I hear more and more people getting help from natural energy sources like solar, wind and water. The first step in any of these projects is identifying the size and cost of the project for feasibility. The best way to start is to look at your history in you power bills. If you have Duke-Energy as your provider, you can log on to your online account (register if you haven't already) and easily see a history of your last 13 months for both cost and energy usage. This can also be viewed in a bar chart to see the peaks and valleys. You need to realize that the average usage can give you an idea of how much you may save over the year, you need the peak amounts to project the size of your energy system needed. Then you can begin getting pricing and estimates of the various options to getting off the grid, or even supplying the grid! I am evaluating my usage, which ranges from just under 1000 kwhrs per month, to almost 3000 kwhrs per month. These are still averages and may not reflect how the peak usage on the coldest night or hottest day of the year might effect our comfort levels. Also realize that if you are willing to endure a little discomfort by adjusting your thermostat or supplement you heat, and/or depend on some of your battery backup, you may be able to level out your usage. The prospect of selling back to the grid can also help you end up the year with a zero balance. All these options should be weighted in on the outset so realistic projections can be established and we end up happiest with our clean energy.
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