Arizona Chickens

[CaroleW]

That's a shame too. Texas has been said to have a separate power structure over there from other states. I don't think that AZ. should be going to those windmill style. They are just like the wing's on a plane that can ice up. As far as the solar thing goes, those have to be on your roof top's, so the roof's need to be re-enforced first because those solar panel's are heavy.

This is a warning to all of us to be stocked up on what is most necessary.
IF no electricity = no water, no gas, no elec heat/AC, etc... what can I do to be more prepared for those circumstances?
Remember coastal TX never thought this weather was possible -- Metro Phx also rarely sees those conditions. Don't be caught in the same mindset if you can stock up and have alternate ways to deal with the lack of power. Even if it means eating for a month out of canned food or coffee made over outdoor cooking. Please remember never to use outdoor cooking stuff inside or generators inside, near or under eaves of your house or garage, the poison gas can kill you and your entire family.

FYI- We had a solar setup with battery storage (not connected to the grid & NOT connected to my house roof- I abhor roof penetrations by solar contractors with no accountability if it leaks & I will never lease out my roof top/panels to/from the power co). I made sure it had a building permit (since that is directly related to my day job) which meant a power transfer switch hooked to a traditional generator (the solar battery bank was hooked up as the generator later as recommended by a consulting electrician). We are in process of dismantling the solar array to move it to another property.

Also for emergency water supply use your pool. And there is a way to use a solar pool pump (DC - no battery bank required, no tie in to any other power system, runs whenever the sun shines for free) -Arizona company in Safford - https://www.sunpumps.com/ We have replaced parts on this pump a few times and they have even sent us a replacement pump under warranty before.

 

[CaroleW]

Several years ago I talked with someone, and he told me that the blowing sand and grit eventually gets through the protection on the windmills, and that birds damage them. He said he would not put them on his property for that reason.

I've been playing with the idea of changing the well to solar, but solar wells are not cheap. Pumps that can work with a solar system run around $3000, then there are the panels, etc. Yikes!

If you haven't already - you might check out Arizona company in Safford - https://www.sunpumps.com/
they do solar pumps for wells internationally. We use one of their pumps for our POOL for many years but I don't know how much an appropriate pump for a WELL costs. I'm sure it needs more power depending on the depth of your well. They are a very responsive and helpful company in our experience.

 

[CaroleW]

It is reliable.. its just energy generation is not the same as energy storage.. that is a separate system. Same issue the power plants are having.. which proves they aren't reliable, on a much grander scale! However, in some jurisdictions, its the power companies that introduce legislation that restrict homeowners from generating and STORING their own power. You're not allowed to interfere with their monopolies! Oh but its not their problem when power goes out either.

We installed a transfer switch for a generator and had to have the generator on-site at inspection. We could also hook up our solar charged battery bank as the generator instead of the traditional generator. This was how our consulting electrician said we had to do it for the building permit process (in 2014 in Mesa).

Also our solar array is not tied to the grid.

 

[City farm]

That's a shame too. Texas has been said to have a separate power structure over there from other states. I don't think that AZ. should be going to those windmill style. They are just like the wing's on a plane that can ice up. As far as the solar thing goes, those have to be on your roof top's, so the roof's need to be re-enforced first because those solar panel's are heavy.

Yeah, I don’t think we have enough wind, but also.. so much for green. Plus did you see all the articles about how to dispose of the broken blades? I mean we can not go back to the cowboy days as thinking in a green living. Never gonna happen. We would all have to give up our phones, t.v., buying new furniture, household item & so on. We are a through away society. Greta would be furious if she knew all the gloves that restaurants toss in a day! Then what about all the take out containers oh man that would really piss her off, or I mean her handlers.

 

[AngBantamLuv]

We installed a transfer switch for a generator and had to have the generator on-site at inspection. We could also hook up our solar charged battery bank as the generator instead of the traditional generator. This was how our consulting electrician said we had to do it for the building permit process (in 2014 in Mesa).

Also our solar array is not tied to the grid.

Awesome, you have my dream setup! So is this just your generator power source, or is your whole house running off solar?

 

[AngBantamLuv]

This is a warning to all of us to be stocked up on what is most necessary.
IF no electricity = no water, no gas, no elec heat/AC, etc... what can I do to be more prepared for those circumstances?
Remember coastal TX never thought this weather was possible -- Metro Phx also rarely sees those conditions. Don't be caught in the same mindset if you can stock up and have alternate ways to deal with the lack of power. Even if it means eating for a month out of canned food or coffee made over outdoor cooking. Please remember never to use outdoor cooking stuff inside or generators inside, near or under eaves of your house or garage, the poison gas can kill you and your entire family.

