: 12" x 7" x 17" ( 30.5 cm x 17.8 cm x 40.6 cm )
$1210/Pair
Dyno 2 Volt 1050 AH Battery

This is basically a Trojan L-16 battery with all 2 volt cells connected in parallel. In the container the normal L-16 is 6 volt or three cells connected in series. This reduces the number of parallel connection in a larger 48 volt system and in a 24 volt system you can get 1024 Ah with only series connection and 24 containers instead of 8 - 6 volt batteries in a series/parallel configuration. What we like about these is that you can put DY-DYNO-CC-120 Dyno 1050 Ah the cells in series and get the voltage you want and have a higher amperage than if you were to buy 6 volt batteries. These can last up to 7-10 years if you discharge them to 20% of their capacity on a daily basis and refill them to full capacity on a daily basis. Shipped from the state of Washington. $209
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Like many other technological breakthroughs, HuP (High Utilization Positive) was created in response to another need. Patented in 1982, its original objective was to meet tough new environmental standards, and help eliminate lead dust from the battery manufacturing plant. But it was discovered during initial testing that HuP also exhibited cycling capabilities and reliability well in excess of conventional batteries. This continued enhanced performance led engineers at Enersys Inc. to develop HuP for yet another application: motive power. In 1991, HuP proved its mettle under extreme conditions in Operation Desert Storm, where it was used in materials handling vehicles delivering 10.5 million tons of supplies and equipment to 525,000 troops. The next step in the evolution process was into Renewable Energy service
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where the Solar-One battery has been powering off-grid homes for over 10 years while being charged from clean renewable energy produced by Solar PV Modules, wind machines or micro-hydro generators that convert falling water into usable energy.
Free Shipping for most systems!
These are new generation deep-cycle batteries. Most of these batteries are rated at 3,200 cycles to a 50% depth of discharge, one of the best in the industry. Dual nonbreakable container - eliminates breakage Modular configuration - easier transporting, installation, and repairs Moisture-tight outer container Average life expectancy - 15 years Free freight for some models with weight, quantity and destination qualifications. 10-year warrantee (7 for S-460 and 530): 3 year full warranty, 7 year pro-rated.
Surette Model 2-KS-3PPS 2-YS-31PS 4-CS-17P 4-KS-21P 4-KS-25P S-460 S-530 6-CS-17PS 5-CS-21PS 6-CS-25PS 8-CS-17PS 8-CS-25PS 12-CS-11PS Ah @ 100-Hr 2491 3435 770 1557 1900 460 530 770 963 1156 770 1156 503 Cycles @ 50%DOD 3300 3300 3200 3200 3200 1000 1000 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 Dimensions W"x L"x H" 15.5 x 8.3 x 24.8 15.5 x 9 x 31.7 14.4 x 8.3 x 18.3 15.8 x 9.4 x 24.8 15.8 x 10.7 x 24.8 12.3 x 7.2 x 16.8 12.3 x 7.2 x 16.8 22 x 8.3 x 18.3 22 x 9.8 x 18.3 22 x 11.3 x 18.3 28.3 x 8.3 x 18.3 28.3 x 11.3 x 18.3 22 x 11.3 x 18.3 Weight Lbs Wet (Dry) 208 (145) 285 (200) 128 (198) 267 (196) 315 (220) 117 (90) 125 (105) 221 (178) 271 (217) 318 (254) 294 (238) 424 (342) 272 (220) Price Per Unit $913 $1,432 $525 $790 $1,236 $333 $366 $824 $957 $1,130 $1,050 $1,535 $1,001 Price Per 12V $5,478 $8,592 $1,575 $2,370 $3,708 $666 $732 $1,648 $1,914 $2,260 --$1,001 Price Per 24V $10,956 $17,184 $3,150 $4,740 $7,416 $1,998 $1,464 $3,296 $3,828 $4,520 $3,150 $4,605 $2,002 Price Per 48V $21,912 $34,368 $6,300 $9,480 $14,832 $2,664 $2,928 $6,592 $7,656 $9,040 $6,300 $9,210 $4,004 Price Per Ah $0. 36 $0. 41 $0. 68 $0. 51 $0.65 $2.32 $1.07 $0.99 $0.98 $1.36 $1.33 $1.99 $2.21
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Solar ElEcTric
alkaline Batteries - Nickel-iron

that they will last a minimum of 20 years with a 50% depth of discharge. Electrolyte replacement may be needed every 10 - 15 years depending on how they are cycled and stored. In spite of the higher price of these batteries, the long life makes this the best battery value for your dollar in today's market. Allow up to 8-12 weeks for delivery if out of stock. Cases are made of translucent polypropolene plastic (under 600 ah cells), acrylic clear plastic on cells larger than 600 ah. The owner of the company has a 10 year old set that is still producing 100% of its battery capacity. 600 Ah Cell Original NickelIron batteries in use for over 60 years in a wind system used by John Lorenzen in Iowa
Weight Lb
11 23
Nickel-iron batteries are the longestlived batteries we know of. We have been importing new nickel-iron batteries from China since 1995. They are manufactured primarily for electric trains. These seem to be equal to the quality of the original Thomas A. Edison Battery Storage Company nickel-irons. We have the original nickel-iron cells installed in systems where they are still providing 100% of their rated capacity even after 40 years! (You read that right!) These batteries have all the benefits that an alkaline battery has to offer, with few of the drawbacks. They won't sulfate or freeze in any state of charge and don't require frequent equalization charges. These batteries have a higher voltage swing than lead-acid batteries, from a low of 1.0 volts per cell to a high of 1.65 volts per cell. The Thomas A. Edison Battery Company was sold to Exide in the early 1970s. Shortly after purchasing the equipment, Exide discontinued the battery. However, the battery technology survived and our suppliers have been making them in the Far East for 20 years. Our supplier tells us
Part #
7008 7010 7012 7011 7009
Ah*
122 244 366 305 183
Dimensions (inches) WxLxH

6 x 3 x 15 6 x 4 x 18
Dimensions (mm) WxLxH

140 x 79 x 360 164 x 106 x 345
Weight Kg
5 10
Price Per Cell $101 $202 $302 $252 $151
12V System $1010 $2020 $3020 $2520 $1510
24V System $2020 $4040 $6040 $5040 $3020
48V System $4040 $8080 $6040
6 x 7 x 18 7 x 7 x 18
164 x 162 x 345 276 x 138 x 420 167 x 162 x 345
24 37 27
12 18 16
7014 7016 7015
7013
549 732 610
488
11 x 6 x 18
11 x 6 x 18
11 x 6 x 18
276 x 138 x 450 290 x 174 x 505 276 x 138 x 450
276 x 138 x 450
45 61 49
41
22 30 24
20
$454 $605 $504
$403
$4540 $6050 $5040
$4030
$9080
$8060
$18,160 $24,200 $20,160
$16,120
$12,080
$10,080
7019
7018
7017
1220
976
854
16 x 8 x 24
16 x 8 x 24
16 x 8 x 24
16 x 8 x 22
16 x 8 x 22
398 x 185 x 560
398 x 185 x 560
398 x 174 x 505
121
116
67
55
53
33
$1008
$806
$706
$10,080
$8060
$7060
$16,120
$14,120
$12,100
$10,080
$20,160
$32,240
$28,240
$40,320
On all cells larger than 300 Ah take 10% off. On cells larger than 600 A take 15% off. Want more information? Click here for our NiFe spec sheet pdf.
* 100 hr. discharge rate. Manufacturer charge rate: C/5. Batteries are sold by the cell, so any voltage combination is available! Includes interconnect bars between cells, manual, flip-top battery caps and dry electrolyte chemicals. Buyer must add distilled water. For BeUtilityFree to fill and cycle
cells, add $175 per 10 cells. Does not include the float oil required to fulfil warranty. Buyer pays freight FOB LA, CA to final destination. Cell range: 12V:10 cells, 24V:18-21 cells, 48V: 36-41. Battery specifications @ 25 C (77 F). Table price effective date September 8, 2008
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Solar ElEcTric Battery accessories

Battery Chargers If you are off-grid, a battery charger is very important. One cannot predict the weather and, at some point, batteries usually need a helping hand getting recharged again. If you discharge lead-acid batteries greater than 50%, they can be severely damaged. If you use alkaline batteries, the depth of discharge is far less critical and usually no damage occurs. There are four ways to charge your battery bank: 1. By an internal combustion engine rotating an AC generator that goes to your inverter to charge your batteries. 2. By an internal combustion engine powering an alternator and changing the DC to AC for a constant current DC charge 3. By plugging into an AC generator a separate battery charger that is not an integral part of your inverter. 4. By the use of a fuel cell which runs on hydrogen, which one can make from excess renewable energy, which is then stored and run through your fuel cell. In every battery charging situation one can use waste heat from either the ICE or the fuel cell to provide good clean hot water to supplement any hot water system for domestic hot water use or better yet to recharge a solar hot water tank used to heat the whole house! This is called cogeneration! Generators producing AC must output a full 120 volts AC in order for battery chargers to work properly. The generator should have a 30% higher wattage rating than the watt rating of the charger. Allow about 10% of the total battery bank capacity to be your charge rate. If you have a 1000 watt hour battery bank, then a 100 amp charger would be appropriate. Renewable energy systems are analogous to stereo systems. You can buy a stereo system all together (compact) or in separate component parts. When you purchase a compact stereo, if one component part fails, then you have to send the whole unit back. However, if you had purchased separate parts (amplifier, CD player, etc.) and the CD player broke, then you could still enjoy music on your favorite radio station. Buying separate components is generally more expensive than buying a built in unit, but is more versatile. If you buy a "compact" inverter, such as the Xantrex sine wave 4,000 watt inverter, and either the battery charger or the inverter fails, then you have to send the whole unit back. (unless you buy an inverter from us) If you have separate units (a battery charger and an inverter) and the inverter fails, at least you can still charge the batteries. The most efficient type of battery charging is done with an ICE and an alternator, much like how your car charges its battery when you are driving. However, the engine is stationary and can heat your hot water from the exhaust heat off your exhaust These cables are just pipe that is about 900F! what you need to conWhy not use it instead of nect your lead acid batteries together! All waste it? copper with heat shrink Then run the ICE off tubing on the ends. BioDiesel or ethanol! ByeStackable lugs. High quality throughout. bye petroleum!
AC-613 AC-612 AC-615 AC-614 Battery Interconnects #2/9" Battery Interconnects #2/12" Battery Interconnects #2/0/9" Battery Interconnects #2/0/12" $6.95 $7.95 $9.95 $9.50
TrueCharge Battery Chargers
2 3
Xantrex Truecharge These battery chargers are great because, unlike most battery chargers, these chargers put out a constant current. Other battery chargers put out a lot of current (amperage) initially, then their amperage drops off quickly in about an hour.
SP-RC25 Truecharge 40A 12V $449
4 5
Provide 12 volt Power From a 24 Volt Battery System
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Sometimes you need to operate a 12 volt items and your system is 24 volts. Don't worry, with this slick device you can operate 12 volt loads from a 24 volt system without harming your batteries. One year warranty. Circuit breaker for increased safety.
12 V Max 20A 12 V Max 30A
10 11 12 13
VA-EQ6020 VA-EQ6030
$389 $489
14 15
Typical backup generator setup.
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Solar ElEcTric
industrial Grade Battery charger

This battery charger by IBE, with adjustable amperage and voltage, is for battery banks between 1,000 Ah (500 Ah @ 24 Volts) - 2,500 Ah (1,250 Ah @ 24 Volts) 12 volt or larger battery banks. They are durable, heavy chargers, transformer based, in short they're bulletproof. They wire directly to your generator system rather than using a plug. They also wire directly to your battery bank. Wiring not included. Over 20 models to choose from both in 12, 24, and 48 volt systems. This unit has a current meter to let you know how many amps are going into your batteries. Can be run off 120 volts AC or 220 volts AC. Fuse protected. 10 year warranty. IB-6GPU125-160 119 Amp Continuous for 850Ah 24 Volt Battery. Requires 4,200 watts AC input. $1,565.00 IB-6GPU171- 154 63 Amp Continuous for 425Ah 48 Volt Battery. Requires 4,800 watts AC input $1,580.00 Tired of removing battery caps and filling your batteries? I bet you are! All flooded batteries, both lead acid and alkaline butteries, use water on a daily basis. The water always needs replacement and you can do this manually or have gravity do it for you automatically. This system uses simply low pressure gravity to water all your cells. Once installed you never have to undo another battery cap again. Unlike other battery watering systems on the market today, this one is the most versatile. It offers both a 5 gallon gravity watering system and also has other continuous watering systems that will hook up to your main water supply (city or well water) and never require you to refill anything1 The 5 gallon water station comes with a filter strainer, flow indicator, holder and quick disconnect. You simply fill it with distilled water purchased at your local grocery store and fill it as often as you need to (usually 3-6 month intervals). If the 5 gallon unit is hung just high enough, it can become an automatic watering system, where you just have to refill the 5 gallon container and won't have to connect and disconnect hoses. Normally, you'd have to connect hoses together to water your system. But the great part is that it takes about a minute or less to water 20 cells! Order according to how many cells you have. For example if you have a 24V battery lead acid bank with all cells in series to make 24 V, you would have 12 cells (each cell is usually 2 V) so you would order kit 1506. These are quarter turn caps, which most lead acid batteries use.
VA-EQ1517 VA-EQ1518 VA-EQ1519 VA-EQ1104 VA-EQ1103 12 V 6 Cell Kit $139.00 24 V 12 Cell Kit $239.00 48 V 24 Cell Kit $459.00 5 Gallon Water Station Complete $189.00 Constant Source Watering Station $475.00
Hydrometer
Hydrometers are used to measure the specific gravity of battery fluid. With leadacid batteries (but not with alkaline batteries) they will give you the battery state of charge. In an alkaline battery the specific gravity remains constant no matter what state of charge the battery is in. Top quality hydrometer, easy to read. Glass. Temperature correction included. You get one free with each battery set purchased from us.
FR-98 Hydrometer $29.95
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Solar ElEcTric
Backup Generators
Back Up Generator Basics
Fossil-fueled backup generators may or may not be necessary in a UtilityFree home. They generally are used: 1. If you incorporate cogeneration into your system. 2. If you only have one renewable energy source. If you have more than one renewable energy source (hybrid system), you may not need one at all! 3. To provide power for building their home (run power tools). Many people then incorporate it into their electrical system or sell it after construction is completed. 4. To provide more power than your system normally can supply. You can power equipment like shop tools, water pumps to fight a fire, large horsepower units like 220 V AC pumps, etc. 5. To power a battery charger to charge your batteries during extended cloudy periods. 6. If you have electric refrigeration (AC or DC) or something that you absolutely have to have powered at all times. Most solar systems we design provide 85 - 100% of your electrical power. However, in some climates it is far cheaper to simply add in a back up generator to provide power to charge your batteries. There are two grades of generators. Recreational and commercial/ industrial. The commercial/industrial generators are the type used for this application, since they last the longest because of their low 1800 rpm speed. These can bolt directly to the floor. Avoid hardware or department store generators. Propane fuel or natural gas is the best fuel to use since there is no handling of liquid fuels. These types of fuel can be piped directly to the generator and are the cleanest fuels for the environment. Don't forget that the higher your elevation, the less your generator produces because there is less oxygen. All generator power ratings are based at sea level. You must derate your generator power anything above sea level. For every 1,000 feet of elevation for gasoline subtract 3%; propane, 5%; natural gas 7%; Diesel 4%. Water cooled generators last longer than air cooled generators, but generally cost more. All our generators can be propane powered with remote electric start, by a button inside your house.
2 3 4 5
Bio-Diesel/Diesel Battery Charging System

Charging batteries from an alternator is much more efficient than going through an AC generator and a battery charger. That's why we use Kubota diesels to drive large frame DC alternators ...for a fast and full charge. Chances are you'll already have an inverter, so when you want AC, it's there whether you run the engine or not. If you want AC for a long time, then you'll have to run the engine to keep up with demand. The BDBC is perfect for remote sites either as primary power, or as backup for solar, wind and hydro chargers. The BDBC comes with the EnerMatic Controller which completely automates the remote system, including the engine, solar panels, wind generators and hydro generators. The hot water produced when running can be used with a heat exchanger in your hot water tank, or other heat sink like radiant floor heating! What makes the BDBC the best diesel charger available? Compare the features and benefits against other similar units. * Smart Alternator Regulation with temperature compensation. * Battery service life is much greater when charged at correct voltages for their temperature. * Efficient large frame alternator.
9
* A large frame alternator is more efficient than a small frame unit, which means that more current can be delivered for less horsepower and fuel consumption. * Electronic alternator currentlimiting. * Engine power matched variable current-limiting. * Rather than attempt to match alternator output and engine horsepower with pulley ratios, electronic current limiting allows for precise setting at higher amperage output than provided by mechanical means. * Remote radiator with EnerMatic fan control allows an effective sound enclosure with sufficient cooling. * Full electric start/stop from EnerMatic Controller * Unlike other units that offer
10 11 12 13
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Solar ElEcTric
Backup Generators
electric starting, the BDBC doesn't require manual throttle control before starting and stopping the engine. * Automatic shutdown for low oil pressure or high temperature ... * Warning buzzers offered by others are fine as long as you're there to hear the; you can get to the engine to turn it off before permanent damage occurs. * Advanced regulator can drive two alternators Genie 24V, 175 Amps Providing 175 continuous Amps of 24 volt DC current, the BDBC 24/175 is the perfect match for high power systems. The BDBC 24/175 is designed to provide 5000 Watts of DC charging to keep up with big inverter demand. With a 4000 Watt inverter, there is still 1000 Watts of charging left over under full inverter load. Dimensions are 24" L X 22" W X 26" H. Weight is 185 pounds for the engine assembly, and an additional 40 pounds for the remote radiator and fan assembly. Bio-Diesel Battery Charger, 12V, 280 Amps The BDBC 12/280 uses the same powerful engine as the BDBC 24/175, but produces 280 Amps at 12 volts instead of 175 Amps at 24 Volts. Auxiliary Platform Either unit may be equipped with an auxiliary bracket water pump. A second alternator can also be supplied. The Hot Water Option While the BDBCs are efficient, there is waste heat which can be used to make hot water, or heat living spaces. Distributing this heat is done with a circulating pump which is turned on and off by the EnerMatic Controller. The controller senses engine coolant temperature and turns on the pump when the engine is warm enough.
*AP-1200-160 Diesel Genie $2,995.00 AP-BDG24 24V DC 175A $3,995.00 AP-BDGEN Hot Water Option $399.00 If you do not need cogeneration or a large amount of power and just need to charge batteries, you may want to consider just a battery charger using a car alternator and small engine. NO taper charging, just keeps charging. Has a 6.5 hp Briggs and Straton air cooled engine. Available in either 12V @ 45 A, 24 V @ 25 A. Can be converted to run on propane also. BW-GK6 Assembled 12V 6.5 Hp $859 AP-BDG12 12V DC 250A $3,795.00
BW-GK7 Assembled 24V 6.5 Hp
$889
Honda Liquid Cooled Generators

