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stumbling self sufficiency in a small space
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7:47 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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S.O.L. you have an excellent objective: clearing your mortgage early. We know one other lady with the same goal and determination as you but she works such long hours that we have genuine concerns for her health. But each to his/her own path.
If you consider that there are two aspects to all this (1) reduce costs (2) increase income or make more of the income or skills and assets that you have, then I guess that we are primarily in category (2). Both are equally important and we love it already that you are championing the cost cutting avenue on the forum. Long may you continue to share your thoughts and methods.
Just as an example of my category (2) thinking – you mentioned archery in another post. I have never done archery but I (and thousands like me) would love to give it a go. If you do ever make the move to the larger property, why not give archery lessons or archery weekends? I for one would sign up. You have a desirable skill that is saleable. In return, I would be happy to dedicate xx hours to marketing your service on the Internet. That is one of my skills. Between us, we could achieve a win/win scenario. 
Top banana! 
Never knowingly underfed
11:52 am
Knowledegable
Mon 21-Sep-09
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Sometimes I think I need to be as blinkered as many of my co-workers. I read so many things about peak oil and how we are killing the planet. And I feel all 'little man tate', where the child is about 5 and has an ulcer from worrying about the state of the world.
On these thoughts and to inform others of my reads here is a few links I have read lately. That is the best thing about blogging and forums you find like minded people searching for the same ideals.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/09/.....rgy-agency
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2008/m......community
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/09/.....oyle-money
11:16 pm
Senior Class
Wed 4-Nov-09
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Deleted as off topic
5:45 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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Thanks S.O.L. three brilliant articles that have prompted me to look around the box rather than just out of it!
9:10 pm
Knowledegable
Mon 21-Sep-09
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I am still looking for grants ready for my next house. Has anyone had any grants other than for insulation? I am hoping to find something for solar panels...
PB lived in a caravan foor 4 months and hesaid he wouldnt have a problem with doing it long term. but he functions with out things. I need somethings....
9:22 am
Councillor
Tue 22-Sep-09
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There are grants for all manner of energy saving, but they do seem to get snapped up superfast as soon as they appear-worth going to http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for details of what's around, if you call your local office they are most helpful and will tell you what is available and when, local councils often have schemes too.
Kateuk makes things at http://www.etsy.com/shop/finkstuff and sometimes she does this too http://www54paintings.blogspot.com/ and also this http://finkstuff.weebly.com/
4:58 pm
2nd Grader
New members
Tue 24-Aug-10
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I'm in the process of arranging to have solar panels put onto the garage roof (photovoltaic cells) so that we can generate electricity to use and feed into the grid. Does anyone have any experience of how to sign up for the feed-in tariff? I am using a certified installer, but I'm just not sure how to get everything registered so that I get some pay-back (if the sun shines).
Am I mad to think that selling electricity to the national grid is a good idea?
6:06 pm
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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Fi, are you aware of the installation companies who make absolutely no charge to you? I can't recall any names but they are, apparently, legitimate. I believe you have to sign up to have the cells on your home for 25 years, you get free electricity though I think they take any profit from selling to the Naional Grid.
I'll try that again!
8:16 pm
2nd Grader
New members
Tue 24-Aug-10
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Toffeeapple, I had heard about these companies on the radio - however, I am looking at this as a bit of an investment, so by 'investing' the cost of the solar panels I should be able recoup the investment in approx 10 years and then make a profit (as well as reducing my electricity bills). This relies on the new government continuing the existing scheme, but then there is always a risk with investing. I am really excited by the idea of being able to do something green as well as hopefully reduce my reliance on being a wage slave in the future. I do realise that solar panels alone will not mean I can give up work tomorrow ..... but it's all about little steps isn't it?
9:25 pm
sounds like a great idea: green energy is becoming more and more popular in France; we have 2 panels for our hot water and an aerothermic (heat exchange) underfloor heating system; My next step when I have some pennies is to dig a well: very pop here in France as water is pricey!
1:30 pm
Sat 12-Aug-06
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Thanks for resurrecting this thread, Fi. I am fascinated to learn about the installation companies who do it for free. Is that just the installation or do they supply the solar panels also? Or is that a stupid question?
I have a slight acqauintace in the field of sustainable energy sources via Toby Hammond of Better Generation, who is a genuinely nice bloke. They appear to have grown rapidly in the past few years. The web site has some good info on many aspects of renewable energy, including selling power to the grid
Never knowingly underfed
11:08 am
Councillor
New members
Thu 7-Jan-10
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Danny, the Guardian had a big article on it a couple of weeks ago, in the Sat. Money section. The company pays for the lot, you get the energy you generate, they get all the profit.
People in rented houses where the landlord gives permission can benefit a lot, since they don't have to invest anything and it reduces their electricity bills. If you have the money, pay for it yourself as they were projecting income of about £35,000 over the 25 year life of the panels...
blog: Devon Garden
8:08 am
2nd Grader
New members
Tue 24-Aug-10
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I saw a similar article from the Sunday Times a few weeks ago, it seems that if someone else pays (and takes the profit from the feed-in tariff) that you are basically renting your roof space. But if you have a suitable roof you do get some free electricity for minimal effort. That is where my concerns start - I have always believed that if something seems to be too good to be true, then it usually is - but, I really would like to think that renewable energy should play a part in the future. I'm having the technical survey for my system next week, so all being well I may have some practical experience of the scheme to share in a while.
11:12 am
Sat 12-Aug-06
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That would be really useful, Fi. It's something i want to explore further here on the forum. MOS said that he has done extensive research into alternative power sources. he is away for a week but maybe we can get a thread going when he is back and as you share your experiences.
Never knowingly underfed
9:28 pm
2nd Grader
New members
Tue 24-Aug-10
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Hi Danny
A thread on microgeneration would be great, especially if there is a resident expert (extensive research = expert in my book). The survey for my solar PV installation was OK, so I'm eagerly awaiting a date for work to start.
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