05-18-2009, 11:58 PM
Chris,
Looking back at your original question there are a couple of options:
HELCO lines, also known as "Primary" lines are way too expensive. You can have HELCO set the transformer on their pole at the street and do their service drop and meter to your first pole. From the meter to your house you run "secondary" lines.
Overhead lines with metal poles spaced as code requires (I think 100-150 feet apart). Probably the cheapest. Check with the county or your electrician or HELCO as to current codes. If you are running phone or cable lines as well as electricity, I think that 6" poles are required.
Another option is underground in conduit. This will be much more expensive.
If there turns out to be a significant voltage drop, and this will be effected by wire size too, you can install a voltage booster at the house. I have talked with people who built far from primary lines expecting to need a voltage booster and after testing didn't need it.
While I am absolutely pro-photovoltaic, the out front costs can be staggering and a grid-tie system is IMO, the best way to go. You can always add a PV system later.
I started with a generator, 4 6-volt batteries, an inverter, a high output charger, propane stove, hot water and refrigerator.
Looking back at your original question there are a couple of options:
HELCO lines, also known as "Primary" lines are way too expensive. You can have HELCO set the transformer on their pole at the street and do their service drop and meter to your first pole. From the meter to your house you run "secondary" lines.
Overhead lines with metal poles spaced as code requires (I think 100-150 feet apart). Probably the cheapest. Check with the county or your electrician or HELCO as to current codes. If you are running phone or cable lines as well as electricity, I think that 6" poles are required.
Another option is underground in conduit. This will be much more expensive.
If there turns out to be a significant voltage drop, and this will be effected by wire size too, you can install a voltage booster at the house. I have talked with people who built far from primary lines expecting to need a voltage booster and after testing didn't need it.
While I am absolutely pro-photovoltaic, the out front costs can be staggering and a grid-tie system is IMO, the best way to go. You can always add a PV system later.
I started with a generator, 4 6-volt batteries, an inverter, a high output charger, propane stove, hot water and refrigerator.