These generators were produced and designed for the recreational industry. Because they are designed to run extremely quiet, be very dependable and compact, they make excellent generators for cogeneration. These generators are a moderate size, so if you need something bigger, look at the Kohlor units. The price on these units includes propane conversion for high pressure, low- and high-heat alert, 120/240 Vac, remote start with hour meter, bottom mount muffler, and mounting tray. The remote harness wire costs extra and is $.65/ft. HO-EV4010 Honda 4,000 W $3,295.00 HO-EV6010 Honda 6,000 W $3,995.00
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
Cogeneration
Cogeneration, the use of a single at 160 F per hour. All you need for a charge your batteries (off grid) or feed fuel to produce electricity and heat at radiant floor system is 110 F! into your utility companies lines (on the same time, has enormous potential This heat from the exhaust heat exgrid). An inverter changes the DC to for the renewable energy industry. Why? changer is then dumped into a (pressurhousehold AC. The correct size inBecause when renewable energy (wind, ized or unpressurized) central water cisverter is arrived at by estimating the sun and water) is not available, a back tern for a hydronic heating system either usage and surge load. Some inverters up generator is. When properly indirectly or through a heat exchanger. If allow for surge loads of up to 3 times stalled, a backup generator (fossil fueled the water is drawn from and emptied into their rating (a 3 kW might have a surge or RE fueled) can provide the extra the cistern, a drain-down cooling loop is of 9 kW, etc.). To be absolutely safe, energy you will need to recharge your necessary to prevent freezing. If a closed the inverter should be able to handle battery bank (off grid homes), send back loop is used, the loop should contain a the maximum possible loads you anpower to your utility company (on grid glycol solution for the same reason. ticipate. For example, your washing homes) and provide heat or cooling to Components for hyyour house all at the same time! dronic heating systems T o t a l E n e r gy Sy st e m You can use a cogeneration sysU sing C o ge ne r a t io n a nd and installation assistem to provide 100% of your tance are available from R e ne w a b l e E ne r gy energy needs and even sell us and provide even Solar Electric Panels energy back to your utility and comfortable home company if you are conheating. The boiler in nected to the grid (utility conventional heating Domestic Hot Water Out lines). A typical renewable systems, however, is Powercenter , Inverter, energy system provides 90% replaced by a cistern and Battery Chgarger Hot Water Storage or more of your energy from heated by your back Cooling Loop renewable energy sources up generator. We turn (i.e. solar, wind, hydro) to the heat (1000F) Curculating Pump run the major appliances coming off the exand use the generator only haust into water when necessary. However, temperatures of Hydronic Heating System Gas or proprane during cloudy periods most 140-180 F. The generator RE homes lack enough encistern can hold Cold Water In ergy to provide 100% of the enough heat for up structures energy needs. to 3-5 days of heatHeat = Exchangers This is where some sort of ing, depending on its back up system is needed in size, insulation and Storage Batteries most RE systems. By having a back the heating load of up source powered by either a fossil fuel your existing structure. machine and water pump will usually (natural gas, propane, gasoline, or dieCogeneration used in conjunction be on at the same time, so the inverter sel) or RE fuels (Ethanol or BioDiesel), with renewable energy source should be able to handle this situation. you can harness both the electricity and makes sense, utilizing a small Heating the house when the solar the heat given off by such a device. This amount of fuel to provide you with energy cannot provide enough heat in device is known to most people as a 100% of your home and business an extended cloudy period is accom"back up generator". It normally conenergy needs in the form of electricplished by recovering the waste heat sists of two parts, an engine and an ity or heat. Because of the high from your back up generator. Operatelectrical generator (AC or DC). energy utilization, cogeneration ing at full power a 5 kW back up In order to provide 100% of your systems will look more and more generator, the engine exhaust throws homes energy needs, your heating attractive as all fossil fuel energy off into the air about 30,000 Btus per source should be a hydronic heating prices continue to rise. This concept hour from the exhaust stack (the mufsystem with the main heating source is not limited to homes, but can also fler and exhaust pipes). By placing a coming from solar thermal (solar hot be applied to greenhouses, dairies simple copper heat exchanger in line water). Your "back up" heating source is and other applications needing with your exhaust pipes and muffler, your back up generator and NOT a both heat and electricity. you get about 200 gallons of water separate boiler or furnace. An RE DC source provides energy to
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
Inverter - Basics
Inverters simply change direct current (DC) from a renewable energy source (solar electric, wind or hydroelectric) into standard alternating current (AC) just like your power company sells you every month. The standard inverters we sell convert DC (12,24,48, or 115 volts) to 120 or 110/220 volts AC 60 cycles (Hz). This is standard household electricity for most of us in the U.S. Other voltages and frequencies are available from most of the inverter manufacturers for other country voltages and frequencies. The types of inverters we sell are: 1. Off Grid 2. On Grid 3. Multifuntional On/Off Grid The off grid is often used in remote homes, boats, and automobiles. The output wave types are modified square wave or pure sine wave. The power you purchase from your local utility is a pure sine wave (with some allowable distortion) so this is what we sell. The modified sine wave has been the standard in the renewable energy market for two reasons. The first is because about 95% of the equipment that you plugged into these inverters would work, although in some cases not very well. The second reason is that the sine wave inverters (which everyone really wanted) were just too expensive. So most people compromised and simply settled for the modified sine wave inverter. This type of inverter has destroyed countless light dimmers, laser copiers, battery chargers, variable speed tools, etc. Having pieces of equipment destroy themselves was not a very good way to convince John Q Public to switch to solar electricity. We only sell pure sine wave inverters and the little extra cost is well worth it. Motors run cooler, you dont have to worry about the possibility of ruining an expensive piece of electronic equipment, there are no lines in your TV pictures, and motors start quicker. If an appliance gets damaged the repair or replacement of that appliance could be the price difference between a modified sine wave and a pure sine wave inverter. The line tie inverter has only one function: to interface with your local utility company. This system has no battery bank and utilizes the power company as your battery bank. When the renewable energy device is providing more energy than what you are currently using, the excess is given to the utility company. If what you are using exceeds what your renewable energy device is producing, than the deficit is provided by your local power company. But line tie inverters can also have back up batteries now that allow for
A picture of what a pure sine wave looks like from an Exeltech inverter.
power usage even when a utility is down. These inverters are called multifunctional inverters. They can be utilitytied and when the power goes down it switches automatically to a battery bank. When the utility comes back on so does your inverter and recharges your battery bank. While you are not using the battery bank the inverter keeps your battery bank on float charge. Now there is a new bread of on grid inverter on the market. It is called the Microsine wave inverter that attaches to a PV module and then into your main electrical box. They are considerably more expensive than a stand alone inverter, but there are no batteries to mess with if you are on the grid. If you have excess electricity, the power company has to pay you for the excess, but what they pay you is between you and the power company.
On Gird Small Sine Wave Inverters What is a PV AC Module?

An Exeltech PV AC module is a self-contained, UL-1741 compliant inverter that produces clean, sine-wave electricity for grid-tie applications without the complexity or expense common in large-inverter-based systems. Advantages Over Conventional Grid-Tie Systems 50% reduction in wiring requirements! This eliminates: DC wiring DC cable trays DC fusing, over current protection and required holders DC connectors DC ground-fault detection, protection, and devices DC surge protection DC combiner boxes DC junction boxes and connector blocks UL-related DC cabling issues PV Series (blocking) diodes PV module bypass diode www.beutilityfree.com
No batteries to purchase, maintain, or wear out! Simplified system assembly - AC wiring connects directly to AC sub-panel with appropriate breaker! Incremental growth capability - no need to pur chase many expensive modules at one time. Minimizes system design time and expense. Significantly decreases system power reduction events due to single-module shading. No large or heavy inverters to ship, handle, or mount.
EX-1257 AC Power Module 150W $159.00
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
Off Grid Sine Wave Inverters
Our Inverter Policy

Inverters are the weakest link in a stand alone system, not the battery bank. Normally we do not recommend the use of DC appliances in a total home power system because it adds complexity and is more expensive. There are two exceptions to this rule. The first one is if you choose DC electric refrigeration. We suggest a DC refrigerator because if the inverter ever fails then you can be without refrigeration. (if you have an AC generator that's great, but do you really want to be running the generator 24 hours a day just to operate your refrigerator?) The second one is to operate your water system off of DC. It is more efficient and more reliable. Although we are not a utility company, in actuality we are. The main differences between us and them is that we provide you with the equipment to generate your own energy requirements and we do not send you monthly bills - ever. However, this puts a great burden on us. Like the electric company, the electricity we provide has to be very reliable. In order to provide this level of reliability we keep spare inverters on hand at all times to provide you with electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you purchase an inverter from us be assured if it goes down we will have another one to you within 24 hours. In order to do that, we ask for the following: 1. We ask that you pay the freight both ways. 2. You ship the broken one within 48 hours to a service center 3. That the loaner be returned to us within 48 hours after receiving the fixed unit. (We may have you keep the loaner)
Exeltech MX Series Sine Wave Inverters

Compact and lightweight Hot insertable modules Expandable in 1,000 watt modules (1 kW) Precisely regulate AC power for any purpose Exeltech has a totally modular inverter with redundant power modules (optional) so that you are never, ever, without power due to inverter failure. Designed for critical telecommunication systems, but affordable in a home power system, this inverter is a major breakthrough in reliability! Unlike other inverters, no single malfunction will cause the inverter to fail completely. If a 1,000 watt module fails, the others can keep right on working. Also, a failed module can be replaced without having to shut down your system: just pull it out and send it to us and we can overnight you a replacement module! Each 1 kW modules weighs only 7 pounds. Upgradable inverters start at 1,000 watts, it can be upgraded later to 3, 4, or 5 kW. Models are available in up to 20 kW, with up to 40 kW at 120/240 Volt output! Output is true sine wave and is precisely regulated such that no measurable voltage change occurs on the output when the input voltage changes over its wide voltage range. Most other inverters that have transformers in them (which includes almost all other inverter manufacturers) in which the sine wave varies depending on voltage input. If you want to power your home with sine wave power, which is cleaner than your local power company, then this is the inverter to purchase. They feature state of the art electronic circuitry and are fully self-protected against short circuits, reverse polarity, and overloads. Because of the extremely wide operating range of these inverters we highly recommend them for use with any alkaline battery. For example, a 24 volt model has a minimum voltage input of 20 volts and a maximum of 34
volts. This wide voltage range means in some cases you can eliminate the charge controller. It also means you can extract more energy from your battery bank because the Exeltech inverter will not shut down as others do that have tighter operating voltages. The inverter comes in three different configurations: 1. The upgradable system with one control card and one 1,000 watt power module. This has no redundant features, but they can be added later. 2. Expandable inverter system. It has one master module and up to four other modules. Available voltages: 12, 24, 36,48, 96, 108 and 120 V DC input. All models have to have a cage assembly to make them work. For configuration help please call our technical support line at 888.320.9211.
EX-1243 Master 1kW Module $716.00 EX-1244 Power 1kW Module $699.00 EX-1243C Control Card $239.00 EX-1243A Alarm Card $239.00 EX-1243R 19" Rack $699.00
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SOLAR ELECTRIC Off Grid Inverters
The Xantex Model SWPUS 4024 delivers sine wave power without compromise. Sine wave output with high efficiency, high surge and low idle current is standard. It is one of the finest inverters with three microprocessors and bidirectional power topology. It has features and capabilities that were previously either nonexistent or available only as separate products. Inverter Multiple step, low distortion, 4,000 watts continuous sine wave output, 94% maximum efficiency Units may be operated in parallel to provide 8,000 watts at 240 AC, three wire, with optional stacking interface cable Adjustable search mode circuit can reduce idle power to 1 watt Current compensated adjustable low battery cut-out voltage; Adjustable low battery cut-in, high battery cutout and high battery cut-in voltages Protection circuitry guards against over-current, short circuit over temperature, low battery and high battery conditions Battery Charger Continuous 120 amp rated High efficiency low current distortion design allows for the use of smaller generators Three stage, temperature compensated charg ing algo-rithm ensures maximum battery life
This inverter is really revolutionary. In a typical installation this inverter is connected to a battery bank (24 or 48 volt), a utility company, and a standby generator. When the batteries are charged the inverter supplies electricity to the house. When the batteries fall below a preset voltage the inverter charges the battery and supplies power to the house. If the batteries become fully charged then the excess may be returned to the utility company. Many line tie inverters disconnect from the power company when the power company fails. So, when you need the power most, the power is not available However, with the Xantrex inverter and other inverters like the Outback the inverter will draw power from the batteries or start a back up generator. It can also turn on the back up generator and you should never be without power. Europeon models available in both 24 or 48 volt input,230 volt AC output.
XA-SW4024 Xantrax 4 kW Inverter 24V XA-SW4048 Xantrex 4 kW Inverter 48V $3,129 $3,129
XA-SW4048 Xantrex 5.5 kW Inverter 48V $3,689 XA-SW4048 Xantrex 12 kW Inverter 48V XA-4024C Xantrex Conduit Box for SW $11,039 $85 $379
Remote battery temperature probe is standard Adjustable temperature compensation, charge rate, LCD meter indicates: bulk volts, float volts, and bulk done amps
XA-4024C Xantrex Outdoor Enclosure for SW XA-4024R Remote Control for SW $250
XA-4024SW Stacking cable for 110/220 volt AC Output $39 FREE 5' BATTERY CABLES INCLUDED!
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SOLAR ELECTRIC Off Grid Inverters

OutBack Inverter/Chargers are the next generation in advanced power management. Each is a DC to AC sinewave inverter, battery charger and AC transfer switch housed within a tough die-cast aluminum chassis. Just like the local utility grid, the inverter produces true sinewave AC electricity for your stand-alone or backup power needs. Computers, TVs and pumps are just some of the examples of modern electronics that last longer and run better when powered with true sinewave electricity from an OutBack inverter. Starting up your air conditioning, washing machine or well pump is worry-free because of our high surge power capability. Batteries and generators are the costly consumables when using inverters to generate electricity off grid. The integrated smart battery charger uses multiple stages to perform quick recharging while prolonging battery life, saving your batteries and generator from unnecessary wear. Automatic switching between AC power sources is seamless due to an AC transfer switch that reacts in less than 16 milliseconds. Unique networked communication is built into all OutBack products providing complete integration. Expanding your system with your growing power needs is as simple as adding additional inverters with modular architecture. Further flexibility is provided with the ability to be connected at any time in either parallel, series or three-phase power configurations. Vented and sealed units available.
FREE 5' BATTERY CABLES INCLUDED! OB-FX2524 OutBack Sealed 2500W 24V 55A C $2,295.00 OB-FX3048 OutBack Sealed 2500W 48V 35 A C $2,295.00 OB-VFX3524 OutBack Vented 3500W 24V 85A C OB-VFX3648 OutBack Vented 3600W 48V 45A C $2,495.00 $2,495.00
PSX-240 Auto Transformer
The OutBack PSX-240 auto transformer can be used for step-up, step-down, generator and split phase output balancing or as a series stacked inverter to load balancing auto-former. Incorporating a transformer with 120 volt/30 amp primary and secondary side, a temperature activated cooling fan and a 25 amp dual breaker in a steal enclosure, the PSX-240 is ready to install in your custom application. Use for 120 or 240 VAC 60 Hz systems only. Powering 240 volt items like deep well pumps with a single 120 volt inverter is possible thanks to the PSX-240s step-up capability but we recommend a DC water pump in the first place. See the different diagrams on how to use this transformer. The X-240 is also available without the enclosure, for installation inside the PS2AC or PS4AC enclosures.
OB-PSX240 OutBack Transformer $390.00
Balancing Loads
Step Down From Generator
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
OutBack Accessories FLEXware is better-integrated, modular, and more spacious than any of our previous metal hardware. Components are more versatile, theres more space for wiring, and the all-aluminum, powder-coated construction is highly corrosion resistant for an installation that looks great even longer.
FLEXware 500 system
For single or dual FX Inverter/Charger systems. Accommodates one or two MX60's and disconnects. Wall-mounted with one FXMP mounting plate. Very compact design with room for expansion. Separate AC and DC enclosure models. 500 amp shunt assembly included. Space for two additional DC shunts included. Ground bus bar included standard.
FLEXware 500 with two FX-series inverters, two MX 60 Chargers and AC and DC breakers.
OB-FW500AC FLEXware AC Breaker Enclosure $299 OB-FW500DC FLEXware DC Breaker Enclosure $299 OB-FWMP Mounting Plate $169 FWMP FLEXware Mounting Plate
FLEXware 1000 system
FLEXware 1000 with four FX-series inverters, four MX 60 Chargers and AC and DC breakers.
For single, dual, triple or quad FX Inverter/Charger systems. Accommodates up to four MX60's and disconnects. Wall-mounted with two FXMP mounting plates. Compact design with room for expansion. Can be used as a building block for larger systems. Separate AC and DC enclosure models. 1000 amp shunt assembly included. Space for two additional shunts included. Ground bus bar included standard.
OB-FW1000AC FLEXware AC Breaker Enclosure $499 OB-FW1000DC FLEXware DC Breaker Enclosure $499 OB-FWMP Mounting Plate x2 $338
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
So You Want To Get Off the Grid?
A lot of people are beginning to realize that paying your utility bills is exactly like paying rent: you get a service but end up with ownership of nothing after the service has been performed. So why do we rent instead of buy? Simply because the utility companies make it easy for us by making it affordable... for the rest of our lives. We believe that one reason you purchased our SourceBook is because you were interested in breaking the habit of paying "rent" to the utility companies. If you are presently hooked up to the grid you can wean yourself off completely. We recommend that you start with a budget of about $10,000 to buy a solar panel (s), inverter, and a battery. If you don't want to deal with batteries then start with the purchase of hybrid inverter combination. Then buy your panels. Most line tie systems have to have a minimum of 48 volts. This means that you should really consider 24 volt modules. Wire two panels in series will to make 48 volts and start yourself on the way to becoming UtilityFree! With todays PV charge controllers one does not have to match the PV output voltage to the battery voltage any more. With an OutBack MX60 you can wire your PV array for 100 Volts and still change your battery bank at 48 Volts! If you choose the independent option then have a qualified electrician disconnect a few utility powered circuits from your present electrical main box and put them in a circuit breaker box. See diagram to the right.
Price comparison between a SA PV System with batteries and a grid Itie nverter with no batteries SA GT 10-170 W PV Panels Fixed Mount Rack Batteries 740 AH @ 24V Miscellaneous SA Inverter 3.6 kW GT 4 kW Inverter DC Breaker Panel Installation Freight for Batteries, panels, inverter, etc. $5,250 500 3,653 500 2,345 0 385 1,200 500 $14,333 $5,250 500 0 200 0 3,799 0 800 250 $10,799
110 Volt Jumper wire Wires from Your Power Company
DC Wires From Battery Bank Pos Neg
Exeltech Inverter
Your Standard AC Circuit Breaker Box
Black (HOT) White (Common) Green (Ground)
Ground Wire Standard AC Circuit Breaker Box That Gets its Energy From Solar Power!
Legend: SA=Stand Alone GT= Grid Tie
Grid-Tied Inverters
The real innovation in the FRONIUS IG lies in its novel concept. This inverter series is designed in such a way that the connection area and the power stage (the heart of the system) are completely separated from each other. All Fronius IG inverters have been set up to operate within the same input voltage range of 150 500 V. Up to two power stages can be integrated in the housing unit of each Fronius IG. The IG units are built in an ISO 9001 facility. Reliable, rugged and built to last, Fronius has over 55 years experience building products that can withstand the test of time in harsh environments and heavy use. That ability is built into every IG inverter. The power stage is based on the use of high frequency (HF) technology. The HF transformer is extremely compact, yet capable of transforming considerable power. The innovative phase-shift process used in the Fronius IG series also minimizes switching losses, thereby ensuring a high degree of both efficiency and flexibility in terms of the unit's capacity. The unique phase-shift process minimizes switching losses and is able to generate ultra-high conversion efficiencies of 94.4%. Fronius IG grid-tie inverters are equipped with a top-of-the-range cooling fan making it possible to use an extremely small heat sink, which is mounted directly on the board. Fronius' 20 years of experience with forced ventilation is the kind of track record you can rely on.
FR-IG2000-26 Fronius 2000 W FR-IG3000-26 Fronius 2700 W FR-IG4000-42 Fronius 4000 W FR-IG2000-42 Fronius 5100 W FR-IG5100-42 Fronius 5100 W $2,395.00 $2,650.00 $3,899.00 $4,199.00 $4,099.00
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SOLAR ELECTRIC Grid Tie Inverters

