Stories with Tag off-grid

• Building my own solar power system

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-05-18 18:07:03

  Verbose tl;dr

  Frustrated with PG&E and inspired by a neighbor, the author detailed their journey of building a DIY off-grid solar power system. They meticulously researched components like solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, and inverters, prioritizing affordability and efficiency. The process involved learning about electricity, overcoming permitting hurdles, and hands-on installation. Ultimately, the project was successful, providing power independence and significant cost savings compared to grid reliance, despite some initial challenges and unexpected expenses. The author emphasized the empowering nature of the experience and encouraged others to consider similar projects.

  In a detailed Medium post titled "PG&E Sucks (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Building My Own Solar System)," author Joe describes his extensive journey of designing, acquiring, and installing a comprehensive off-grid solar power system for his residence, motivated by perceived inadequacies and high costs associated with his local utility provider, PG&E. He meticulously outlines the various stages of his project, beginning with a thorough assessment of his household's energy consumption patterns to accurately determine the system's required capacity. This involved analyzing individual appliance usage, identifying peak demand periods, and considering potential future energy needs. He then delves into the specifics of his chosen components, providing detailed explanations of the selected solar panels, their wattage, and their arrangement on his property to optimize sun exposure.

  The post further elaborates on the complexities of the balance of system components, including the charge controller, which regulates the energy flow from the solar panels to the battery bank, preventing overcharging; the inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity from the batteries into alternating current (AC) suitable for household appliances; and the substantial battery bank itself, which stores the generated solar energy for use during periods of low sunlight or high demand. He meticulously details the specifications of these components, emphasizing their crucial role in the overall system's performance and reliability.

  Joe's narrative also encompasses the physical installation process, describing the mounting of the solar panels, the wiring connections between the various components, and the integration of the system with his home's electrical infrastructure. He emphasizes the challenges encountered during the installation, including logistical hurdles, technical complexities, and the need for meticulous planning and precise execution. He underscores the importance of adherence to safety regulations and best practices throughout the project.

  Finally, the author reflects on the outcomes of his endeavor, highlighting the satisfaction derived from achieving energy independence, reducing his reliance on the conventional grid, and potentially lowering his long-term energy costs. He shares data showcasing the system's performance and its effectiveness in meeting his household's energy demands. While acknowledging the considerable investment of time, effort, and financial resources required for such a project, he ultimately concludes that the benefits, both tangible and intangible, justify the undertaking, offering a compelling testament to the viability of residential off-grid solar power systems.

  • Solar Power
  • DIY Solar
  • Home Solar
  • Solar Installation
  • renewable energy
  • off-grid
  • solar panels
  • energy independence
  • Sustainable Living
  • Home Improvement
  • Alternative Energy
  • Solar Energy System

  Summary of Comments ( 206 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44023226

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely agree with the author's frustration with PG&E and the desire for energy independence. Some question the long-term cost-effectiveness of the project, citing potential maintenance costs and the lifespan of batteries. Others point out the complexities of grid-tied systems and permitting processes. Several users share their own positive experiences with solar, offering advice on battery choices and system design. One commenter suggests exploring community solar as a less complex alternative. Another raises the issue of the environmental impact of battery production, urging consideration of the full lifecycle cost. Several users advocate for improved regulation and competition in the energy sector.

  The Hacker News post titled "Building my own solar power system," linking to a Medium article about a homeowner's experience with building a solar power system, generated a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of DIY solar and the author's experience.

  Several commenters focused on the financial aspects of the project. Some questioned the author's calculations and suggested that the payback period might be longer than anticipated, especially when factoring in the value of the author's time. Others debated the wisdom of DIY solar versus hiring a professional installer, considering factors like warranties, permitting, and potential safety issues.

  One compelling thread discussed the complexities of battery systems and the potential for degradation over time. Commenters shared their experiences with different battery chemistries and emphasized the importance of proper sizing and management for long-term performance.

  Another thread focused on the regulatory hurdles and permitting processes involved in DIY solar installations. Commenters highlighted variations in regulations across different jurisdictions and offered advice on navigating these complexities.

  A few commenters shared their own positive experiences with DIY solar, emphasizing the satisfaction of self-sufficiency and the potential for cost savings. They also offered practical tips and resources for those considering similar projects.

  Some commenters questioned the author's characterization of PG&E, arguing that generalizing based on individual experiences might not be accurate. They also discussed the broader challenges of grid management and the role of utilities in the transition to renewable energy.

  Finally, a couple of commenters expressed skepticism about the author's technical expertise and raised concerns about the safety of DIY electrical work. They stressed the importance of adhering to code requirements and seeking professional guidance when necessary.

  Overall, the comments section provided a diverse range of perspectives on the practicality, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory aspects of DIY solar installations, offering valuable insights for anyone considering embarking on a similar project.

