Who is who? [RE-wrenches]

Sun Dec 5 21:16:54 PST 1999

Per Ron Macleod's request, here is a summery of Who is for us: Backwoods
solar was started back in 1978 or before as a hobby installing wind power,
since we (Steve and Elizabeth Willey) were off grid and finding solutions as
we went along. Soon solar became the main product, still for remote homes in
the north woods. As our customer list grew we tried doing a newsletter which
turned into a catalog business, and just grew 15 to 20% a year. I then had
to quit the GTE town job, then Elizabeth quit her job, no regrets ever.
Then we hired a helper, then another, finally Y2K business brought us to 5
total people. We rarely install anymore, referring that to local
electricians, simply because we work 9 to 12 hours a day just doing the
"make a million in mail order from home" trip.  We do make some custom
products and spend one full time person on answering mail and email and
giving personal service.  we try to follow-up and solve all problems, hence
while no longer throwing many wrenches, we deal with the technology and
field problems on a full time basis. Backwoods Solar wants to re-focus and
slow down a little, to service the independent-stand-alone-owner built-off
grid situation as our primary focus. Statistics: about 20,000 mailing list,
one catalog and 2 or 3 newsletters mailed per year, website
www.backwoodssolar.com, phone 263-4290, toll free fax 888-263-4290 (don't
let the telemarketers get that one).

Glad to see this functioning group.

Steve Willey   www.backwoodssolar.com
Backwoods Solar Electric Systems
A catalog business on a mountain
2 miles from utility lines,
powered entirely by our catalog products.

----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Macleod <microhydro at dplus.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 25, 1999 8:26 AM
Subject: Who is who? [RE-wrenches]

> Hello All-
>     I like Clive's approach to the Wrench list - Richard had good ideas
> too - I'm a little concerned about the  potential e-mail volume; so lets
> limit things to bone fide Wrenches and dealers (Good) - Maybe if the
> list Nanny (Michael) can devote the time - he could filter questions
> from regular folks and then pose them to the group where appropriate. A
> big job I admit - maybe HP could do that - a new Q&A column? "Ask The
> Wrenches"
>
> Yo we have to avoid a mutual admiration society here.
>
> Anyway - Last month I suggested to Michael - that we all introduce
> ourselves and our specialties - You guys may know each other - I'm not
> sure -but I don't know most of you and I'd like to. Michael suggested
> the intro was a good idea but I should wait 'til things got started -
> well they're started. I think as new members come on board they should
> do the same.
>
>  So here goes - pick a format - who cares
>
> Name: Cameron MacLeod 111
> Company:  C. MacLeod & Co.
> Company Desc. Manufacturer of Micro Low Head Turbine Gen. Sets -
> Consulting
> Position: Owner - etc. - etc. - etc.
> Experience: 22 Years - hands on in Small and Micro Hydro
> Location : 2131 Harmonyville Rd., Pottstown, Pa  19465 , USA
> E-Mail microhydro at dplus.net
> Age: OLD
> Life Goal : Make a more consistent living from RE and create more than I
> destroy.
>
> Comments: I've been around a while - working mostly in the Northeast
> with a few trips overseas. I have a strong background in ultra low head
> reaction turbine work ( see HP#23)- some experience with Pelton and
> Turgo wheels and waterwheels. Electrical wrenching has been mostly
> conventional Ac and a lot of High Voltage (110-220 volt) DC. Pretty good
> at electro-mechanical stuff and control design. I'm pretty
> electronically illiterate, but I'm working at it . Battery experience is
> Lead acid - wet cell NiCad and Nickel Iron. Inverter experience - some
> but I need More. My current obsession is to manufacture an ultra low
> head reaction battery charger that folks can afford. I'm almost there!
>
> So Guys - I don't know about you yet - I'd like to - Please go for it -
> no more anonymity!
>
> Best - Ron
>
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