The exciting line of Sunny Boy grid-tie inverters from SMA makes it easy for the majority of us that are connected to the utility grid to use the clean energy from the sun. Founded in Germany in 1981 as an engineering/control systems company, SMA started producing the Sunny Boy line of inverters in 1996. They currently manufacture 1800 and 2500W units for use here in the United States as well as 700 and 1100W units for the European market. These inverters allow you to install a photovoltaic system without having to worry about purchasing an expensive heavy battery bank. The DC power that is produced by the solar array is inverted to AC by the Sunny Boy inverter after which it is either used by your AC appliances or sold back to the utility grid to lower your monthly utility bill. The Sunny Boy units are called "string" inverters SMA Web Site because they are designed to be wired to a single series string of 1224 solar modules. Sam Vanderhoof, Director of Local and International Marketing for SMA America, is relieved that the company's clients can now gather the information they need at the CEC's site. "It's been a challenging time for us, and for our customers," he says. "We really appreciate everyone's patience." "The Commission needed time to re-figure inverter efficiency," Vanderhoof says, "and in some cases, based on this more accurate measure, our products demonstrate an even higher rate than before." SMA inverters range from 91 to 94.5 percent efficiency, the highest in the industry.
SM-1800U-60 SMA 1800 W $2,299.00 SM-2500U-70 SMA 2500 W $2,795.00 SM-6000U-137 SMA 6000 W $4,799.00
The PVP2500 and PVP3500 are based on PV Powereds second generation inverter technology. These inverters offer field-proven reliability and are now compatible with lower voltage modules.
Among the many exciting innovations in this new series, the availability of the Starlink web-based performance monitoring system will allow the installer and the homeowner to remotely track the output of their inverter to ensure maximum performance. Coupled with PV Powereds comprehensive 10-year warranty, these advancements allow the Starinverter series to deliver on reliability, efficiency, and lowest cost of ownership. Expanded DC voltage operating range. Now compatible with lower voltage modules. Proprietary magnetics for increased efficiency. No power de-rating requires no fan. Highest CEC weighted efficiency in power class. Field-proven reliability 10-year warranty. Easy-to-read vacuum fluorescent display. UL 50, aluminum enclosure (NEMA 3R). Aesthetically pleasing design blends well with any exterior. For specifications on PVP inverters click here www.beutilityfree.com 1.888.320.9211
PVP2500 $2,599.00 PVP3500 $2,999.00
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SOLAR ELECTRIC Electrical Equipment

PV Array Combiner Box
UL listed solderless connectors ideal for putting batteries in parallel. Accepts copper or aluminum wire. Made out of lightweight aluminum and tin plated. Hex head set screw holds wire firmly into connector.
EL-SB2 Single Barrel #2-#14 Wire $1.49 EL-SB3 Single Barrel #14-#1/0 Wire $2.49 EL-SB4 Single Barrel #6-#4/0 Wire $4.99 EL-DB2 Double Barrel #14-#2/0 Wire $5.99 EL-DB3 Double Barrel #2-#14 Wire $9.99 We have special drilled connectors for the ED series batteries and other alkaline. These have a 5/8" hole in them that fits over the battery post.
The PSPV is a solar array combiner which can be used with a wide variety of system configurations and solar module types. The PSPV is designed to provide NEC code compliant series over current protection of the wiring of multiple PV modules or subarrays for connection to charge controllers, inverters or other systems components. The rainproof aluminum enclosure is easily field configured to match your PV system design and amperage requirements. Rainproof, outdoor Type 3R powder coated aluminum enclosure Approved for installation on both vertical and angled surfaces with a slope as little as 3-in-12 pitch - also can be pole mounted (Brackets not included) Designed for use with up to twelve OutBacks OBPV breakers for PV array configurations of 12 to 72 VDC systems - maximum open circuit voltage of 150 VDC Also can use up to eight of the OutBack OBFH touch safe type fuse holders for high voltage systems - maximum open circuit voltage of 600 VDC Includes dual combining bus bars which can be installed to provide one or two separate PV output circuits from a single PSPV enclo sure Includes one terminal bus bar (TBB) and has mounting holes for an additional TBB Includes two #1/0 AWG set-screw compression type box lug terminals for output wiring Includes one #1/0 AWG ground lug which can be mounted either on the inside or outside surface of the enclosure Eight .5" (13 mm) knockouts on bottom for PV module or subarray input wiring Clearance is provided on bottom and back main knockouts to allow up to a 2" (5 cm) conduit punch for larger cabling For negative or positive ground PV systems Enclosure ships without breakers or fuse holders (order separately) For complete list of breakers click here,
OB-PSPV OutBack PV Combiner Box $149.00 All combiner boxes require DC breakers. We can size your system and tell you have many breakers you need for your system
SHUNTS These shunts are for use with ampere hour meters. By measuring the resistance between two points, a microprocessor can calculate amperage. Many other sizes available other than what we have listed in the catalog. Usually one shunt is required per meter. Many meters require more than one shunt and as many as 4 shunts.
EM-MLB51 100 Amp 100 mV $39.00 EM-MLB52 500 Amp 50 mV $39.00
NI-4436 NI-4437 NI-4438 NI-4439
Wireway Indoor 4" x 4" x 36" $24.99 Wireway Indoor 6" x 6" x 36" $35.99 Wireway 4" x 4" End Cap $3.89 Wireway 6" x 6" End Cap $5.89
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Wireways keep all your wires in one place. Used in conjunction with the block connectors (lower right hand corner of this page) you can easily add on other items to your system in the future. Knockouts every six inches for easy wire access.
SOLAR ELECTRIC
Wire
SourceBook # EL-BATIN4 EL-BATIN2 EL-BATIN0 EL-BATIN1/0 EL-BATIN2/0 EL-BATIN4/0 EL-MOD10/2 EL-MOD8/2 EL-MOD6/2 EL-AMPM EL-STR6 EL-STR4 EL-STR2 EL-STR2/0 EL-STR4/0 EL-ROM12 EL-ROM10 EL-GRD6 Type A;W A;W A;W A;W A;W A;W SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB SR;DB NA Color Black Black Black Black Black Black R&B R&B R&B Multi Black Black Black Black Black W,BL,B W,BL,B B Use Battery/Inverter Cable Battery/Inverter Cable Battery/Inverter Cable Battery/Inverter Cable Battery/Inverter Cable Battery/Inverter Cable Module interconnection Module interconnection Module interconnection Amp Hour Meters Array to Powercenter Array to Powercenter Array to Powercenter Array to Powercenter Array to Powercenter AC Applications W/GRD AC Applications W/GRD Ground Wire Solid or Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Stranded Solid Solid Solid # of Wires 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 6 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 Size 4 2 O 1/O 2/O 4/O 10 8 6 18 6 4 2 2/O 4/O 12 10 6 Price /foot 0.69 1.19 1.29 2.99 3.49 3.99 0.99 1.25 2.99 0.69 0.39 0.59 0.89 1.39 2.19 0.29 0.59 0.69
Outdoor rainproof circuit breaker boxes for disconnecting your charging source from outside. Breakers extra.
EL-675 Outdoor 2/70 Amp Enclosure $59 EL-676 Outdoor 6/100 Amp Enclosure $69
Do you need wire cutters that cut up to a 4/0 wire size? These cut wire like a hot knife through butter!
EL-KL63050 Wire Cutters $34
Legend: R = Red; BL=Black; B=Bare; SR=Sunlight Resistant; DB=Direct Burial; A=Acid Resistant; W=Welding Cable All wires are copper. Other wires sizes available. Call for your specific needs. For wire sizing please see appendix.
DC rated Circuit breakers. Size the breaker 25% larger then the maximum current flow through your wire. We try to use DC breakers where we can because you don't have to worry about fuses. Load centers available. Square D brand rated up to 48V DC.
EL-SD20 Circuit Breaker 20 Amp $9.95 EL-SD30 Circuit Breaker 30 Amp $10.95 EL-SD40 Circuit Breaker 40 Amp $11.95
LiquidTight Non Metallic Conduit
This conduit is sunlight resistant and used in all of our PV installations. The straight and 90 elbows are also plastic so they will not corrode in any climate, from the tropical rain forests to marine environments. 1" diameter only.
EL-LT100 EL-LT101 EL-LTST EL-LT90 EL-LT45 Liquidtight Conduit 100 Ft. Roll Liquidtight Conduit Price Per Foot Liquidtight Straight Fittings Liquidtight 90 Fitting Liquidtight 45 Fitting $105 $1.19 $2.95 $2.98 $2.10
We suggest crimp on ring terminals for all interconnections of solar electric panels. They can never disconnect from your terminal post. Non insulated barrels.
Wire SourceBook # Size EL-59120 12-1O EL-59130 12-1O EL-59118 8 EL-59119 8 Stud Size #10 1/4" #10 1/4" Price /10 $1.49 $1.49 $4.49 $4.49
These hinged boxes can be used to house electronic relays and other types of switches used to control various aspects of a solar electric system. For indoor use only.
UN-18184HC Enclosure 18" x 18" x 4" $49.00 UN-18185HC Enclosure 24" x 24" x 4" $98.00 sizes available Other
These heavy duty indoor and outdoor switches are great for disconnecting from sources or loads with one flip of a lever. All are fusible. SourceBook # Amps Poles Type Price SI-JN321R 30 2 Indoor $65 SI-NR321R 30 2 Outdoor $98 SI-JN421R 30 3 Indoor $153 SI-JN322 60 2 Indoor $98 SI-NR322 60 2 Outdoor $153 SI-JN422 60 3 Indoor $153 SI-JN323 100 2 Indoor $199
These double throw transfer switches are intended to transfer loads from one power source to another. All are manual type.
SI-280TS Transfer Switch 100 Amp $249 SI-283TS Transfer Switch 200 Amp $529
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SOLAR ELECTRIC
Sample Systems
Everyone's needs may be similar, but they are different. So, what we do is give you an idea of what sample systems would cost you for certain situations. There are many variables in each system, but you can get an idea of what a basic systems may cost. Please examine sample systems 15. The best way for us to know what your needs are is for you to fill out a load sheet. A load sheet. Simply call us and we will either send a to you. Upon receipt of your specification sheet(s) we can do a computer calculation to determine what wattage you will need to operate your home or water system for whatever your needs may be. Once we know your exact needs we can then price your system. All total systems we sell receive a system discount. This discount varies because some items are more profitable for us then others. All of our systems include color detailed diagrams and manufacturers' installation manuals. The diagrams are easy to read for an electrician or do-it yourself homeowner. In most cases batteries are shipped freight collect from Denver or the nearest major city to you. We have many battery sources. We are also just a phone call away should you require any technical assistance. 888-320-9211 We did not include shipping on any of these packages. In some cases we will pay the shipping costs, but again it depends on what the total system contains.
Sample System #1 - DC only Small Starter Package, Small Cabin. Item Description 1. 165 Watt - 24V Modules 2. Charge Controller 15 Amp, 24 Volt 4. 220 Ah - 6 volt each - 220Ah @ 24 V 5. Battery connectors for batteries 2/0 gauge 6. Fixed array ground mount hardware 7. Miscellaneous safety hardware 8. Installation of solar equipment (2 people) Unit Price ea. 895 ea. 149 ea. 99 ea. 12 ea. 199 ea. 159 ea. 80 Subtotal: Less Package Discount*: Total less discount: Qty 1 1 4 4 1 1 10 Total 895 149 396 48 199 159 800 $ 2,646 132 $ 2,514
Solar Panel
Power Center
7
Back Up Generator With Small 12 Volt Charger
Battery
* Package discount determined by what component parts are in final purchase. This system (like all of our systems) can be added to. For more charging capacity add more PV modules and more batteries for storing the excess energy.
DC Loads: Lights Appliances Water Pumps
Sample System #2 - AC only Small Starter Package, Small Cabin.

