Category Archives: Off the Grid

HughesNet Download Bank

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We have HughesNet satellite internet and the ‘download bank’ has been a feature since we signed up last month. Apparently HughesNet is doing a wider rollout  now, as this is the email I received from them today: Dear HughesNet Member, We’re rolling out a brand-new feature—the Download Bank―enabling you to save any unused portion of your Download Allowance. As part of a system-wide network of upgrades that started last summer, this latest enhancement lets you do more online. What is the

Read more Daily Updates, Misc Links, Off the Grid

Info about WildBlue and ViaSat-1 upgrade availability

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As a current WildBlue subscriber-living way off the grid-I am particularly interested in their new ViaSat-1 satellite and the faster speeds / enhanced capabilities that it will provide. As such, here are some articles on the topic: UPDATE: from what I have read, WildBlue ViaSat-1 residential availability has started in Colorado (or will start SOON… like late Dec early Jan) and then nationwide rollout in February. If anyone else has better/updated info, please post in the comments… thanks!   ViaSat’s

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Walkie talkie Android apps for your phone/tablet

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Lately I have been looking for Android apps that can enable walkie talkie (intercom) functionality over LAN/wifi/bluetooth. Normal internet based options are not ideal as we live in a very remote area with no powerlines, phonelines or wired anything. We also don’t generally get reliable cell phone reception. So satellite internet (WildBlue) is our primary internet connection. Latency is too high and bandwidth too precious, to really support reliable voice communications when it has to be routed out over the internet

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Why are solar panel prices so low right now? [answers]

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Here is one explanation as to why: The PV Module Supply Glut | Renewable Energy News Articlehttp://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/06/the-pv-module-supply-glutPV module prices have dropped 70% since 2008, when the financial crisis sent demand tumbling, with Chinese multicrystalline silicon module prices currently as low as $1.49 per… Thanks to:   RealSolar at Twitterhttp://twitter.com/#!/RealSolarAbout · Help · Blog · Status · Jobs · Terms · Privacy · Advertisers · Businesses · Media · Developers…   Green Maven- The Green Search Enginehttp://www.greenmaven.com/Green Search – Search over

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Sample Off the Grid Solar Power Systems and Costs

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Going off the grid A friend’s dad is serious about going off the grid and doing it with solar. This man has worked hard for a long time and is ready for a new challenge, I think part of that challenge is to be more self-sufficient and independent. There is definitely something to be said for being self-sufficient. 🙂 I am not going to get into the merits of on-grid vs off-the-grid, but I can say that for particular situations

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