[RE-wrenches] Preppers - Fears sells perspective

[tom at wagonmaker.com]

While I agree with the general sentiment I must say that as an old 
battery based system user and designer that battery systems are not 
solely installed by preppers/endtimers.  There are plenty of people for 
whom a battery system is the only option and it has nothing at all to do 
with fear  of the world ending.

I would hate to see the idea of battery based systems being tied to 
that nonsense.  Yes, they are out there and have always been out there 
but I'd hope that we can keep their influence on the market in context.  
Let's not let "battery based" become a synonym for "endtimer".

I'd also add that along with all your good caveats about the prep time 
that education about basic energy terms, how electricity is used in a 
home and an understanding of how to manage such systems is crucial.  I 
spent probably 60% of my time with battery customers on education, and 
that can't come free either but I would suggest that it be part of the 
package price that is clearly stated and emphasized as critical.

Tom



On 2015-10-26 09:25, Dana wrote:
> Hey All (esp. you all newer to the solar field & not well versed in
> battery  systems -
> 
> 'Been quietly sitting this last discussion out on equipment on
> battery backup & Peppers'.
> 
> I know there are a lot of designer/installer getting into batteries
> for the first time and a lot of their experience is based in the grid
> intertie start in the solar field.
> 
> I have the overall experience (since '88) that managing the
> expectations of what a battery based system will and will not do. The
> obvious are electric stoves, heat, & water devices and let's add
> electric cars to that list now too. That said, battery system design
> is completely another field from the grid tie market.
> 
> Whether the Sh#$%^t hits the fan or not doing your job with integrity
> and thoroughness is critical. Life goes on and in a few years they are
> going to sitting there with a pile of equipment that if it was not
> correctly sized could affect your reputation which will still be on
> the line, and believe me you will hear from these folks. This ain't
> the hook it up & walk away market, they will require more care that
> you are used to applying to a GT client.
> 
> I have to stress that doing the numbers and a really accurate load
> evaluation, looking at short and long term expectations, & best case /
> worst case scenarios is a really safe place to start. If you cannot
> verify your design with good math and meet their requests do not go
> there. If they cannot afford their evaluation DONOT cheap it down,
> Walk away - Fear sells and some of these folks are running so deep in
> fear it is almost a comedy if it were not so sad. You need to look
> beyond the short term profit and look at your reputation down the
> road.
> 
> Another item - These folks take a lot of your energy in all their
> "what if" scenarios. Have them list (in writing & keep this in their
> file) what is critical to them. They tend to change their minds as
> they peruse the internet & talk with the like minded crew. If they
> shift have them put their change in request in writing again. What you
> started out designing may turn 180° in a night. Get equipment paid for
> in advance period. Be careful with credit card purchases on big
> systems, I know of folks that are counting on the credit card system
> crashing and are racking up huge purchase counting on the crash. I had
> someone offer half price on a system in Gold bars as "it is going to
> more than triple" right, I am not going there personally.
> 
> I have visited with folks now long gone that their parents were
> getting ready for the same end of society stuff 50-60 years ago & then
> there were the atomic fallout shelters, & then Y2K. I got offered an
> entire 18 wheeler of freeze dried food after Y2K. My body shudders to
> think what that would do to your digestive track.
> 
> Been there & done that - I spent "88 to "95 of my solar career doing
> just this. It takes a lot out of you.
> 
> Best to you all In joy & Keep on putting the sun to work.
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Dana Orzel
> 
> Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136
> 
> E - dana at solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com
> 
> O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003
> 
> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988" 
> 
> P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
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