Solar Panel(s)
Item Description 1. 165 Watt 24V Module, .66 kW (660 Watts) 2. 500 watt sine wave inverter 24V - 120V AC 3. MPPT charge controller 50 A 4. 220 Ah - 6 volt each - 660Ah @ 24 V 5. Connectors for batteries 2/0 gauge 6. Fixed array ground mount hardware 7. Miscellaneous safety hardware 8. Installation of solar equipment (2 people) Estimated monthly kWh: 90**
Battery Charger
* Package discount determined by what component parts are in final purchase. ** kWh displaced or produced is dependent on your local weather conditions.
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Qty Unit Price 4 ea. 895 1 ea. 625 1 ea. 514 12 ea. 99 9 ea. 12 1 ea. 295 1 ea. 195 12 ea. 80 Subtotal: Less Package Discount*: Total less discount:
Total 3,580 625 514 1,188 108 295 195 960 $ 7,465 373 $ 7,092
Power Center
Battery
Back Up Generator
SOLAR ELECTRIC
Sample System #3 - AC only Utility Line Tie House Package Item Description 1. 170 Watt 24V Module, 3.4 kW (3400 watts) 2. 4,000 Watt (4kW) Grid Tie Inverter 3. Fixed array ground mount hardware - steel 4. Miscellaneous safety hardware 5. Installation of solar equipment (2 people) Estimated Monthly kWh: 400** Qty Unit Price Total 20 ea. 895 17,900 1 ea. 3,790 3,790 1 ea. 269 269 1 ea. 300 300 1,120 14 ea. 80 Subtotal: $ 23,379 935 Less Package Discount*: Total less discount: $ 22,444
Solar Panel(s)
Safety Switches
Utility Line Tie Inverter
Back Up Generator
* Package discount determined by what component parts are in final purchase. Remember that a utility tie in inverter requires a higher voltage than a stand alone solar electric system. Also this system may require other equipment required by your local utility company. Please notify them if you are going to tie into their system. ** This is site specific and depends on your local weather conditions
Item # 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Description 165 Watt 24V Module 3.3 kW (3300 Watts) 3600 Watt, 48 Volt Sine wave inverter Amp Hour Meter DC Panel Box Nickel Iron 370 Ah cells, 48 V Fixed array ground mount hardware Weather tight 12" x 12 " box for panel series/parallel connection Installation of solar equipment (2 people)
Qty 20 1 1 1 40 1 1 16
Unit List Total ea. 895 17,900 ea. 2,890 2,890 ea. 250 250 ea. 459 459 ea. 205 8,200 ea. 789 789 ea. 149 149 hrs. 80 1,280 Subtotal 1 $ 30,637
Energy Conservation
Renewable Energy
Solar Panel(s)
Gas Refrigerator
Power Center
Compact Fluorescent Lighting
Other products 1. 18 cu ft 14 Cu. Ft. Propane Refrigerator 2. 6,000 (minimum) watt generator/electric start
Battery
Back Up Generator
Estimated Monthly kWh: 400**
ea. 1,895 2,399 ea. 3,695 3,695 Subtotal 2 $ 6,094 Total $ 38,263 Less package discount* $ 1,532 Total less discount $ 35,199
1 1
White WestingHouse
Battery Charger
Battery Operated
* Package discount determined by what component parts are in the final purchase contract. ** This is site specific and depends on your local weather conditions
Sample System #5 - Hybrid Full Scale Residential Home Item # Description 1. 165 Watt 24V Module, 1.9 kW (1980 Watts) 2. 3,600 W, 48 Volt Sine wave inverter 3. 400 Watt Wind Generator 4. Tilt Up Tower 100' 5. Amp Hour Meter 6. DC Panel and Safety Equipment 7. Load Diverter Regulator; 1200 watt; 24 V; 40 Amp. 8. Nickel Iron 370 Ah cells 9. Fixed array ground mount hardware 10. Weather tight 12" x 12 " box for panel series/parallel connection 11. Installation of Wind Equipment (2 people) 12. Installation of Solar Equipment (2 people) Estimated Monthly kWh Generated: 400**
Unit List Total ea. 999 11,988 ea. 2,345 2,345 ea. 680 680 ea. 2,499 2,499 ea. 250 250 ea. 895 895 ea. 495 495 ea. 205 8,200 ea. 295 295 ea. 89 89 hrs. 80 640 640 hrs. 80 Subtotal $ 27,736 Less package discount* $ 1,387 Total less discount $ 26,349
Qty 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 40 1 1 8 8
Wind Generator
Solar Panel(s)
Power Center
Hydro Electric
Battery
Back Up Generator
Battery Charger
* Package discount determined by what component parts are in the final purchase contract. ** This is site specific and depends on your local weather conditions
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WIND ENERGY
Introduction
Wind Energy 101 Wind energy is solar energy in motion. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the earth's surface. Normally, when you have clouds, you have wind. It is just a matter of how much you have at your location. With the interest in renewable energy systems and our environmental concerns, the small wind system is making a comeback. Wind systems in the 500 watt to 1,500 watt range are a compliment to a home sized renewable energy system. Wind energy systems can be used: 1. To generate electricity in a stand alone remote system and to charge batteries. 2. As an intertie system with your local utility company. (The federal PURPA regulations guarantee the right of a utility interconnect to all independent power producers in the U.S.) 3. To pump water by using electricity or direct water pumping . 4. In conjunction with solar electric panels. 5. In conjunction with a fossil fuel generator. You will need a minimum average wind speed of 10 m.p.h. to make wind energy worthwhile. However, the most important thing is the tower height. The higher the better, it is just that simple! A higher tower means more power and smoother air patterns hitting the generator. Wind speeds are measured with Anemometers. There are basically two types of wind machines - direct and indirect drive. The most reliable types are machines without belts, gears or chains. Most of the wind generators from 300 watts to 10,000 watts are direct drive. The larger Properly balanced, they provide the smoothest performance (no vibrations) as the blades slice through the wind. We will not sell a two bladed wind machine. Wind generators do have certain disadvantages. They make noise, have moving parts, and have to be put on tall towers to make them work efficiently and economically. However, the higher the wind generator, the less noise the blades make. If you are in a rural area, noise will not be a factor as your neighbors may be some distance from you. Wind generators do not lend themselves well to cities or suburbia. In these areas solar electric panels are better utilized. When a wind generator is on a tower height of at least 80 feet you usually cannot hear much noise from the ground. At 100' you really can't hear much at all. Moving parts do require some attention. Even a direct drive unit has at least two shaft bearings that will require replacement at least once in the unit's lifetime. If you decide to have a wind generator be prepared to climb your tower, tilt it down, or contract out for someone to check it at least once or twice a year.
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wind machines usually incorporate gears of some sort because the speed of the main shaft decreases with size. Blades for wind generators are usually wood, metal, or composite plastic material and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber blades are becoming more popular and wood blades are becoming a thing of the past. Carbon fiber blades are stronger and have virtually no maintenance and therefore are more popular now than wood blades. Also wood blades have to be shaped or cut with a blade cutting machine and a carbon fiber blade can be molded. They all work well and can last the life of a good wind machine. Three blades (as opposed to two) on a wind machine are best.
WIND ENERGY
Before you plan to construct a high wind generator tower check with your local building department and see what the height restrictions are in your area. You may find you will have to fight city hall and it might not be worth the effort. For the wind potential in your area click here. The best data is site monitored information which can be done with wind data loggers. Batteries for wind systems are the same as for solar electric systems. A smaller battery size is required with a hybrid system. Having a wind system has only one advantage over a solar electric system. Wind can and will provide energy for your battery bank for a 24 hour period and longer, sometimes up to one to three days of constant current from your wind generator. This means two things: 1. That you can have a much smaller battery bank. You can usually down size your battery bank by 50% in comparison to a solar electric only system. So if you needed a 1,000 Ah battery bank for your PV system you would need only a 500 Ah battery bank for your wind/PV hybrid system 2. You also need a load diversion system on any small wind battery system. If you have a line tie wind system then your electric company becomes your "dump load. If you have a battery bank based system then you definitely need a load diversion system. If you do not have a dump load you will shorten the life of your battery and use copious amount of distilled water to replace the water used up by the batteries when they are in a constantly over charged state. Also, it is always best to have your wind generator under load or always producing electricity. A dump load produces much more energy in your system year around than having your wind generator shut down when your batteries are full. How a load diversion system works is that when your batteries are fully charged the electricity from your wind machine is then channeled into another source, like a hot water tank or a small electric space heater that heats the air space. total PV system. Small wind generators work best in the winter, spring and fall, but not as well in the summer, when solar electric systems work best. Working together they are a great match!
Hybrid Wind Systems

Hybrid renewable energy systems are systems that employ more than one energy source. Many times more power can come from different sources at different times. A good example of a hybrid system is the combination of wind and solar energy. In many areas during the summer months, the wind blows very little or not at all. There is plenty of sunshine during the summer, therefore wind and solar systems complement each other well. If you think hybrid, think two smaller systems. For example, you find that what you need is a 8,000 (8 kW) watt system. If you went with just a solar electric system, you might choose 47-170 watt modules. If you decided to go with a hybrid system, you might consider a 3,000 (3 kW) watt wind generator and a 3,000 (3 kW) watts of PV modules. You would portion the system's wattage allocation as to what you think you have more of - wind or sunshine. In general, if you are considering a hybrid system and you live in the mid-west, northern states, or northwest states, then 50-75% of your power would come from wind and 25-50% from solar electric. If you live in the southwest or southeast, then it should be the other way around. Of course, all of this would depend upon your exact location.
Drawing courtesy of Bergy Wind Systems
We like hot water systems better because you use hot water daily and heating hot air is usually only a good thing in the winter time. On a per watt basis, wind energy systems decrease in cost per kW (1,000 watts) as the wind generator increases in size. For example, a Bergy 1,000 watt wind generator costs $2.45 per watt (generator only), where as 1,000 watts of solar electric modules (modules only) would cost $5.59 per watt. However, when you add up the total system cost for an under the cost per kW is usually less expensive for a total wind system than a
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WIND ENERGY
WIND GENERATOR TOWERS Installing too short a tower is like installing solar electric modules in the shade and hoping to get full power out of them. The steadier the winds, the less turbulence the wind generator experiences and that means less vibration on the bearings, which translates into a longer life and less maintenance. In the SourceBook we price most wind generators and the inverters separately. To be able to get a total wind systems price there are many factors to consider. Certain decisions must be made, such as, whether you want to be off grid or on grid. If you want to be off grid and do not have power lines attached to your structure then you have to have a battery bank. It can be smaller than a battery bank just for a solar electric system because the wind can blow for days and days and this means that your battery bank can fill up quite rapidly. Generally the more esthetically pleasing a tower is the more it will cost. The most popular type of tower we sell is the guy lattice type of tower that has guy wires holding it up. Visually it is quite pleasing because from far aware one cannot see the guy wires. If your tower requires guy wires then you have to determine what type of anchors go into the ground. There are many different types of ground anchors but each is designed for a certain soil type. To price for a complete wind system we have to know tower height, tower style, type of soil you have, size generator, and line tie or off grid system. We custom design each wind generator package depending on your exact site needs.
Free-Standing - Monopole 80 ft 20m 90 ft 27m 100 ft 30m
Free-Standing - SSV 80 ft 24m 100ft 30m 120 ft 37m
Can ship this tower via UPS! Guyed - Lattice Bolted 80 ft 20m 90 ft 27m 100 ft 30m
Guyed - Monopole 90 ft 27m 100 ft 30m 133 ft 41m

Printed with solar electric-
The tapered tower is very elegant. This is ideal for areas where beauty is of utmost importance and where you have very little space to put a large tower base or guyed wires.
Price depends on a lot of factors. Please contact us with this info for a quote: generator model, soil type, tower type and height.
The free-standing, completely galvanized tower will last a lifetime. You can put up to a 20 kW wind system on this tower. There are no wires to trip over or
If you have the room for guy wires, this tower is a great value. It comes in 10 foot sections that bolt together and are easy to handle and install. A great tower for export!
The Tall Tower can be used for small wind systems (under 1 kW) or as a tower for measuring wind speed at a potential wind site. Erection pole included in price.
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WIND ENERGY
Tilt up towers are unique. You can install the wind generator at ground level. No climbing! Installation and maintenance can be done with one vehicle and one experienced person. Completely galvanized hardware. SS hardware optional. Install up to a 3,000 watt wind generator in just one afternoon. Everything included. We suggest a minimum tower height of 80'. This tower is great for hurricane prone areas of the world. One can set up these towers with electric winches and with a push of a button you can lower the tower safely. When hurricane force winds come, your wind generator is safely on the ground and out of harms way.
BW-4500 Tower Raising Kit $359.00
For 500-1,500 Watt Units

MW-T80 80' Tower $1,999.00 MW-T100 100' Tower $3,699.00 MW-T120 120' Tower $4,399.00 Uses 4" OD, 11 gauge pipe and generator has to weigh less than 80 lbs
For 3,000-4,500 Watt Units

MW-T803 84' Tower MW-T1053 105' Tower MW-T1263 126' Tower $4,595.00 $5,399.00 $6,489.00
Uses 5" OD, schedule 40 pipe and generator has to weigh less than 180 lbs
TOWER ACCESSORIES
Screw anchor for loomy and gravelly soil conditions

SA-125 Screw anchor gal $99.00
Rock anchor for direct anchoring into solid rock

RA-T80 Rock Anchor $185.00
Arrowhead Anchors with driver attached, for loomey and light soils
RH-5182 Arrowhead Anchor $59.00 RH-5283 Arrowhead Driver $119.00
Measuring Equipment Most wind systems do not have anemometers on their control panels. They should! Buy this and you can see how much energy your wind generator puts out in a certain wind speed!
We have many types of wind measuring devices available. This one measures windspeed and wind direction. Fifty feet of wire included.
WI-564 $299.00
The WindWatcher datalogger provides basic wind speed, and wind power density information in an easy-to-install, easy-to-use package. Includes a #40 anemometer, 30 m cable, 406 mm (16 inches) sensor stub mast, grounding cable, D-cell battery and enclosure.
WW-3392 $389.00
MX-7654 $159.00
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WIND ENERGY
Small Wind Generators 60 Watt (.06kW) to 3,000 Watts (3 kW)
RUTLAND 503
PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: VOLTAGE (DC): TOWER TOP WT: BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: UNIT ONLY: SOURCEBOOK #: 60 18 22 MPH 10 M/S NONE 1.7 ft 510 mm 12 8.5 LBS 3.9 KG 6 PLASTIC YES 7 12 $599 RU-503
RUTLAND STANDARD 910 PEAK WATTS: 170 RATED WATTS: 72 RATED WIND SP.: 22 MPH 10 M/S MAINTENANCE: NONE ROTOR DIAMETER: 35.8" 910 mm VOLTAGE (DC): 12,24 TOWER TOP WT: 27 LBS 12 KG BLADES: 6 BLADE MATERIAL: PLASTIC MARINE UNIT: YES EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 7 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 12 UNIT ONLY: $650 SOURCEBOOK #: RU-910
AIR 403 LAND PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: VOLTAGE (DC): TOWER TOP WT:
AIR 403 MARINE

400 400 28 MPH 10 M/S NONE 45" 1.14 m 12 TO 60 13 LBS 5 KG 3 Carbon Fiber Yes
PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: VOLTAGE (DC): TOWER TOP WT: 400 400 28 MPH 10 M/S NONE 45" 1.14 m 12 TO 60 13 LBS 5 KG 3 Carbon Fiber Yes
BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 25 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 45 UNIT ONLY: $679 SOURCEBOOK #: SW-L403
BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 25 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 45 UNIT ONLY: $879 SOURCEBOOK #: SW-M403
AIR 403 MARINE

PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: VOLTAGE (DC): TOWER TOP WT: 400 400 28 MPH 10 M/S NONE 45" 1.14 m 12 TO 60 13 LBS 5 KG 3 Carbon Fiber Yes
VOLTAGE (DC): TOWER TOP WT: BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: UNIT ONLY: SOURCEBOOK #:
VOLTAGE (DC): TOWER TOP WT:
BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 25 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 45 UNIT ONLY: $879 SOURCEBOOK #: SW-M403
52 100 $2,085 SW-100
BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 100 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 200 UNIT ONLY: $2,490 SOURCEBOOK #: SW-W200
* Includes charge controller
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PROVEN PEAK WATTS: 700 RATED WATTS: 600 RATED WIND SP.: 22.5 MPH 12 M/S MAINTENANCE: Vis Ea Yr ROTOR DIAMETER:: 8 ft. 5 VOLTAGE (DC): 24,48 TOWER TOP WT: 154 LBS 70 KG BLADES: 2 BLADE MATERIAL: Polypro MARINE UNIT: Yes EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 100 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 150 UNIT ONLY*: $3,338 SOURCEBOOK #: PR-WT600
WHISPER 100 PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER:
WHISPER 200
900 800 28 MPH 10 M/S 1 yr 7ft 2.1 M 12 TO 48 80 LBS 33 KG 3 Carbon Fib YES
PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: 1,000 800 28 MPH 10 M/S Vis Ea Yr 10 ft. 3.1 M 12 TO 48 85 LBS 38 KG 3 Carbon Fib YES
WIND ENERGY
LAKOTA
PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: VOLTAGE (DC): TOWER TOP WT: BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: UNIT ONLY: SOURCEBOOK #: 1,400 900 29 MPH 12 M/S Vis Ea Yr 6.8 ft. 2.1 M 24, 48 35 lbs 16 KG 3 Carbon Fib YES 90 160 $1,495 LA-1200
BERGEY BWC XL.1 PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.:
SKYSTREAM 3.7
PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: VOLTAGE (AC): TOWER TOP WT: BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: UNIT ONLY: SOURCEBOOK #: 2,400 1,800 22 MPH 10 M/S Vis Ea Yr 12 ft 3.72 M 240 170 LBS 77 KG 3 Fiberglass NO 225 400 $5,399 SW-1800
1,200 1,000 25 MPH 8 M/S MAINTENANCE: Vis Ea Yr ROTOR DIAMETER:: 8.2 ft. 2.5 M VOLTAGE (DC): 24,48 TOWER TOP WT: 84 LBS 37.5 KG BLADES: 3 BLADE MATERIAL: Plastic MARINE UNIT: NO EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 115 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 155 UNIT ONLY: $2,450* SOURCEBOOK #: BE-BWC1
LAKODA PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.:
3,600 2,000 22 MPH 10.5 M/S MAINTENANCE: Vis/Yr Grease ROTOR DIAMETER: 14 ft. 4.2 M VOLTAGE (DC): 24,48 TOWER TOP WT: 350 LBS 158 KG BLADES: 3 BLADE MATERIAL: Carbon Fib MARINE UNIT: YES EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 400 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 600 UNIT ONLY: $5,195 SOURCEBOOK #: LA-OB1KW
Small Commercial - Farm Applications - 8 kW - 20 kW
BERGEY EXCEL 10 kW
PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: 10,000 5,000 22 MPH 10 M/S Vis Ea Yr 23 ft. 7M 240 AC* 1020 LBS 463 KG 3
BERGY 7.5 kW
PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: MAINTENANCE: ROTOR DIAMETER: VOLTAGE (DC): TOWER TOP WT: BLADES: BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 48 V/W REGULATOR: 8,000 5,000 22 MPH 10 M/S Vis Ea Yr 16.4 ft. 7M 48, 120 1020 LBS 463 KG 3 Fiberglass YES 925 1,425 $22,900
Bergy 10 kW Wind Generator
VOLTAGE (AC): TOWER TOP WT: BLADES:
BLADE MATERIAL: Fiberglass MARINE UNIT: YES EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: 925 EST. MO. Kwh @ 12 MPH: 1,425 UNIT & INVERTER: SOURCEBOOK #: * 220 V 50 Hz same price $27,900 BE-5000
Bergy wind generators are all direct drive AC generators that produce both AC and DC. These generators are very similar to the early Jacob's units. Therefore, they only have two bearings and will provide years of life. From 1 kW to 10 kW output. Their wind generators are known to be one of the best in the industry and we are proud to carry their line of wind generators.
Jacobs wind generators are gear driven and are AC. Hybrid units available. From 10 kW to 20 kW output. Line tie and battery systems are available for all models. This company started manufacturing small 2 and 3 kW wind turbines in the 1940s and carries on the tradition of a fine wind generator.
JACOBS 23-17
PEAK WATTS: RATED WATTS: RATED WIND SP.: 17,000 12,500 27 MPH 12 M/S MAINTENANCE: Vis/Yr Grease
ROTOR DIAMETER:
26 ft. 7.9 M VOLTAGE (AC): 0-180 V AC TOWER TOP WT: 1900 LBS 862 KG BLADES: 3 WOOD YES 1,227 2,039 $35,039 WT-2317
BLADE MATERIAL: MARINE UNIT: EST. MO. Kwh @ 10 MPH: EST. MO. kWh @ 12 MPH: GEN &GT INVERTER SOURCEBOOK #:
SOURCEBOOK #: BE-48VDC
*UNIT, 80" TOWER, CONTROLS
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HYDROGEN
Hydrogen
This process is called electrolysis. Hydrogen (H) is coming, and there hook up your DC renewable energy This only requires 2 volts if you use is no way to stop it. It is the perfect source to an electrolyzer out will commercial potassium hydroxide in complement to solar energy. With come hydrogen and oxygen. The water to break a water molecule into solar energy we can make hydrogen cheaper solar electric panels become, hydrogen and oxygen. The higher in abundance. As renewable energy the easier and cheaper it will be to the amperage that flows through the generators get less and less expenmake hydrogen right in your own water, the faster the break down of sive it will make more and more back yard. molecules and the greater the proWe feel that hydrogen should be sense to use H as a supplement to duction of hydrogen and oxygen. used to complement a UtilityFree your battery storage bank and as a Above 1.47 volts the reaction is home as a cooking fuel first, then to replacement for the natural gas and exothermic and gives off a lot of provide supplemental hot water heat, propane fossil fuels. heat. Most small electrolyzers are Hydrogen is the fuel of the uniand third, to provide back up heat to between 35% - 50% efficient. If you verse, not just the world, making up the structure if needed. The most practical use 90% of the universe's atof hydrogen is for cookoms. Interstellar space aving. Cooking with hydroerages one hydrogen atom Methane gen is cleaner and more per cubic centimeter. UnMethanol efficient than cooking with like fossil fuels, which are Ethanol either natural gas or proowned by multinational Ethane pane. Conventional burncompanies, hydrogen is Propane Butane ers emit between 200 and readily available anywhere N-Pentane 300 parts per million (ppm) water is; that doesn't leave Gasoline of nitrous oxide emissions too many places that you Isooctane while hydrogen burners won't be able to find it! We NAPTHA emit only about .1 ppm of are a water planet, not a Kerosene nitrous oxide. The effifossil fuel planet. Light Oil Hydrogen is not a ciency of a hydrogen Heavy Oil source of energy, like oil burner used with a catalyst 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 or natural gas, and it is not is 70% efficient, while conavailable naturally in a pure ventional burners are 60% Number of Carbon Atoms state in large quantities. It efficient. Also, a hydrogen has to be derived : either burner heats eight times Hydrogen contains no carbon atoms - this is why it burns from hydrocarbons (coal, faster than with natural so clean! natural gas, etc.) or from gas, while using 24% less have a way of cooling the electrolyzer water. Once derived from either energy. while you are producing hydrogen All that is needed to cook with method, it has to be stored for later and oxygen and utilize the low grade hydrogen is minor modifications of use. However, unlike a battery, there heat then the efficiency would go as your existing gas stove. is no "self discharge" rate, so hydrohigh as 75% or more. After all why Those people having excess elecgen can be stored with little, if any, toss the low grade heat out the tricity from their renewable energy energy loss. Hydrogen can be stored window? You can always use the low source should look into the producsafely for very long periods, if the grade heat for something as simple tion of hydrogen. For those people correct storage vessels are used. as domestic hot water use! Hydrogen can be extracted from owning cabins, why not divert power All electrolyzers require direct many sources, hydrocarbons being from your renewable energy source current to operate. They can't use among them, but for our purposes and produce hydrogen while you are alternating current electricity, unless we are going to discuss what we gone? When you return you will it is rectified to produce direct cur- have plenty of gas to cook with! learned in basic high school chemisrent (DC). Most RE systems genertry. When you pass electric current ate DC electricity. The idea is simple: through water via a conductor, the water separates into 2 atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. www.beutilityfree.com
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HYDROGEN
"After extensive research, NASA found that hydrogen is far safer than hydrocarbon fuels in the event of an accident."
Power Generation Equipment (DC)
Oxygen
Oxygen Hydrogen Electrolyzer Power Generation Equipment (DC)

