Live Free With PV

Flaenergy has designed systems for homes that are totally independent and self-sustaining. These homes located beyond the reach of conventional utilities, electricity, water, sewer, etc., provide the occupants with the modern comforts free from inflation, interruption or pollution.

To learn more about independent living, read on. If the idea of living free with PV interests you, and you are interested in considering such a system, leave us an email message.

The environmental benefit of using solar energy is causing many individuals and businesses to look to solar as an option. After investigating solar, many people realize that solar energy is not only beneficial to the environment, it is a cost effective alternative that can provide a significant return on investment. People are rediscovering that “Solar Saves”—it saves money as well as the environment.

Popular Science reported on a tiny resort village, Harmony, nestled on the U.S. Virgin Islands. While Harmony’s bungalows feature all the modern conveniences we are accustomed to, it relies solely on sun and wind power—in “harmony” with the environment. Even the barbecue grill is a high-tech solar oven. The appliances are all low-voltage models and the faucets contain water-conserving fixtures.

In the Florida Keys, several “stand-alone” homes have been built on islands without utility power. These homes are the same as “normal” homes in subdivisions complete with a microwave, range and refrigerator, except that they rely on the sun for power. An array of solar cells silently provides power for a water purification system, the household appliances, walkway lights, telephones and security systems—even the lawn sprinklers—while a conventional solar water heating system warms the water.

Each day, batteries are recharged, resulting in a continuing process. During adverse weather conditions, these homes still have a means of power. Reserve batteries also stand charged, needed only after several days without sunshine. If the reserve batteries that store power were to become exhausted due to unusually high use for several sunless days, emergency generators provide the needed electricity. These generators, however, only run every now and then, allowing occupants to experience the sounds of the breeze rustling the palms and the waves brushing against the shore rather than the drone of power generators.

While the technology to harness this “natural” power may seem new, solar energy has been around for a long time. Solar and other energy-saving alternatives can be incorporated into almost any current design-providing savings in operating expenses that do more than simply pay for their cost of installation. Cleaner and safer, the sun has been used to heat water and generate power for more than a century. Today, cost effective solar water heating systems are providing hot water for condominiums, apartments and homes, as well as commercial and institutional facilities. Solar electric systems are powering numerous small power applications, communications, lighting, data collection and water pumping systems as well as homes, buildings and entire villages throughout the world. Such renewable energy systems save more than money, they serve to help preserve our environment while improving the quality of our life-style. The sun has been our prime source of energy for centuries. Today, it can provide electric power and hot water to make our life more fulfilling and pleasant. Solar energy can silently, economically and efficiently meet our energy demands while helping to “Preserve Planet Earth.” It’s an option that we should all consider.