karn@envy.bellcore.com (Phil Karn) (11/08/90)
I've gotten some requests for the addresses of the alternative energy companies I mentioned yesterday. My Real Goods catalog is at home (all I remember is that they're in Ukiah, CA) but I have Backwoods Solar's flyer here: Backwoods Solar Electric Systems 8530 Rapid Lightning Creek Rd Sandpoint ID 83864 208-263-4290 This one is a small husband-and-wife operation; Real Goods is a medium sized business. --Phil
karn@envy..bellcore.com (Phil Karn) (11/09/90)
As promised, here's the address of Real Goods: Real Goods 966 Mazzoni St Ukia CA 95482 707-468-9214 800-762-7325 707-468-0301 (fax) Both Real Goods and Backwoods Solar sell solar panels, charge regulators, wind generators, hydroelectric turbines, batteries, inverters, 12V appliances, high efficiency refrigerators, compact flourescent light bulbs, gasoline and diesel generators, etc. Their catalogs make interesting reading if you can tolerate their self-righteous political commentaries. At least they do practice what they preach, and they have a good amount of practical experience to offer. For example, they have found that windmills are rarely cost-effective unless you have an AVERAGE wind speed of at least 8-14 mph, while water power is cheapest if you have it available (minimum of 400 gallons/minute at 12 foot head, or proportionately less flow at greater heads). Solar (with gasoline/diesel backup) is the best way to go for the vast majority of cases, even in the north. Phil