Hydrogen
Hydrogen Electrolyzer
Peter Mullen, Phoenix, AZ Popular Science, May 1992

DC to AC Inverter
Fuel Cell
Hydrogen Storage
A simple hydrogen system using hydrogen for cooking purposes.
"I believe that water will one day be employed as a fuel, that hydrogen and oxygen will constitute it, used singly or together, will furnish an inexhaustible source of heat and light..."
Hydrogen Storage
The Power-X 1.5kW Fuel Cell
POWER-X 1.5kW Cell
An Enabling Technology Power-X fuel cells are designed for real-world products with the reliability and durability for nearly any product application. The Power-X fuel cell technology has been developed to meet near-term commercial demand with minimal investment, enabling rapid design cycles for new product line
Product Applications The Power-X fuel cell is ideally suited to systems requiring between 1 and 100kW. Anuvu has established a base-line family of fuel cell modules, from 1.5, 3 and 6kW capacities that can be used to create power systems of much higher capacities for a wide variety of solutions, such as: Electric / Hybrid Transportation: Autos, Trucks, Boats, Busses Electric Utility Vehicles: Forklifts, Industrial Carts, Golf Carts Uninterruptible Power Supplies - Telecom, Data Centers Portable Power Supplies: Semi Trucks, RV's Yacht's Small Stationary: Remote power generation, diesel replacement Advantages of Anuvu Power-X Fuel Cells Weight and Volume Already exceeds DOE goals for mobile applications Liquid cooled for maximum heat removal, efficiency and performance Designed to operate over a broad range of gas humidity conditions, greatly reducing the complexity of gas humidification subsystems Our bipolar plate assemblies are ductile and can withstand high levels of vibration
TM
Thermal Management
Water Management
Ductile Bipolar Plates
Copyright 1994 - 2005 Anuvu Inc. 3980 Research Drive Sacramento, Ca 95838 Voice - (916) 921-7040, FAX - (916) 921-7044, email - info@anuvu.com
House Loads
-Jules Verne, Mysterious Island
Simple schematic of a fuel cell hydrogen system providing electricity and cooking.
Books
Written by Roy McAlister who has been in the field of hydrogen for longer than we can remember. Newest and most updated book on H. It has many illustrations, photos and plenty of tables and charts. Information on theory, applications and safety tips. 238 pp. 2004
MP-HYFFW Solar Hydrogen Revolution $29.95
Articles on hydrogen production, purification, storage, and utilization, from Home Power magazine by Walt Pyle. Contains over 118 pages of H2 related information.
IS-9524 Solar Hydrogen Chronicles Paper $30.00 IS-9525 Solar Hydrogen Chronicles E Book $14.95
Make Hydrogen From Natural Gas or Propane
HyRadix fuel processing technology converts hydrocarbon fuels (natural gas or Propane) into hydrogen for use in residential (5 kW) and small commercial (10-100kW) PEM fuel cells. Starting in 2002, HyRadix fuel processing units have been in several demonstration test programs. The innovative HyRadix fuel processing technology is also being applied to systems for small-scale generation of pure hydrogen for industrial use and hydrogen vehicle refueling stations. In these cases, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation technology will achieve the product purity specific to each application. This unit is designed for push button start and unattended operation. Removes sulfur and carbon monoxide to supply your fuel cell with the low levels required by fuel cells. Power requirements, 500 watt/24V DC
Call for pricing
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HYDROGEN Alkaline Water Electrolyzer

Hydrogen Wind,Inc. has been making small electrolyzers since 1981. They can operate to 100 psi and utilize nickel electrodes. After adding electrolyte, only water and electricity are consumed. The electrolyte is a solution of potassium hydroxide in water. Buyer supplies own electrolyte (we also can supply it for you with industrial grade KOH). KOH required is about 3 lbs per cell. With these units all you need is electricity and an electrolyte, and you turn water into hydrogen and oxygen. Each cell weighs approximately 25 lbs and measures 7" wide X 10 inches high x 14 inches long. This electrolyzer is simple in design and easily serviceable. It has no moving parts and comes with a one year warranty, 3' hydrostatic control and directions. Typical operation on just one of these electrolyzers is 2 volts DC. Hydrogen output increases with more amperage input from the source DC. You can use any DC producing device such as a solar panel, wind generator or a hydroelectric plant. 30 day delivery on all units except for 90 days on the 24 cell unit. Shipping not included.
One Electrolyzer Cell - with a 3 foot hydrostatic control that will allow 1 1/2 psi - (more pressure can be obtained with a higher column). It requires 2-4 volts DC V 10-40 Amps - 80 Watt; 1/2 Cu Ft/Hr. Can be powered by a 6 volt wind generator or PV panel HW-672-30 $389.00 Electrolyzer .5 kW 6 Cell - 12 V DC with a 100 psi pressure control. 10- 40 Amps; 66" L x 14" W x 31" H. Weight 240 lbs. 3 Cu Ft of H/Hr HW-673-240 $2,995.00 Electrolyzer 1 kW 12 Cells 12V DC or 24V DC with a 100 psi pressure control. Up to 80 Amps; 9' L x 18" W x 31" H. 12 Cu Ft/Hr HW-674-500 $4,995.00 Electrolyzer 24 Cells, 2 kW 24V or 48 V DC with a 100 psi pressure control. 40 Amps @ 48V; 80 Amps@ 80 Amps 9' L x 36" W x 33" H. 12 Cu Ft of H/Hr HW-675-700 $7,895.00
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6 Cell Electrolyzer 12 Volt 10-40 Amp System
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The HO-1800A unit
SWF-8012 AC Hydrogen Maker 300 liter H/Hr
$2,095
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HO-1800A hydrogen gas generator is machine for use in a wide variety of applications in such diverse industries as semiconductor manufacturing , electric power generation, electronics, fiber optics, metals, chemicals and other hydrogen applications. The HO-1800A is easy to operate and maintain, combining the convenience of on-site hydrogen production with an economical method of generating high purity gas. Only electricity and water are required. Additional cost saving can be achieved by selecting only those options required to satisfy particular applications. Improved safety and increased reliability are integral criteria of the HO-1800A design, minimizing maintenance while assuring smooth, uninterrupted, long running operation. Microprocessor control provides fully automatic system operation and continuous monitoring of critical parameters with automatic shutdown on outof- tolerance condition. Has automatic water fill system, automatic water supply, flame flashback defender, alarm and cut off gas generation system, high efficiency cell generator and automatic gas pressure adjustment. 300 liters H/Hr, voltage input 200-220 V AC 50 Hz, Weight 70 kg.
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HYDROGEN Metal Hydrite Hydrogen Storage Tanks

Hydrogen storage utilizing hydride technology offers several benefits over conventional technology: High volumetric energy density/compact Low pressure operation - Refilling at low pressure from electrolysers or gaseous H2 with no need for high pressure compressor Efficient integration and flexible tank design - Use of waste heat from fuel cell or H2 engine can reduce system cooling - Potential for flexible tank design for ease of integration into propulsion system or power generator
Call for pricing
Alkaline and PEM fuel cells

Fuel cells create an electric potential from the combustion of hydrogen. They are basically an electrolyzer operating in reverse. They require the input of both hydrogen and oxygen. Their output is electricity, hot water, and unreacted gases. Current flowing from the cell provides electricity to what ever source is needed. They will produce electricity as long as the supply of hydrogen and oxygen continues. There are two main types of commercial fuel cells. One is the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and the other is the Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC). The AFC has been the fuel cell of choice in space programs. The PEM cell seems to be the fuel cell that there is most hope for, but the prices still remain quite high relative to other forms of creating electricity. The reformer adds thousands of dollars more to the cost of the fuel cell. But if you produce the H on site then you do not need a "reformer". However, over time, the price of fuel cells will come down and if you're using hydrogen produced from RE then you certainly do not need a reformer! In fact one can purchase a PV system for the same price as a reformer and have hydrogen delivered on site for 30 years! Currently there are Federal tax credits for the purchase of fuel cells that last through 2008.
Fuel Cells to Charge Batteries

300-500 Watt Power Units
Protonex 500 Watt fuel cell power unit, developed in partnership with both Parker Hannifin and Vectrix, provides dual-purpose functionality. Designed primarily as a battery charger/range extender for Vectrix highperformance electric motorcycles, the 500 Watt unit also functions as a stand-alone, portable power generator. Incorporating the Protonex system allowed Vectrix to more than double the range of their motorcycle without adding weight. Protonex products and platforms are based on their unique, patentpending fuel cell stacks. They have performed significant lifecycle testing (greater than 4,000 hours of continuous operation) of their existing stack products and continue to refine these to enhance performance and increase lifetime.
PR-8025 DC 500 W Fuel Cell 12V $5,495.00
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HYDROGEN Turn Hydrogen into Electricity - Fuel Cells

Alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) were one of the first fuel cell technologies developed, and were widely used in the US space program to produce electrical energy and water onboard spacecraft. AFCs use a solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in water as the electrolyte and can use a variety of non-precious metals as a catalyst at the anode and cathode. In the AFC, hydrogen reacts with hydroxyl ions (OH-) at the anode to produce water and electrons. The electrons flow through the external circuit to return to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to create the hydroxyl ions. The lead-cobalt battery, connected to the DC-to-AC inverter, supplies power for the lights and appliances in the home. The Apollo Fuel Cell and Solar Cells supply current to the lead-cobalt battery to keep it at a state of charge necessary for the power requirements of the home. The Apollo Power Plant consists of a lead-cobalt battery, voltage regulator, Apollo Fuel Cell, fuel tank, fuel pump and hydrogen cracker (or natural gas supply and hydrogen reformer), APOLLO Solar Cells, a DC to AC inverter, microprocessor and switching system with watt-hour meter for feeding excess current back into the electric power grid (if one exists) and selling it to the local electric utility company.
Smallest home size system is 7 kW. Operates at 120/240 V AC. Largest unit is 72 kW.
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Power-X Fuel Cells Our Enabling Technology
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1 kW Fuel Cell
Voltage 10-15 V DC, Operates at 40 psi air and H input. 1 kW typical operating range
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Anuvus Power-X fuel cells are designed for real-world products with the reliability and durability required for nearly any product application. The Power-X fuel cell is an industrial grade fuel cell stack with higher durability, longer life and greater efficiency over competitive fuel cells in the range of 1kW to 24kW. It is available now in 1.5, 3 and 6 kW sizes and can be combined to deliver up to 24 kW in a single system. The Power-XTM fuel cell technology is built around advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrochemistry. PEM fuel cell technology is the standard for most current fuel cell products and is designed for high volume production. Power-X fuel cells are the most available fuel cells on the market today, and offer a new standard of efficiency and noise reduction for the next generation of power systems. The Power-X technology has reached a level of maturity over the last five years and can compete on price and total cost of ownership with internal combustion engines and batteries in many markets.
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HYDROGEN
The I-1000 is designed to provide highly reliable performance in backup power applications. This fuel cell system will provide the redundancy you expect from battery strings, along with the extended runtime you seek from generators, without the drawbacks associated with either of these technologies. The I-1000 is quiet and generates electricity using standard industrial grade hydrogen, with heat and water as the only by-products -- making it ideal for any backup power application in your network. This fuel cell is also scalable and multiple units can be grouped together to address larger load requirements. ReliOn's patented Modular Cartridge Technology allows maintenance to be performed by replacing cartridges in minutes using no tools and without an interruption of power.
46 cm w x 69 cm D x 51 cm H (17" W x 28" x D x 20" H) Weight: 66 kg (146 lbs) Rated Current: 40 A @ 24 V and 20 A @ 48 V DC nominal voltage: 24 V or 48 V MTBF: 22,000 hours Fuel: 99.95 % industrial grade Hydrogen Supply pressure: 172 to 689 KPag (25 -100 psig) Hydrogen Storage: NONE Operation: 0 C (32 F) - 46 C (115 F)
HI-8028 ReliOn 1 kW FC $9,795.00
Use Your Hydrogen in a Car, BBQ, Welding, etc.

