PV Gap

Heidi Said:

A Question for Builders or practical people?

We Answered:

Since I don't live in Oz, and cannot really contribute anything helpful as far as the pros and cons, I am just going to throw out my opinion.

I looked up several places which do steel kit homes in Australia, and I can honestly say I think they are really, really neat. If I could get a home like that here in the US, I would probably go with one, since the price is so good for what you are getting.

I don't know if the recession which is affecting the US has hit you down there yet, as far as housing prices go. Right now, for those who are ready to buy, there are a lot of good deals--we definitely have a buyer's market here. Is it the same there? If so, you may want to look around a bit before you commit one way or the other--you may be able to find something which is nearly your dream home, and simply add what you want to it. Or, it may save you money if you go the DIY route.

The closest thing we have here where I live is log homes built from kits. The upside, as in any DIY project, is that things end up just as you want them from the start. The downside is that I don't know anyone who has built one where the price quoted has ended up being the actual price--there always seem to be extra costs along the line which someone forgot to factor in.

Neat houses, though, those steel kit ones. Good luck with your decision ;)
And send pictures once you decide what you are doing, please!

Alfred Said:

Would you considere a fairly simple Kit home that two people could assemble in a weekend or two for a getaway?

We Answered:

i believe home depot has a kit it is a garage
it would be a nice start framed structure with roof then wire it as you like ad insulation wall board and partitions itwouldnt be complete in 2 weeks
2 week project get a modular home and you will have plenty to do just getting landscape in order
if you dont treat your building material in formaldehyde maybe fema would like to buy some of them for the survivors of katrina that would be a place to market them

Ricky Said:

I would like to buy a solar system from here in Calgary Take it down to my home in Lipa City. WILL IT WORK?

We Answered:

David is correct, but buy it configured for 110/220 volts 50/60hz initially.

And get it 3-4 time more power than you need, as you will need extra power to charge batteries so that you have power when the sun is not shining.

You will need the solar panels, a charge controller, batteries, and an inverter, which converts 12v or 24v from the batteries to 110/220 volts 50/60Hz.

Power: switch the light bulbs to CFL types, and they will only use 10w each. So 120w for the bulbs, 200 watts for the freezer, 150w for the rest, a total of 500 watts. I'd plan for 1000 watts to allow for expansion, with 3000-5000 watts worth of solar panels.