The generator for moderate energy needs

[Hotzcatz]

Stillhope, if I can do it, you can do it. Even though technically I'm a college graduate, my degrees are in art and those are not exactly the rocket science courses. That was pre-computer art, too, so I'm sure current high school graduates have more information gathering ability at their fingertips (& keyboards) than I ever did. Age may have something to do with it, too. Having had longer to screw stuff up and then figure out how to do it on the fourth or fifth try makes for an extensive database of what can work as well as what doesn't work so well. So far I've spent a couple decades or so fussing about with strange stuff (living off the grid, scratch cooking, building a house or two, clock repair, drafting, gardens, computers, etc.) so hopefully there was something learned. I'm sure you have all sorts of interesting knowledge databases, too. Most everyone knows a bunch of stuff if you ask them about the things they know. Jay has a lot of the learned experiences, too, since he's done a lot of boating also. Boat folk are pretty much off the grid.

I think the Honda dealer in Hilo is Wire Products over by the port. You could inquire about prices from them to see if it would be economical to bring one over from the mainland.

If you are near Grass Valley California, there is an interesting store which has lots of solar stuff, Sierra Solar. I haven't been to their store, but I've gotten their catalog and solar informational stuff before: http://www.sierrasolar.com/contact.php You can order a free catalog from them and it has a lot of information on how to set up solar systems.