• Collapse OS

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-03-26 14:34:32

  Verbose tl;dr

  Collapse OS is a minimal, highly adaptable operating system designed for a post-apocalyptic scenario where global supply chains have broken down. It aims to be runnable on minimal and easily scavenged hardware, using widely available Z80 processors. Its functionality focuses on essential tasks like bootstrapping other, more complex systems, creating and running simple programs, and interfacing with rudimentary hardware like text terminals and floppy drives. The project anticipates a future where readily available modern hardware and software are no longer accessible, and seeks to provide a digital life raft by relying on robust, easily reproduced technologies.

  The "Collapse OS" project, as detailed on its website, posits a scenario of widespread societal collapse due to a hypothetical long-term grid failure, resulting in the unavailability of modern computing infrastructure. It anticipates a world where readily available resources would revert to simpler, more robust technologies akin to those of the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period the project characterizes as the "final stage" of easily repairable and understandable electronic systems. In this post-collapse world, the project envisions a need for a specialized operating system capable of running on minimal and adaptable hardware, facilitating bootstrapping back to a more technologically advanced state.

  Collapse OS aims to fill this perceived need by providing a highly adaptable and resilient operating system designed to operate on a variety of readily available, low-resource hardware platforms, primarily Z80-based systems. Its core functions are geared towards enabling the creation and maintenance of essential tools and systems in a resource-constrained environment. These functionalities include running a text editor, assembling programs for Z80 processors and other supported architectures like the 6502 and RISC-V, and facilitating rudimentary networking capabilities. The system is designed to be self-hosting, meaning it can be built and modified using its own tools, ensuring its continued evolution and maintenance even without access to modern development environments.

  The project emphasizes simplicity and resilience in its design philosophy. The choice of the Z80 architecture is rooted in its prevalence, relative simplicity, and the continued availability of compatible hardware even in less developed regions. Furthermore, the operating system is designed to be bootable from a variety of storage media, including floppy disks, hard drives, and ROM chips, enhancing its adaptability to diverse hardware configurations. The website outlines the project's goals, technical details of its implementation, and instructions on building and using the system. It also includes documentation on porting the OS to new hardware platforms and contributing to the project’s development. The overarching objective is to provide a robust and adaptable computing platform that can serve as a foundation for rebuilding technological capabilities in a post-collapse scenario.

  • Operating System
  • post-apocalypse
  • Survival
  • off-grid
  • low-tech
  • Z80
  • Embedded Systems
  • Bootstrapping
  • minimalism
  • digital preservation
  • Retrocomputing
  • DIY Electronics
  • resilient systems
  • Autonomous Systems

  Summary of Comments ( 59 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43482705

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussing Collapse OS express skepticism about its practicality and usefulness. Many question the likelihood of a societal collapse severe enough to render existing technology useless, while others point out the difficulty of bootstrapping complex technology from salvaged parts in a post-apocalyptic scenario. Some find the project interesting as a thought experiment or a hobby, but doubt its real-world applicability. A few commenters express concerns about the project's potential to attract a "doomer" mentality. The overall sentiment is one of cautious curiosity mixed with significant doubt about the project's premise and viability.

  The Hacker News post titled "Collapse OS" with the ID 43482705 sparked a discussion with a variety of viewpoints on the project and its premise.

  Several commenters expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a complete societal collapse severe enough to warrant such a specialized operating system. They questioned the practicality and usefulness of Collapse OS in such a scenario, suggesting that focusing on more immediate and probable challenges might be a better use of resources. The idea of maintaining complex technology like a Z80-based system in a true collapse scenario was also met with skepticism. Concerns were raised about the availability of compatible hardware and the ability to manufacture or repair it without existing industrial infrastructure.

  Others discussed the more technical aspects of the project. The choice of the Z80 processor was a frequent topic, with some commenters questioning its suitability compared to other potentially more accessible and powerful platforms like the 6502. Discussions around the feasibility of bootstrapping a technological society from scratch using salvaged parts and limited resources also emerged. Some suggested that focusing on simpler, more robust technologies might be more appropriate for a post-collapse environment.

  Some commenters, while not necessarily endorsing the premise of total collapse, expressed interest in the project from a hobbyist or educational perspective. They viewed Collapse OS as an intriguing experiment in minimalist computing and a potential platform for learning about low-level programming and hardware interaction.

  A few commenters engaged with the philosophical implications of preparing for societal collapse, touching on themes of resilience, self-sufficiency, and the potential dangers of focusing on worst-case scenarios.

  While acknowledging the potentially niche nature of the project, some commenters appreciated the creator's effort and vision, viewing Collapse OS as a thought-provoking exploration of alternative technological pathways.

  A recurring theme throughout the comments was the importance of community and collaboration in any post-collapse scenario, with several commenters emphasizing the limitations of purely technological solutions and the need for social structures and human connection.