Hydrogen Car & Multi Fuel DVD
Hydro-que Model HQ-6

Hydrogen gas fueled tabletop barbecue. For outdoor use only. Comes with top cover, handles, and heat diffuser. Does not use lava rocks. Includes high quality stainless flow control valve, brass flashback arrestor and stainless steel bar-burner laser-drilled for use with hydrogen.
HI-8026 Hydro-que H BBQ $425.00
Ever want to convert your car, BBQ, small engine etc. to run on hydrogen? This is the CD for you then! Finally a CD that tells you just what to do. This is not some class! 3.5 hours of HOW to DO!
PR-8027 Hands On Hydrogen CD $49.95
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HYDROELETRIC
Hydroelectric Systems Overview
The smaller hydroelectric units are appropriate for small streams that produce from 4 to 140 gallons of water per minute (gpm). They should have a vertical fall (head) of a minimum of 20 feet at 100 gpm. With less head more flow is required to produce more wattage. Small turbines work best with high head and low volume. Small hydroelectric systems are designed for charging batteries. They are usually modified automobile alternators in 12, 24, or 48 volts DC. In general, hydroelectric battery banks can be smaller than a PV battery bank because a good hydro site will produce power 24 hours a day, thus requiring less storage until you reach the level of the water source. Multiply the height of the stick by the number of times it was moved from the hydroelectric site to water source to find your total vertical fall. Another method is to dam up the creek, put a pipe and attach garden hoses, and put a pressure gauge at the end when the hoses are full of water. The conversion factors are .43 Psi = 1 foot of head or 2.3 feet = 1 psi. Once you have obtained the figure for head, you need to measure the flow rate. By timing the filling of a container of known volume, the flow can be determined. Generally, single nozzle systems for small turbines require a 2" pipe. A two nozzle system, a 3" pipe, etc. These sizes will keep the friction from pipe losses under 25%. Sample System Prices Residential Hydro Power Book capacity. Batteries in a DC hydroelectric system should be located in a turbine room, or near the turbine. A battery building that will house the batteries, turbine and inverter is the best approach if you have an all AC home. However, you must have a way of heating the building so the batteries remain as close to room temperature for peak operating conditions. Site Evaluation You need to know four things: 1. The vertical fall (head) 2. Flow rate available 3. Diameter, length and type of feeder pipe 4. Transmission distance of power The vertical fall of the water can be determined several ways, all of which come up with about the same results. One method is with a transit or level and a measuring stick of known length in successive steps. See diagram below: Starting at a proposed hydroelectric installation, place a stick and level on the ground and observe where the line of sight hits the ground in front. Repeat
By Keith Ritter Canyon offers its own Micro Hydro Design booklet. It covers step by step directions on how to design your system. It contains charts for the sizing of the Canyon turbines. Give detailed notes on optional equipment available for their equipment. 13 pages, pictures and illustrations.
CI-BO Canyon Industries Booklet $2.95
We have only given a limited amount of information on hydroelectricity. We highly recommend this 100 plus page booklet. It is described as " the complete how to manual for DC residential hydroelectric systems. Many worksheets are included.
HE-064 Residential Hydroelectric $18.95
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Small Hydroelectric Systems 600 Watt to 1500 Watt
Harris Hydroelectric Pelton Verticle Axis Turbines - Up to 1,500 Watts (1.5 Kw) Turgo Turbines
Harris hydroelectric turbines have over 10,000,000 operating hours on them. They produce DC electricity for charging a battery bank. The unit can handle up to four nozzles. The turbine has a bronze cast pelton wheel for efficient operation. This unit is made in a shop that is powered by hydroelectric. These units operate on 10 to 600 feet of head and on as little as 2 gallons a minute to 250 gallons per minute of flow. We recommend the 24 volt unit, but they are available in 12 volts also.
These small hydroelectric generators are designed to produce power from small streams and springs or any other source of flowing water. The water source must be falling vertically at least four feet to generate usable power. The Turgo turbine is made of a high strength and abrasion resistant polyurethane. The housing is made of cast aluminum. Up to four nozzles can be mounted on one machine. They make an AC 1/3 HP generator (200 watts) and a 1 1/2 HP (800 watts). Using an induction AC turbine you can transmit power several thousand feet!
Prices: HH-981 Harris Single Nozzle HH-982 Harris Two Nozzle HH-983 Harris Four Nozzle
$695 $795 $950
HH-984 Low head (under 60') $49 HH-985 24 Volt add $59 HH-986 High output alternator $169 HH-987 Extra Nozzles Each $6.00
ES-FT Turgo 12/24 Volt $769 ES-IT Induction 1/3 HP 120V AC $969 ES-IT2 Induction 1 1/2 HP 120V AC $1,099 Prices include one nozzle. Additional nozzles $69. Must order extra nozzles at time of order.
Large Hydroelectric Systems - Up to 156 Kw

Canyon Hydroelectric Turbines the shelf "standard" systems that have been averaged to service a wide variety of installations, each Canyon turbine is carefully tuned to deliver maximum efficiency from your pipeline and your water. The difference in available power can be substantial, and cost may be less than you would expect. Pelton runners are cast as a single unit using high-tensile stainless steel alloys, with full gussets on larger runners for additional strength. Bucket tip, splitter and exit angles maximize the transfer of hydraulic energy to the turbine shaft. Each bucket is hand polished, with special attention directed to the rear of the bucket to minimize internal aerodynamic drag. With the aid of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Canyon maintains meticulous attention to quality. Manufacturing drawings are forwarded to the fabrication area and your turbine is made.
Canyon Turbines* Standard single nozzle Standard double nozzle Options Needle nozzle each Jet deflector each nozzle Extra fixed nozzle Canyon Model Numbers 751 9513 $3,230 $4,550 $3,670 $5,150 1,140 510 39 1,250 739 50 1220 $7,140 $7,870 1,660 879 69
Canyon utility-grade hydroelectric systems deliver exceptionally high performance and reliability. They are constructed to meet the extended service requirements of commercial operation, including stand-alone power generation, and grid interfaced systems. Canyon turbines are individually designed to match the specific hydraulic characteristics of your site. Unlike off-
Canyon turbines are made to order. They are custom engineered to your specific sight. These turbines normally are coupled with AC induction generators. They will produce from .3 HP to 312 HP.
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RE FUELS
Renewable Energy (RE) Fuels
Introduction Renewable energy fuels are fuels that we can produce on a daily basis without ever depleting any resources, unlike petroleum-based products which are gone forever once used. There are three types of fuels we support: 1. Vegetable oils (Biodiesel and Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO). 2. Methane from a digester or from anaerobic decay of materials. 3. Ethyl alcohol, i.e. ethanol. Gasoline can easily be replaced by alcohol or ethanol. Diesel fuel and fuel oil #1 or #2 can easily be replaced by biodiesel in the typical oil furnace or oil hot water heater. Straight vegetable oil can be used directly in a diesel engine with a minor engine modification. Methane is a resource any waste facility, feed lot or large dairy farm has in abundance. Biodiesel - A multi-step process where you take vegetable oil - yes, vegetable oil - and modify it to make it the same viscosity (thickness) as typical diesel fuel. You will find it hard to believe how easy it is to use Biodiesel if you currently have a diesel vehicle! Vegetable Oil - It can be sourced from many different types of plants such as soybeans, conola and algae, or found for low or no cost from local fast food restaurants. You might even get paid to take it away! Methane Gas - A one-step anaerobic process (bacteria that thrive in a NO oxygen environment) that only requires placing organic waste in an airtight container and harnessing the methane (natural gas) and nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Ethanol - Turning ethanol into fuel is a multi-step process. It begins with the fermentation of starch, cellulose, sugar or fruit feedstocks. The next step is the distillation of the liquid (called beer) to obtain alcohol of a high enough proof to run a vehicle or other internal combustion engine (ICE). Using alcohol as a fuel takes little or no modification to the engine. dioxide and water vapor. You can produce yields of 500 gallons of fuel per acre with corn. A farmer with 100 acres of corn could grow 90 acres for market, and 10 acres of corn yielding 5,000 gallons of ethanol. The corn mash residue left after making the alcohol now has a higher feed value, as "distiller's dried grains", due to the nutritional yeast content. So it isn't like we are making fuel instead of food: we get both! There are some things you need to know before you plan to make ethanol. First, you need to get an experimental fuel distiller's license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Get your copy of the ATF Alcohol Fuel Permit License by clicking here. Next, depending on what method you use, grains need to be ground, water added, mash fermented and cooked, mash temperatures controlled, and finally, 4 to 6 hours to run the still. Also, it does take a lot of feedstock: distillation will yeild 20% of the beer's volume as alcohol. To operate a fuel-injected car on ethanol, one merely buys a Bi-Fuel kit which will convert an existing fuel injection vehicle to run on straight fuel-grade ethanol, a mixture of gasoline and ethanol or just gasoline. To run a carbureted car or truck on ethanol, some modifications will have to be made to the fuel delivery system. Fuel Ethanol Stills We sell home size and small community fuel ethanol stills and NOT stills for making alcohol for drinking purposes. Our stills incorporate many sophisticated design features from a variety of technical fields. The 3" still is capable of producing 5 gallons of alcohol/hour at 180 proof alcohol on every run, assuming the right sized boiler and a strong
Inexpensive Gas is GONE!
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Alcohol (ethanol) can be made from almost any type of grain or agricultural waste products containing starch or sugar. If grains are used to make alcohol, natural or commercial enzymes break down the starch into sugar, which is then fermented. The same process for making beer (5% alcohol) or wine (14% alcohol) works for making fuel alcohol. The "beer" is then distilled to create a fuel that is 160 to 180 proof (80 to 90%) grain alcohol, or ethanol. This fuel is over 100 octane, and with the proper adjustments to your vehicle, you can usually get as good mileage on 160 proof ethanol as you do with gasoline, as much power, and virtually no pollution. Plus, your engine will run cleaner and last a lot longer! The main byproducts of ethanol combustion are carbon
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RE FUELS
Renewable Energy (RE) Fuels
"beer" mash. The key to consistent high-proof ethanol in almost any still is the use of automatic controls used both in the heating and cooling industries. We sell still plans, buildyour-own-still kits, and even complete, ready-to-run working units to provide you with fuel grade alcohol. (180 proof on your first run!) We feel that vacuum ethanol stills with solar hot water heat exchange coils will be the way of the future because the energy requirements are so much lower and solar energy is free for the taking. Heating with fossil fuels will only become more and more expensive! Methane Gas (Natural Gas) Making natural gas (methane) from manure makes sense both ecologically and economically. There are an estimated 470 animal waste digesters in operation on US farms as of 2007, with an additional 40 in initial planning stages. These new 40 plants will come on line within the next few years. These systems have the potential to produce 25 MW of grid connected power while removing 840,000 fertilizer is produced all at the same time. Not only do you solve the above problems and have an income stream coming form the electricity you sell back to a utility company, but you'll also get a revenue stream form selling clean energy offset credits like Darryl Vander did from WI. Every dairy farmer in the world could be totally energy independent and have another income stream from a confined animal manure mathane operation. This applies to any operation where you have confined animals. We can do a feasibility study based on the AgSTAR software developed by the EPA in 1997. This study can be paid for by you or the many grants that are available though various agricultural programs currently available form the USDA. The beauty of this is that once the equipment is in place, there is very little work involved. One has merely to flush the manure into the tank and the organisms in the tank do the rest. Its much like making wine or beer. Once the conditions are right, nature takes over. A farmer with 30 pigs could harvest about $100.00 worth of fuel per month, or $1,200/yr. With 300 pigs, a farmer could produce $12,000/yr. in fuel, with an initial equipment investment (not counting pigs, or their food) of $50,000 to $75,000! If you have animals, you have manure. Why not turn your manure into liquid gold instead of keep flushing your manure down the drain? Give some serious thought to turning that manure into fuel.
Dairy farmer Darryl Vander Haak receives his first check for carbon credits (worth thousands of dollars) from Jim Jensen of Environmental Credit Corp.
Photo courtesy of AgStar Digest Winter 2006
metric tons of CO2 from our air. Ever drive through the countryside and run into a really serious odor problem? With a methane digester, the odor is eliminated, potential disease germs are disposed of, and
Books
RE-ETBOOK Sour Mash Book
$49.95
BA-7000 From Fryer to Fuel
$24.95
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RE FUELS Small Fuel Alcohol Stills

3" Column Fuel Alcohol Still We sell two sizes of fuel ethanol stills designed to produce alcohol that would replace the gasoline you use. The average family in the USA uses about 800 gallons of fuel. Investing in a still and obtaining the free permit is like money in the bank. A total complete fuel ethanol setup is between $5,000 and $10,000 if you already have the building to put the equipment in. Over the years, small stills have been through some improvements. If you run a small still on a continuous basis it is capable of producing up to 45,000 gallons a year. All our fuel ethanol stills make 180 -190 proof alcohol or higher before drying with zeolite. You need
CH-ETST4 4" Column Still Plans $99.00 CH-SPLANS 3" Column Still Plans $59.00
190 proof or higher to claim the Federal tax credit for using ethanol in a business. The price to produce a gallon of ethanol varies considerably with many factors. Basically, the less expensive the feedstock and the energy costs, the less expensive the fuel. And when you consume the fuel on site, there is no transport cost. We sell two basic stills. Our 3" column fuel ethanol still, which produces 3-5 gallons an hour and our 4" column still which will produce up to 15 gallons an hour! Prices include shipping to 48 states.
CH-TSKIT-25 3" Col Still Kit $999 CH-ETST3 3" Col Still Assembled $1,999.00
Revenoor Fuel Alcohol Stills

Five gallon Electric or Propane Made of high grade heavy duty components with the capacity to produce about 2 to 3 quarts of alcohol in an hour. This model is designed with its own heat source, complete with thermostat, ready to plug into any 115 VAC household outlet. Includes stainless steel thermometer in base of still.
10 Gallon Still 5 Gallon Still Height 42" Height 56"
Ten Gallon Electric or Propane Highly polished solid copper unit features safety valve, 2 stainless steel thermometers and has its own heat source. Produces about 1 to 1 1/2 gallons of alcohol in 2 hours. The electric 10 gallon is thermostatically controlled with 115 Volt power source to plug into any standard household outlet. The 10 gallon electric has a standard ball valve and free instruction books. Optional items: internal solar/steam coils $ 350.00 Brass Water Gauge Set: includes site glass, water ball valves and protection rods $125.00 Highly Polished Stainless Steel insulation jacket $ 375.00 10 gallon electric is approximately 56 high and shipping weight is 90 lbs.
RE-5252-90 RE-5253-30 RE-5254-37 RE-5255-37 RE-5256-37 Ten Gallon Electric $1,395.00 Five Gallon Propane $1,395.00 Internal Solar Coils $349.00 Brass Water Gauge Set $129.00 SS Insulated Jacket $129.00
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RE-5250-37 Five Gallon Electric RE-5251-37 Five Gallon Propane
$995.00 $995.00
All Revenoor stills are low pressure stills and operate on less than one PSI. They all have a one year warranty on them.
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RE FUELS
Large Fuel Alcohol Still
25 Gallon Propane Still our Popular Electric Model Comes standard with 2 stainless steel thermometers: one in the cooker and one in the temperature controlled tower for easier temperature monitoring. This model produces from 3 1/2 to 4 gallons of alcohol in about three hours. It is made of extra heavy duty high grade highly polished solid copper and comes standard with its own propane heating unit and base or electric heating unit. Includes brass & glass site level. The 25 gallon electric still has its own self-contained heating unit and is thermostatically controlled. The unit requires 220 volt electric power with two 30 amp breakers. The 25 gallon electric is approx. 66 high with a shipping weight of 150 lbs. The propane model is approx. 73 high with a shipping weight of 170 lbs. Continual fermentation system for the 25 gallon still includes: 2 110 gallon heavy duty fermentation vats with lids 1 110 gallon heavy duty holding vat with lid 1 110 gallon heavy duty cooling vats with thermometers 1 Bronzed piped input and discharge pump The continual system includes all copper pipe fitting, unions and valves to plumb these vats in tandem to hook directly to each other the next day. This will produce about 8 to 9 gallons a day. System can be completely assembled with 2 adjustable wrenches in just minutes. System is 3 x 17 but can be turned to any angle with provided adapters. Maybe L shaped for example. This system does require manual care but will enable you to change batches with the turn of a valve rather than with a bucket and funnel.
25 Gallon Complete Still System and Fermentation System RE-5257-275 Rev 25 G Propane Still $2,869.00 RE-5258- Rev 25 G Electric Still 5,995.00
RE-5259-37 Rev 25 G Cont Electric Still Complete $5,995.00
RE-5259-37 Rev 25 G Cont Propane Still Complete $6,525.00
50 Gallon Electric with Bronze pump and motor OR 50 Gallon Propane Also made of high quality heavy duty copper with brass & glass site-level and safety valve. Comes standard with insulation and highly polished stainless steel projective jacket. Includes 2 stainless steel thermometers. An exceptionally productive unit! Produces about 7 1/2 gallons of alcohol in about 4 hours. The electric model has 240 VAC manifold 15,000 watt heat exchanger. Approx. 89 high. Shipping weight approx. 275 lbs. Same as the 25 gallon continuous system except with 7 fermentation vats, 2 cooling vats and 1 holding vat. If your needs are for more fermentation vats to reach your daily goal of alcohol, please contact us. We can tailor the system to meet any fermentation or holding needs that you may have.
RE-5260-275 Rev 50 G Propane Still Only $3,995.00 RE-5261-275 Rev 50 G Electric Still Only $3,995.00
RE-5262-75 Rev 50 G Solar $489.00 RE-5263-350 Rev 50 G Propane 10 Vat Complete $8,390.00 RE-5264-350 Rev 50 G Propane Still Complete $6,495.00 RE-5265-150 Rev Continuous Fermentation System Only $4,949.00 Please call for pricing on larger Revenoor stills
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RE FUELS
Vacuum Fuel Alcohol Still
This methanol recovery unit pictured to your left is a commercial grade distillation unit that can be used for ethanol. We feel that vacuum stills will be the wave of the future for small scale distillers because the energy to operate a vacuum still is about 50% less than the energy required for an atmospheric still and one can easily use the free energy from any RE source. A good vacuum still can be operated off a solar thermal collector (flat plate or evacuated tube) vert easily. The beer or liquid that contains the ethanol can boil at about 120 F instead of 190 F which is a big difference in energy usage. We are in the early stages of a new ethanol appliance that will not involve conventional distillation process. The unit will actually not even have a typical distillation column, but until then this unit may suit your needs.
DT-COMVST-300 Vacuum Still $9,999.00
Dual-Fuel Conversion Kits

