I am doing the first step, which is drilling the well. Most other wells in in the area are drilled to 400-600 ft. The price estimate is a jaw-dropping sum of $23K for everything, including the tank and electric pump. *geez* Drilling the well alone and capping it is $13K
I have 3 choices:
- electric - stand alone generator or conector to powersource.
- Windmill
- Solar electric
Solar Electric Guide
Windmill
Looking here: http://www.aermotorwindmill.com/Sales/CommonQuestions.asp
It seems as though I will need a big-ass windmill to pump up 400-600 ft, a windmill of at least 12 feet in diameter and 15 ft high. This will cost about $6500.
Advantages of windmill:
- KISS (keep it simple, stupid) the windmill needs no electricity and the basic design has not changed in 100 years becuase it is so efficient.
- Low maintenance
- Plenty of pumping power.
- Potentially long lasting
- Works well in windy site
Disadvantages:
- Do I want a windmill on the property? Will it look rustic - or just trailer trashy.
- Zoning?
- Neighbors.
- High maintenance
- Costly repair
- Difficult to find parts
Seasonal disadvantages
- Need special tools for installation
- Labor intensive
- No wind, no power, no water
Solar Electric
Here is another chart:
Adv:* Low maintenance
* Clean
* No fuel needed
* Easy to install
* Reliable long life
* Unattended operation
* Low recurrent costs
* System is modular and can be matched closely to…
Disadv:
* Relatively high initial cost
* Lower output in cloudy weather
Diesel (or Gas) Power Systems
Adv:
- * Moderate capital costs
- Can be portable
- Extensive experience available
- * Easy to install
DisAdv:
- Needs maintenance and replacement
- Maintenance often inadequate, reducing life
- Fuel often expensive and supply intermittent
- Noise, dirt and fume problem
- Site visits necessary