A Small Piece of Our very best advice




If you are concerned about the our energy future, as we are sure you are,  you've probably given it a little thought and are searching for some answers.

We've done the same.  But we are in the fortunate position that allows us the ability to actively pursue answers.  Here's our latest.

We (the Earth) are due for another Solar Flare with EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) probabilities.  We are due for the 100 year kind as a matter of fact.  So the one that downed most of the eastern half of the US back in 89 is due to repeat but with more intensity.  Remember the long period of darkness with no electricity, and the looting?  We in the U.S. have created a GRID of incredible coverage (read: exposure).  But we do not have the ability to protect it if there is a massive outage.  It would take many months, if not years, to replace all the transformers if more than a few went down simultaneously.  And this is not even mentioning all the burnt up appliances and such of your own place!

We also know that most all of the population would be totally without food within days of such an event. And, you've all heard the dire result:  unrest, looting, etc....not good.

The very best thing you can do now to protect yourself and your family is to GET OFF THE GRID!!!!

The grid is the extremely high voltage conduit.  The grid intensifies the EMP "spark".  The grid is potentially the greatest hazard of all modern american life.  And the experts are all trying to get us to accept the "Smart Grid" (where they offer you sophiscated meters which collect info on your usage and offer more efficient alternatives) when they have done so very little at creating a SAFE Grid.  People ask us everyday what they can do to help themselves.  Our answer:  "Cut the Cord!"  Get off the grid. 

But, where do we go from here?  The obvious answer is Alternative Energy generation.  Become your own utility.  Produce your own.  But are we without hazards?  Absolutely not. 

The two dominately chosen alternatives are wind and solar.  (There are plenty of other choices!!)  Visit our commercial website:  alternativeenergydiscounthouse.com for many of these alternatives.  But most people opt for either of these two.  We are still susceptible to all the elements.  We must be aware of these hazards as we erect our solutions.  Even so, we are still exposed especially to things like lightning.  If you were to get a direct hit, we are told that there is nothing you can do.  We are told that you can protect with lightning suppressors and such from experts but we're on our own from there.

One of the first things you learn when investing in wind turbines is that "the higher you raise your tower the more wind you are likely to get (and hence, the more power obtained).  But it is also true that the higher you go the more likely you are at obtaining a lightning strike! 

So, we recommend the following.  If you need more power, instead of going higher with the biggest turbine you can afford, instead, go with multiple, smaller turbines placed above obstructions (as the manufacturer and installers suggest that you stay above buildings, and trees, etc.).  Go with the smaller, quieter versions that start creating power at the lower wind speeds  (8 mph or less).  If you want more protection, erect a lightning rod far enough away (so you don't create sympathaic reaction but close enough to attract any lightning to it rather than your turbines. All this gives you the power desired with a bigger turbine but with protections of having more than one (if all the above still doesn't keep a lightning bolt from hitting one of your turbines) you'll still have the others working for you.

We do not heard much of lightning hitting solar panels.  Maybe this is because they hug the roofs or ground.  Anyway, it doesn't seem to be as big of a problem. 

In the meantime, we are investigating "faraday cage" applications.  They may be usable in protecting your energy generation units as well as protect your circuitry.  Right now we think they have promise.  Right now you can ground your wind turbines and solar panels with "ufer grounds" (a concrete base with rebar cross checking and bonded together.)  Investing in surge arrestors are still a good idea.  Apply both 8/20 and 10/350 wave forms.  (Check on Alternative Energy Discount House website for details.)

What this all comes down to is this:  When your source of power is within your control at least you can do things to protect it.

Larry E. Bell
President
North East Arizona Energy Services Company
dba:  Alternative Energy Discount House