MultiFlex Plus is a dual-fuel converter that will allow you to choose when filling up your vehicle. After having the MultiFlex converter installed, you will be able to decide between alcohol, gasoline or a mixture of both, reducing your expenses with fuel. A network of processors is responsible for identifying the original parameters of the electronic injection system and reprocessing the signal, making the vehicle engine and the fuel found in the pump compatible with each other. It is installed through connectors, with no need of wire cuts or any other mechanical alterations, and as a result MultiFlex keeps the originality of your vehicle. It can also be removed anytime! Our product is adaptable to most vehicles with digital multipoint electronic injection, including imported ones. The transfer from one vehicle to another will not be done just in case the vehicles are not compatible. This product carries a two year warranty and we will give you a 100% money back warranty if for any reason it does not fit your vehicles fuel injection plugs. Normally your car will get less miles per gallon when using straight ethanol fuel because it has a lower energy content than gasoline but not always. The unique thing about this product , unlike other products on the market is that you use the same box and just change the connectors to suit your fuel injectors. We can fit almost any vehicle from a one cylinder to 8 or more clyinders. Prices start at about $400.00. Click here to visit our web site and to order on-line.
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Fred Bown, in Iowa by his 2002 GMC Truck
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RE FUELS
Vegetable Oil Fuel
What is biodiesel? Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. How is biodiesel made? Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable by-product usually sold to be used in soaps and other products). Is Biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil? No! Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel. What is straight vegetable oil and can you use that in a Diesel engine?? Straight vegetable oil needs NO modification to use in a Diesel engine. However, the vegetable oil, by heating it up, has to achieve the same viscosity of Diesel fuel before it is used in a Diesel engine. It is a one time expense but making Biodiesel is an ongoing expense!
Vehicle Conversion to Vegetable Oil
The Greasecar Vegetable Oil Conversion System is an auxiliary fuel modification system that allows diesel vehicles to run on vegetable oil in any climate. Your Greasecar kit comes with everything you need to convert your diesel vehicle to run on straight vegetable oil. Including hand crafted aluminum heated fuel cell, quick-flush switching and 10 micron filter. By using waste vegetable oils as fuel, Greasecar customers reduce toxic emissions, recycle an overabundant waste product, and dramatically reduce fuel costs. Greasecar is the premier vegetable fuel system, a product of years of development and hundreds of thousands of test miles. The Greasecar system is the only system available with high quality tig welded aluminum tanks in multiple sizes for optimum fit. The Greasecar system is also the only product of its kind to offer quick flushing (in under 1 minute) and a unique fuel filter recirculation system for quick and efficient fuel heating. Don't settle for imitations when you can get the best.
GC-5266-150 Greasecar Car Kit Base Price $795.00 GC-5267-150 Greasecar Light Truck Kit Base Price $1,095.00 GC-5290-150 Automatic Computer Contols $275.00
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RE FUELS
Biodiesel Makers
"Appleseed" Processors Any old water heater tank can be adapted to make a safe and inexpensive biodiesel home brewing apparatus. An HDPE carboy (white jug in photo) or other tank can become a passive small-scale methanol-catalyst mixer, and an inexpensive centrifugal pump (blue motor in photo) from Harbor Freight tools mixes the two liquids to enable the biodiesel reaction to take place. After a day of settling, the glycerol by-product can be drained out fairly well. The tanks have a wine-bottle-bottom profile, with a drain at the 'pointed' edge, so separation of two liquids can be reasonably clean. The processor costs about $150 in plumbing and electrical, and about a day or less of work. The tank can be an ancient lime-crusted one scavenged from a dump, or can be bought new for about $200 more. After draining off glycerol, the same mixing pump can transfer the biodiesel to a 'wash tank' for a water wash to remove methanol and water-soluble impurities. There is an extremely simple 'standpipe' design, that requires no welding, which makes a nice minimal tank: the Sean Parks' Standpipe Wash Tank. The standpipe wash tank costs about $30 in plumbing to build. This system has developed a huge following in the biodiesel community, and there are hundreds of home brewers who have built or built and modified theirs.
Photo Courtesy of biodieselcommunity.org
AP-5300-250 Appleseed Biodiesel Processor $695.00
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"The FuelMeister from Biodiesel Solutions is by far the fastest, easiest and safest way for individuals to start making their own high quality biodiesel." --Joshua Tickell, Author of From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank Completely assembled & tested Handles most used vegetable oils Supplies cost less than 70/gal. Makes 40 gallons in about 2 days Plus Unit Takes about 1 hr. hands-on time GC-5291-150 FuelMeister Domestic $2,979.00 Completely closed & fumeless No pouring or hand-mixing liquids GC-5291-150 FuelMeister Plus $3,979.00 Digital scale to measure your lye GC-5291-150 FuelMeister Inter $3,279.00 Real-time catalyst pre-mixer Built-in water mist wash system GC-5291-150 FuelMeister Plus Inter $4,279.00 Standard Unit Industrial-grade materials Fits in corner of garage or shed With a FuelMeister you don't have to be a plumber or mechanic to make your own biodiesel. This is not a hobby kit but a fully-assembled and tested system built with quality materials. You get all the specialized equipment and accessories you need to start making biodiesel that same day. All you need to add is vegetable oil, methanol, lye, electricity and tap water. The whole setup fits comfortably in the corner of your garage. And because it's a "closed" system you won't have to pour or stir any liquids. A digital scale is included so you can accurately measure your own lye. The FuelMeister will turn even heavily used cooking oil into clean burning, biodegradable and smooth-running biodiesel. Whatever you own that runs on #2 diesel fuel you can power with the biodiesel you produce with your own FuelMeister processor system.
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Biodiesel Makers SSI Energy Fully AUTOMATED Biodiesel Processor!
Have you wanted to make your own Biodiesel out of that WVO that you can pick up for free at FREE at your local restaurant but did not want to get involved in such things as titration other minor chemistry? Well now you can get this unit and make your own with just a flip of the switch you can cut down considerably on the time spent to make your own and turn that waste vegetable oil into your own on-site fuel. No mor e trips to the gas station! The BioPro 190 Pat. Pend. is the first fully automated, industrial grade, Do-It-Yourself biodiesel processor designed for individual, commercial and agricultural users. This state-of-the-art system is easy to use. Made in the USA too! Uses fresh or used vegetable oils. Specifications: Fully Automated No Measuring, No Chemistry Completely Portable 50 Gallon Fuel capacity TIG Welded Stainless Steel Tank 50 gallons -in and 50 gallons out No Titration necessary! Triple stage tubulant water wash! Finished product transferred directly into your tank.! No need for extra storage tanks! Minimum Requirements: 40 or 50 gallons of used or new vegetable oil 10 gallons of Methanol (racing fuel) Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) Aprox. 45 gallons fresh tap water 120 V 60 Hz AC , 15 Amp circuit Air tight storage containers Safety equipment The BioPro 150 Pat. Pend. is designed for just about anyone who wants to economically produce their own, clean burning 100% biodiesel fuel. The compact, portable design is self- contained with individual compartments for each ingredient required to produce biodiesel. No measuring or mixing chemicals required.
SSI-190-265 SSI Model 190 SSI-150-200 SSI Model 150 $7995.00 $4995.00
Model 150
Model 190
Control Panel
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COMMERCIAL
Commercial Applications
BeUtilityFree, Inc. provides a wide range of services for businesses, large and small. We can provide you with mobile or stationary, remote systems which can power telecommunication equipment on mountain tops, or even luxury resorts in remote areas. If you need power where there are no power lines, then call us today, and ask for our commercial division. We are more than happy to work with you on your future or current project. When there is no power in locations expensive line extensions that the utility companies require. Line extension of a few tenths of a mile or longer can be very expensive. 4. Reliability - Renewable energy systems have excellent track records of being both reliable and durable. Solar electric modules have no moving parts and good quality wind generators are designed to handle high winds with no damage. Solid state control panels have excellent track records for longevity also. Batteries can also be maintenancefree if required in your design criteria. 5. Maintenance costs - because renewable energy systems are so reliable, maintenance is minimized. Compare a solar module that has no moving parts with a diesel generator that has hundreds of moving parts. 6. Environmental - because the use of renewable energy is inherently clean by its very nature, pollution is nonexistent in the production of electricity. This should be a prime consideration where the air is still pristine. Large Modules Save Money
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Installing large 245 watt modules
Retracted mobile solar electric
such as islands, remote hill tops, etc. many factors need to be considered in your final decision. We will list what we think should be factored into your project. 1. Fuel Supply Delivery - how much time and expense does it cost to get diesel, gasoline or propane to the site. In many cases, if a generator is used, the getting the fuel to the site may cost you more than the generator itself. 2. Access to the site - many remote sites do not have the luxury of a
Oil platform utilizing solar electricity
Closed mobile solar electric self contained system
highway or airport close by for easy access. Many remote sites take days or weeks to get to in countries where development has been slow. A well designed renewable energy system is virtually maintenance free. 3. Avoided utility line extensions By utilizing a wind system or a solar electric system one can avoid the
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We carry a full line of utility intertie inverters for your every need.
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Mobile Uninterruptible Power Source Description: A self-contained, photovoltaic mobile power system with generator and battery backup, for emergency or longterm power generation. Designed for emergency medical or communications equipment, manufacturing facilities, water pumping, etc. Photovoltaic panels fold flat for towing, and fold out for maximum solar exposure. Mounted in an extra heavy duty steel trailer, with three separate compartments for batteries, generator, inverters and electrical control equipment.
Using large panels for large solar electric systems makes the job less expensive both in time and materials. When considering village electrification, a utility tie in system, electricity for a large commercial installation, utility line extensions or where commercial power is not available, these large panels are the only logical choice. Having fewer panels to obtain the same wattage as many smaller panels means less panel interconnections, resulting in shorter installation times and less wire resistance. This translates to less cost for your project and more electrical output for your customer. Utility Intertie Systems For Commercial Applications When you are thinking about a large installation that might require power to operate a small to medium size business you will normally need to tie into the local electric grid. If you are on a commercial rate you might consider the use of a renewable energy product for perk load shaving. This could mean the use of a wind generator to shed heating loads during the heating season or perhaps air conditioning loads with PV panels during the summer.
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COMMERCIAL Remote Telephone Systems

Telephone systems are the lifeblood of most of our civilization. If you are in a remote area beyond the phone lines, you can still have a telephone. With the Telenexus system, you can have all the features of a regular telephone, without the disadvantages of a radio phone. All that is required is a line of sight antenna to a site tied to a phone system. Narrow band FM radio makes the system work for you. Twenty mile extensions are typical, but this system can work as far as 40 miles to the phone base station. Special circuitry lets you use any telephone accessories like faxes, modems, and answering machines. People talking with you will never know that you are using a wireless telephone system, due to the high voice quality.
Prices start at $3,500
Ice Making Machine Where No Electricity Exists

remove any moisture buildup from the covery of Freon. ice maker coils, and places the unit back During the day the solar collector into Day mode to begin the next cycle. focuses the energy of the sun onto the Maintenance consists of re-aiming ammonia generator in the collector the collector every four weeks and an trough. This heat distills pure ammonia occasional wash of the glass surface. vapor from the water-ammonia solution in the generator. The vapor condenses in the cooling coils and collects as liquid ammonia in the receiving tank in the ice box. At the end of the day, the user switches the valves from the Day to Night positions to allow the ammonia to evaporate as it passes through the ice compartment, providing the refrigeration to freeze the water into ice. Critical to the operation of Isaac is a passive thermosyphon that operates in the Night mode to remove the heat from the generator and allows the ammonia vapor to absorb into the solution at lower pressure and temperature. At the beginning of the day, the IS-VIL68 Village 68 kg Ice/Day $12,995 operator harvests the ice from the ice IS-VIL30 Standard 30 kg Ice/Day $8,995 trays, operates a drain sequence to
The Isaac makes ice from the heat of the sun. It is designed to provide reliable refrigeration to locations away from the electric grid. The system is modestly priced, free of operating costs, requires almost no maintenance, and is culturally appropriate for use in remote areas. Ammonia absorption refrigeration was demonstrated by Ferdinand Carre in Paris in 1859. Ammonia absorption refrigeration fell out of fashion with the arrival of cheap electricity and the dis-
IS-VIL16 Health Clinic 16 kg Ice/Day $6,995
Solar Water Pumping for a Whole Village or a Single Well

water only when the sun is available. With access to a battery bank, water can be used anytime, day or night. For example, there is a small hospital about 75 kilometers west of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. For years it had a shortage of clean drinking water. A nearby spring was discovered but they had a major problem. How could they get the water to the clinic, a mere 1.3 kilometers distance and at an elevation of 90 meters? Traditional diesel-powered pumps were useless because of the lack of fuel to run the pump and lack of spare parts. Also people lacked the knowledge to repair and maintain the unit once it was running. The solution, as for thousands of communities throughout the world, was a Grundfos solar powered pump. This stainless steel pump requires virtually no maintenance, and of course the fuel is free!
Solar water pumping is unique in that it does not require any fuel but the sun. They offer a real advantage when one compares it to fuel burning generators, old vane type windmills, and tedious hand pumps. These solar pumps can be set up to run just during daylight hours pumping
168
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APPENDIX
Battery Installation Basics
Batteries are the heart of a UtilityFree home. The hookup of batteries is simple if you know some basic rules. If batteries are hooked up in series, the positive terminal is wired to the negative terminal. This increases the voltage, but the battery amperage remains the same. If batteries are hooked up in parallel the positive terminals and the negative terminals are connected together. Amperage increases, but voltage stays the same. Batteries can also be hooked up in series (1st) and parallel (2nd) to increase its amperage but keep the same voltage.
12 Volt System
12 V Lead Acid 12 V Lead Acid
24 Volt System
12 Volt Batteries
200 Ah 12 Volt
12 V Lead Acid
12 V Lead Acid
100 Ah 24 Volt
Batteries hooked up in parallel. Each battery has 100 Ah for a total Ah capacity of 200 Ah, but voltage remains at 12 volts.
Batteries hooked up in series. Each battery has 100 Ah for a total Ah capacity of 100 Ah, but voltage increases to 24 volts.
12 Volt System
6V Lead Acid 6V Lead Acid
6 Volt Batteries
24 Volt System
6V Lead Acid 6V Lead Acid 6V Lead Acid 6V Lead Acid
100 Ah 12 Volt Batteries hooked up in series. Each battery is 6 volts and has 100 Ah, for a total Ah capacity of 100 Ah. Voltage increases to 12 volts. (6v + 6v = 12 volts)
100 Ah 24 Volt Batteries hooked up in series. Each battery has 100 Ah for a total Ah capacity of 100 Ah, but voltage increases to 24 volts. (6v + 6v + 6v + 6v = 24 volts)
2 Volt Cells
These are lead acid batteries . They are the most expensive lead acid batteries, referred to as "industrial" lead acid batteries. They are normally purchased in metal trays and they are HEAVY!
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
2V
12 Volt system - Lead acid 6 cells
24 Volt system - Lead acid 12 cells
These are alkaline batteries. These can be either nickel iron or nickel cadmium. They typically are purchased by the cell. They normally come in transparant plastic cases for easy maintenance.
1.2 Volt Cells
1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V
12 Volt system - Alkaline battery 10 cells
13
1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V 1.2V
24 Volt system - Alkaline batteries 20 cells Remember a "battery" is made up of a group of cells. In a lead acid battery each cell voltage is 2 volts. In an alkaline battery, a cell is 1.2 volts.
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169
APPENDIX
What Size System Do I Need? There are two different approaches to sizing a renewable energy system - by budget or by load. The budget approach is simple, but not always easy. Many times, compromises have to be made. You give us a dollar figure to work with, and we will work within that budget. The load approach is more accurate, but more time consuming. The size of the system is based on what your needs are and what equipment is needed to get the job done for you. The first step is to fill out the form below and get an idea of how much energy you will need to operate your "loads" (anything that consumes electricity i.e. lights, TV, appliances, etc.) Allow for future additions to your system. Keep in mind when you are in the planning stage that renewable energy systems are modular and can be added onto at anytime in the future. Wire sizes should be big enough to accommodate any future expansion.
Sample Load Estimation Sheet
A Watts Item # 1. Lights 2. Refrigerator 3. Answering machine 4. TV 5. Stereo 6. Washer 7. Dryer (gas) Loads Microwave Oven Qt. 1 15 1 1 1 1 1 1 Brand/Model Panasonic BN-100 Phillips SLS 15 SunFrost Panasonic Sanyo Sony Maytag Maytag
(A x V)
B W/Hrs /Day 1 4.5 8 24 1 1.65 1.5 2.75
C Days /Wk. 5 7 7 7 7 7 4 4
D Daily W/Hrs 771 1,013 560 480 150 83 857 1,100 5,014
Total Watts 1,080 225 70 20 150 50 1,000 700
1,080 15 70 20 150 50 1,000 700
Total Watt Hours Per Day:
To find the number of watt hour per day use the formula: A x B x C 7 = D We are making an assumption all loads will be run through an inverter to run 120 Volt AC appliances. The only exceptions may be a DC water pump or DC refrigerator. They are about 15% more efficient then AC.
Your Load Estimation Sheet

Watts Item Loads Qty Brand/Model
(A x V)
A Total Watts
B Hrs /Day
C Days /Wk
D Daily Watt Hrs
Total Watt Hours Per Day:
170
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APPENDIX
Winter Sun Hour Maps
Magnetic Declination Map
13
Solar electric collectors can either be mounted in a fixed position or on a tracking device. Generally, tracking the sun will provide 25 to 40% more power than a fixed PV array, depending on whether it is a single axis or dual axis tracker. Single axis trackers follow the sun's direction east and west and dual axis trackers add the ability to track the suns height above the earth.
For fixed arrays, the annual energy production is maximum when the array is tilted at the same angle as your latitude; e.g., at 40 N latitude, the array should be tilted 40. For more power in the winter, add 15, to your latitude. In the summer, you can get more power if you seasonally align the array to your latitude, minus 15.
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171
APPENDIX
172
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APPENDIX
Renewable Energy Sizing Sheet Worksheet
Assuming no DC loads - All household electricity the same as utility company - 120 V AC Wh/Day = Watt hours per day; Ah/day = Amp hours per day Sample System A. How many ampere-hours (Ah) will I need daily? 1. What is your total Daily loads in watt hours: From sample load estimate worksheet on page 170. 2. Account for inverter losses in system (if applicable) A1 times 1.15. 3. Number of days of battery storage? 4. Watt hours needed to operate home for chosen days of storage: A2 times A3 5. Actual watt hours (adjustment for battery efficiency) New Lead acid all types: 1.20 Alkaline - Nickel Cadmium: 1.10 Alkaline - Nickel Iron: 1.25 6. Your System voltage: Consult BeUtilityFree for recommended system voltage. Multiply A5 by efficiency multiplier above (our sample uses 1.25). 7. How many amps will I need in my battery bank? A5 A6 8. What is my usable amp hour from the battery bank? Multiply by 1 if using alkaline batteries and .5 if using lead acid batteries. B. How much power will I need for my renewable energy system? 1. Average sun hours per day (winter months): From winter charts on opposite page if using a PV system. Charging sources, such as a wind generator, see notes at bottom of page. 2. Total number of amps per day required to charge batteries: A2 x A7 A3 3. Peak output in amperage of chosen solar module Example: A 170 watt module produces 7 amps at 24 volts DC. 4. Number of solar panels: (B2 B3) B1 to obtain the number of solar modules needed in parallel. Other charging sources skip to line B6. Round off to nearest whole number. 5. Number of module sets in series: If charging voltage and battery voltage are the same enter 0. If not, and modules are 12 volts*. then use the following numbers: Battery Voltage 24 number of modules by 2, battery voltage 48 4. 6. Total number of daily watts needed to power your system: Multiply line A3 by B2 (don't confuse this number with wattage of your charging source (PV array, wind generator, etc.) 7. What size charge controller will I need? B3 x B4 x 1.15 for solar electric, or use peak amperage of charging device. 8. Number of kWh per day required:
Multiply A5 x A3 and divide by 1,000 for PV system. Other systems see below. On your electric bill divide your monthly kWh by 30 and compare this figure to what you will be using from your renewable energy system. Wind Systems: Wind generators, unlike PV modules, often produce power 24 hours a day. In order to find out how many kWh a day one might produce find out how many kWh the unit will produce per month based on your average wind speed. Divide this figure by 30 and put into B7. Say your wind generator produces 80 kWh in an average 10 MPH wind. Divide 80 kWh by 30 days = 2.6 kWh per day. To find out if the wind generator will provide enough power, multiply the kWh by 1,000 and that will give you watt hours. Check that figure A2. If the number is larger then the wind generator should met all your needs. If the number is smaller then more power will be needed from other sources. Hydro Electric Systems: To find out how many kWh will be produced on a daily basis - use the formula: average watts produced x 24 1000. To find out if the hydroelectric system will provide enough power, multiply the kWh by 1,000 and that will give you watt hours. Check that figure with B1 or B2. If the number is larger then the wind generator should met all you needs. If the number is smaller, then more power will be needed from other sources. * Try to keep charging voltage source the same as battery voltage.
2007 BeUtilityFree, Inc.
Your System Wh/day Wh/day Days Wh/day Ah/day Wh/day Wh/day Days Wh/day Ah/day
5,014 5,766 3 17,298 21,623
24
Volts
Volts
901 901
Ah Ah
Ah Ah
/day
/day
300 7.0 9
A/day P-Ah panels
A/day P-Ah panels
series
series
Shaded area for solar electric use only 7,208 Watts Watts
63 7.2
Amps kW
Amps kW
13
1.888.320.9211
173
APPENDIX
US Solar Tax Credits and Incentives
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Solar Technologies PV ST W All CREDIT MAX. CREDIT EXPIRES OTHER
State Energy Office Numbers