FYI- We had a solar setup with battery storage (not connected to the grid & NOT connected to my house roof- I abhor roof penetrations by solar contractors with no accountability if it leaks & I will never lease out my roof top/panels to/from the power co). I made sure it had a building permit (since that is directly related to my day job) which meant a power transfer switch hooked to a traditional generator (the solar battery bank was hooked up as the generator later as recommended by a consulting electrician). We are in process of dismantling the solar array to move it to another property.

Also for emergency water supply use your pool. And there is a way to use a solar pool pump (DC - no battery bank required, no tie in to any other power system, runs whenever the sun shines for free) -Arizona company in Safford - https://www.sunpumps.com/ We have replaced parts on this pump a few times and they have even sent us a replacement pump under warranty before.

How is this not something people prepare for? Like, at all? No water, no canned food, no propane tank, nothing? And absolutely no solar option for your cell phone..?? its 2021.. No common sense? I have never lost power anywhere i have ever lived, and still have those things. I'm becoming less sympathetic to people who choose not to think at all.

 

[CaroleW]

Awesome, you have my dream setup! So is this just your generator power source, or is your whole house running off solar?

It is just backup power (a separate breaker like box controls all or to just critical circuits individually). We are dismantling the solar parts to use at another property. It can run heat pump, fridge, fans, lighting and the kick on power for those motors (heat pump & fridge) which can draw more than you think. In an emergency we would probably only switch on the fridge & heat pump circuits so battery power would not go down to critical. Batteries are worth researching and prioritizing how much you can spend on the best batteries. Our salvaged/low cost original batteries are shot now and not really a priority to replace at the moment.

 

[AngBantamLuv]

This is a warning to all of us to be stocked up on what is most necessary.
IF no electricity = no water, no gas, no elec heat/AC, etc... what can I do to be more prepared for those circumstances?
Remember coastal TX never thought this weather was possible -- Metro Phx also rarely sees those conditions. Don't be caught in the same mindset if you can stock up and have alternate ways to deal with the lack of power. Even if it means eating for a month out of canned food or coffee made over outdoor cooking. Please remember never to use outdoor cooking stuff inside or generators inside, near or under eaves of your house or garage, the poison gas can kill you and your entire family.

FYI- We had a solar setup with battery storage (not connected to the grid & NOT connected to my house roof- I abhor roof penetrations by solar contractors with no accountability if it leaks & I will never lease out my roof top/panels to/from the power co). I made sure it had a building permit (since that is directly related to my day job) which meant a power transfer switch hooked to a traditional generator (the solar battery bank was hooked up as the generator later as recommended by a consulting electrician). We are in process of dismantling the solar array to move it to another property.

Also for emergency water supply use your pool. And there is a way to use a solar pool pump (DC - no battery bank required, no tie in to any other power system, runs whenever the sun shines for free) -Arizona company in Safford - https://www.sunpumps.com/ We have replaced parts on this pump a few times and they have even sent us a replacement pump under warranty before.

Where do you have your panels?? I agree on the roof install.. although my plan is to have the solar roof shingle installed when this roof is a tad older and the technology a little more streamlined.

 

[AngBantamLuv]

It is just backup power (a separate breaker like box controls all or to just critical circuits individually). We are dismantling the solar parts to use at another property. It can run heat pump, fridge, fans, lighting and the kick on power for those motors (heat pump & fridge) which can draw more than you think. In an emergency we would probably only switch on the fridge & heat pump circuits so battery power would not go down to critical. Batteries are worth researching and prioritizing how much you can spend on the best batteries. Our salvaged/low cost original batteries are shot now and not really a priority to replace at the moment.

I've looked into the tesla powerwall for backup power. You can let it trickle charge from the grid, or even have it switch to backup at peak pricing hours. I'll wait til all of texas buys them and brings down pricing, then get one myself.

 

[CaroleW]

I'm currently testing out (without any eggs inside) my new incubator (not my DIY incubator that I still needed to buy a few parts for). I'm not planning on hatching anything for a few months but wanted to see how this Rite Farm 24 egg incubator works to hold temp and humidity steady.