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware DOC Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 800-452-5901 907-478-3744 800-352-5499 501-682-7377 800-772-3300 800-632-6622 203-566-5898 800-282-8616 202-727-1800 904-488-6764 404-656-5176 808-587-3800 800-334-7283 800-252-8955 800-382-4631 515-281-4739 800-752-4422 800-282-0868 504-342-1399 207-624-6800 800-723-6374 617-727-4732 517-334-6261 800-657-3710 800-222-8311 800-334-6946 406-444-6697 402-471-2867 702-687-4909 800-852-3466 800-492-4242 800-451-2541 800-423-7283 800-662-7131 701-238-2094 800-848-1300 800-879-6552 800-221-8035 800-692-7312 401-277-6920 800-851-8899 800-872-6190 800-342-1340 512-463-1931 800-662-3633 800-828-4069 804-692-3220 800-962-9731 304-293-2636 608-266-8234 307-777-7284
Sales Tax Exp Y N N N 10% of PV system NONE
Y N
$200 R
NONE
35% R C $1,750 NONE 100% R ; 40% 1st yr; $5,000 NONE 20% following 3 yrs. Loans by The Idaho Dept. of Water Resources ; Up to $10,000 @ 4% Interest; 5 yr.
Y Y
N N N Y Y Y
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Y Y Y A 15% $1,000 NA Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York Grant Program; Up to $10,000; 50% Pd by New York Gov. North Carolina Y Y Y Y 25% Solar R C I $1,000 NONE 25% Solar I $8,000 NONE 10% Wind R C $1,000 NONE 10% Hydro R C $5,000 NONE 10% Methane R C $2,500 NONE 20% Ethanol R C NO LIMIT NONE North Dakota Y Y Y Y 15% spread over 3 yrs. NO LIMIT NONE Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Y Y Y Y 35% R $1,500 35% C over 5 yrs NO LIMIT You Can Add State TAx Incentives To ANY Utility Rebate Program. Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Y Y Y Y 25% R C $1,000 South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Y Y Y Y 25% R; 10% C R $1,000 C $25,000 Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Prop. Tax Exemp. 5 yrs
This Tables on tax credits and incentives are Outdated please go to http://www.dsireusa.org/ index.cfm to get up to date information
Some Prop. Tax Exemp. Prop. & Sales Tax Exemp. PV Prop. Tax Exemp. Prop. Tax Exemp. Prop. Tax Exemp. Some Prop. Tax Exemp. Sales Tax Exp Prop. Tax Exemp.
Basic Electrical Formulas

Prop. Tax Exemp. Tax Exempt on Energy Eff.
Prop. Tax Exemp. Solar
Prop. Tax Exemp. Prop. Tax Exemp.
Watts = Volts x Amps Amps = Watts Volts Volts = Amps Watts Watt Hours = Wattage x hours on kWh = Watt hours 1,000 (what the electric company bills you for) Average Daily Watt Hours per Day= Hours per day x days per week on 7 Daily kWh = Monthly kWh used day/month kW = Watts 1,000 Amp hours = Amps x hours
Federal Tax Credits

Some Prop. Tax Exemp.
Prop. Tax Exemp.
Federal tax credits are due to expire at the end of 2008. Please visit our web page for the latest information on the Tax credits.
LEGEND: Y = Yes; N=No; W=Wind; A=All; R=Residential; C=Commercial; I=Industrial
Call your local energy office to confirm information in the table.
174
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Gift Certificates
If you see something your friend or relative may like in the SourceBook, call us with the amount, and we will send the certificate to you or to the recipient. You can purchase one for any amount in $10.00 denominations or the exact item amount.
Books Hot Off the Press!
If You Need A Meter For Your System This IS The One You Will Want!
The staff of the Green Development Services at Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has written this book for architects and their clients and others connected with the construction industry. If you plan to erect a new building, retrofit an existing one, and you are concerned about resale value, utility bills, or simply saving money, this book is for you. 125 pages. Just updated please see our web page!
Homemade Money sets before you a spread of cost-effective things you can do to make your home use energy and water more efficiently. Easy reading for the lay person. An up-to-date book on the latest methods of providing efficiency measures so when you are ready for renewable energy, your cost for a system will be minimized. 258 pages.
This meter is one of the most versatile meters we have seen and the price is about 1/2 what you would pay for other meters doing half as much. It measures DC and AC current and voltage. It has a peak hold and data hold feature for finding out exactly what an appliance or PV array is doing. Has a 2-1/2" jaw. Other features include a diode check, resistance, low battery, overload indicator and manual zero adjustment for DC current accuracy.
EX-HF380912 Clamp Meter AC/DC Only $179.00 EX-HF38091F Clamp Meter AC/DC F With Temp Prob $199.00
RM-881071 Sustainable Building $16.95 RM-883178 Homemade Money $14.95

We need to clean up our act and stop spewing pollution from cars, utility plants, and other sources of dirty emissions. Become part of the solution today!
1.888.320.9211
Why Will Natural Gas Normally Be Cheaper Than Electricity? Natural gas is delivered to you more efficiently. When electricity is delivered to your home, it has gone through many conversion processes before it lights up one light. In general, the more energy conversions to get the final energy product to you (gas, oil, electricity, propane) the more expensive that energy costs the consumer - you. Keeping this in mind, solar energy is the cheapest energy because it is delivered directly to your site and once the collection or conversion device is paid for, the energy is free!
BeUtilityFree Referral Program

Much of our business is built on customer referrals. We also know that once you get a copy of our BeUtilityFree Living SourceBook you won't want to part with it for very long. So we will send your friend a copy of our free brochure and a reply card so that they can order our SourceBook too! Thank you.
What Are Daily Specials?

Every day we select a few items that we lower the price on considerably. Call us to check out what our specials are because you never know if what you are looking for may be a daily special! Call 888.320.9211 during normal store hours.
Name ____________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________ City __________________________________ State _____ Zip ________________ Building When? _______________ Electricity to site? ________________________
BeUtilityFree Preferred Customer Club Memberships

Benefits of Club Memberships:
Basic Membership - $ 49.00 Gold Membership - $ 99.00
Discount Pricing 5 % off all list prices Preferred treatment on daily specials BeUtilityFree newsletter that contains the latest product news and developments in the field of renewable energies, energy conservation products and company news All BeUtilityFree mailings including our SourceBook,special mailings and fliers Automatic renewal upon responding to renewal notice Membership card Current copy of the SourceBook electronically and hard copy GUARANTEE: If requested, after becoming a member, you do not take us up on at least one of our offers within one year, we'll refund your annual membership fee with no questions asked.
Discount Pricing 5 % off all list advertised prices (including sales) Special pricing on any new product we introduce to the public Guaranteed discount up to 10% off all complete solar electric systems, depending on system components Preferred treatment on daily specials BeUtilityFree newsletter that contains the latest product news and developments in the field of renewable energies, energy conservation products and company news All BeUtilityFree mailings including special mailings and fliers Automatic renewal upon responding to renewal notice Membership card Overnight emailing of HOT! items such as good used panels, batteries, new products, etc. Current issue of the SourceBook We would appreciate you answering the following questions for our marketing department: 1. How did you find out about BeUtilityFree? ________________________________ 2. What magazines do you normally read? _______________________________
Membership Order Form:

Name :_______________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________ I am already on your mailing list ___ I have a new address _____________________________________ Phone: ________________________________ Best time to call ________ I have enclosed a Check or Money order for $ __________ Please charge my MasterCard/Visa/Discover. My account number is: _________________________ expiration date ______/______ Please call me because I am already building and need power now __________ Mail to: 14149 W County Rd 26, Fort Lupton, CO 80621 or call 888-320-9211 Today! Credit Card Orders Only Please.
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Notes
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Preliminary Site Assessment Information

Do you presently have electricity?
No If yes, what type of power? Yes Utility power What size generator? ____________ Kw or Watts Are you building new or retrofitting? New
Building NOW! Year around 6 months One year
Back up generator
Retrofit
If new when are you planning on building?
Other____________
Seasonal use or year around residence?
Seasonal Is there a lot of snow at your sight? Spring Summer Fall
Yes
No
Cut along dotted line Cut along dotted line
What seasons will you be using if seasonal use?
Winter
If seasonal, length of stay at site _____________

If yes, how deep is the well? ______Ft.
Do you presently have a well drilled on the property?
Yes
No
No Size storage _________ gal Yes Will you have water storage? If NO, what type of water system do you plan on having? Pressure system Gravity system Other ___________ How deep do you think your water will be? ______ fit Do you need fire protection? No Yes When do you plan to drill a new well? Other _______________ 1 month 3 months 6 months
If well is already installed, what is the pump voltage?
110
220 What wattage or HP? ________watts ________ HP
Site Potential For Renewable Energy Products

Solar: Do you have a good solar access (a large unshaded area) If yes, do you have full sun from 9 AM to 3 PM?
Yes
Yes No
No Do you want to be
totally off grid
Roof
Yes No
Ground Tracker
If you decide to produce solar electricity where would you want to put your solar modules?
Wind: Do you have an average annual wind speed of 10 mph? What type of tower would you plan to put the wind generator on? Hydroelectric: Do you have a year around water source?
Yes
Guyed
No
Freestanding
Other _______________
If yes, please describe your water source ______________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ In order to help you, you need to help us. Please draw a top view sketch of your home site. Basic information is needed including which way is south, home square feet, direction of roof slope, location of well and well pump, power shed if used, generator location, object layout (tree height, elevations, other buildings, etc.), distances (to wind tower from power shed, to solar tracker from battery room, etc.. The more detailed the better. If another sheet of paper is required please attach to this sheet.
Your Home Site
Name: ___________________________ Address ____________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Daytime ____________________________ Evening
Additional notes
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BeUtilityFree Order Form

Mailing Address: Name _________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City ______________________________ State ______ Zip ____________ Phone _________________________
Phone number used for order questions we may have.
Shipping Address (if different then mailing): Name _________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City ______________________________ State ______ Zip ____________ Phone _________________________ M ust have a physical street address for UPS! Fo r Co mpany Us e ONLY Customer # ___________ Source _________ Salesperson _______ Technician ________ UPS UPSR Engineer ________ CC UPSB CX USPS UPS3
Cut along dotted line
I have a new address sice I ordered last from you How to order: Call 888.320.9211 To l l Free for Credit Card Orders Only. 8:30 - 5:30 M-F MST. Fax : 888.320.9211 Copy this order form and fax to us. All faxes must have a credit card number. Fax machine is on 24 Hours for your convience. Outs i de US : 7 2 0 . 2 9 6 . 6 7 9 0
Please read our company policy page before placing an order!
I have ordered from you before SourceBook #
If y o u nev er want y o ur name g i v en to any o ne el s e check thi s bo x Unit Qty To tal Item Description Price
Special Shipping Instructions:
Total Purchase Membership (Deduct 5%) Sales Tax CO Only 2.9% Shipping/Handling
I would like a digital SourceBook emailed to ______________________________
Express Service/Other Total Enclosed (U.S. Dollars)
Cut along dotted line
I would like another SourceBook sent with this order
Mai l to : BeUti l i ty Free, Inc. , 1 4 1 4 9 W Co unty Rd 2 6 , Fo rt Lupto n, CO 8 0 6 2 1 Shipping Table to Lower 48 States Amount of Order
Under $30 $35 - $79 $80 - $100 $100 - $175 $176 - $250 $251 - $499 $500 - $999 $1,000 and up Canada orders add Cost $5.00 to charges. For $4.95 AK,HI,PR,VI,Guam $8.50 add $5.00. $9.00 $10.00 $14.00 Add 3.5% Add 6% Call for quote
Payment Method: Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard and Discover Money order, Cashier's check or Personal Check Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) Exp. Date
Account Number Signature _________________________________________________ Shipments that are paid by personal check are held for one week for bank clearence.
2007 BeUtilityFree, Inc.
All prices subject to change without notice. www.beutilityfree.com
Thank You for Your Order! 1.888.320.9211
Index
A AET Hot water panels Air conditioning Amp hour meters Asko appliances Attic fans B Batteries Battery cables Battery chargers Batteries lead acid Batteries gel cell Batteries nickel iron Battery wiring C Canyon turbines Charge controllers Chargers -battery Compact Fluorescents Composting toilets D Disconnects Daylighting E 87 Electrolyzers Enclosures Ethanol stills Exeltech inverters F Financing Fixed mounts Flexible modules 90 32,35,36 124 66,67 33,34 125-128 129 129 125-127 125 128` 169 158 118-120 129 79-81 24,25 142 74,75 153 99 161-162 135 104 114-116 110 Foam sealants Fronious Fuel Ethanol stills Fuses G Gas freezers Gas refrigerators Generators-back-up H Harris hydroelectric Heat exchangers Heating Hydroelectric Hydrogen Hydrometers I Instantaneous heaters Inverters - DC-AC L L-16 batteries Lighting AC Lighting DC Load sheet M Mate - OutBack Methane Modules - PV OO O Outdoor lighting OutBack P Power panels 138 78 137--139 121 160 105-11 126 77,79-81 49 170 98,99 135-138 157 102 24-30 157,158 151-156 130 61,62 59,60 131,132 21 139 161-162 142 Pumps - water R Ram pumps Rannai Refrigerators - electric S Saber washing machine Shell PV modules Shunts SIPS Sine wave inverters Solar hot water Solar storage tanks Sun Earth Sun Frost Sun Pumps (SolarJack) Sunny Boy (SMA) T Taco pumps Trackers Tower - wind generators Transfer switch V Vanner equalizers Vestfrost (Conserv) W Wind generators Windows Wind towers Wind speed indicators Wire Windows X Xantrex 51-55 56 99 63-64 67 106 141 20 135-139 86-102 96,97 91 63 53 140 98 117 147,148 142 129 40 145-150 23 147,148 148 142 99 136
MC wire for panel interconnects. Weathertight C ombiner box with fuses

DC Panel
22 Gauge 4-Wire
120
Volt & A mp meter Locate in House 400 amp fused disconnects in Jumper Wire for all 120 V A C loads 10 - 170 watt PV panels, fixed or tracker mounted. Output 1,700 watts
8/3 SE, Copper
Standard AC C ircuit Breaker Box
4,000 Watt Inverter (48 VDC to 120 VAC )
4/0 4/0
AC out from inverter
Grounding Wire
DC Array Main C ircuit Breakers
4/0 Wire
4/0 Wire
1 Sets of 20 - 1.2 volt Nickel Iron C ells; 400 amp/hr battery @ 48 VDC
With all complete systems purchased you receive a custom color blueprint.
This sample drawing in not intended for any readers application and should not be used. All systems we design are site specific and designed by professionals.

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TM

Your Guide to Sustainable UtilityFreeTM Living

Renewable Energy Fuels

Energy Efficient Products

Second Edition Version 3.9

Solar Hot Water

The UtilityFree Triangles

How Much Will You Spend On Utility Bills?

. 2009 BeUtilityFree, Inc.

Home planning Benefits Design Services

Solar Electric Wind Generators

Hydrogen Energy Hydroelectric Systems RE Fuels Commercial

Electrolyzers Storage Accessories

Small Turbines Large Turbines

Worksheets Tax Credits Maps Tables

Index On The Back Inside Cover

Be Smart. Be Green. Be Free.

Welcome to Version 3.9 of our SourceBook

email: info@beutilityfree.com Internet: www.beutilityfree.com.

THE BOTTOM LINE...

8:30-5:30 MST, Mon-Fri

INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

A Letter From All Of Us ...

Why Buy From Us?

From the President's Desk

John D'Angelo Founder and CEO

INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

Unifying Company Principles

Printed with solar electricity

8:30-5:30 MST, Mon-Fri

INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

Printed with solar electricity

INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

Printed with solar electricity

8:30-5:30 MST, Mon-Fri

INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

Phantom Loads What are they?

A Typical "wall cube" - always on! www.beutilityfree.com

Printed with solar electricity

A power strip lets you shut off phantom loads.

INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

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Source for all charts on this page: Energy Information Administration

8:30-5:30 MST, Mon-Fri

INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

Typical kWh meter on your home

Source EPA e Grid 2000

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INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

Fuel Mix of the Continental USA

Source EPA e Grid 2000

Source EPA eGrid 2000

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INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

The Heart Of A UtilityFree Home: Energy Efficiency

800 $60,000 600 $40,000 400 $20,000

0 UtilityFree Home Conventional #1 Type Home Conventional #2

INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING

What Is A UtilityFree Home Like?

Price Cabin , Colorado

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