Security

Vacation home security and remote control options to protect your home and devices to monitor and control your home from a distance

Home Designs

Architectural plans & designs for vacation homes—mountain homeslake homesbeach houses.

CCH Says Some Taxpayers Will Benefit, Some Will Pay for Housing Bailout Bill

RIVERWOODS, Ill., July 25, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/— ...People who may be adversely affected by the bill are those who buy a vacation home, or one that they rent out, planning to make it their main residence at a later time. Currently, if a second home becomes a principal residence, after two years the owner can sell it and exclude up to $250,000 in gain from their income -- or up to $500,000 for couples filing jointly.
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SOURCE CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business


Green Vacation Homes - Solar, Wind and Renewable Energy Sources and Products

Is solar and wind power really out of touch with cost? Not when it comes to a vacation home that's "off the grid". If you're planning on building a vacation home, you certainly want to look at parcels that don't have access to the electrical grid. Why? Because they're much less expensive, they often include a larger lot, and if you're looking for mountain views, perhaps a soothing and pristine river, or a wilderness experience, you'll save more on the property than buying a conventional lot with power at the street.

A small, mountain view lot in our neck of the woods will cost a minimum of $100K, but more likely, it'll be closer to $200K. Off the grid, a large lot, with mountain views, and everything you'd want for your vacation retreat, could be as little as $70K - $80K. The nearest utility pole could be a half mile away. In order to hook up to that system, it could cost you $25K - $30K. For that amount, you could put in your own wind power or solar powered electric system, and never have an electric bill. There are places where you get an excellent return for your money using renewable energy systems.

Properties like these aren't necessarily out in the boondocks, far away from the places you like to visit on your vacations. They're located wherever there's a back road without power, that developers shunned for that very reason. Maybe they're not thinking ahead, but you certainly can.

It's becoming increasingly clear that renewable energy resources are not only becoming more necessary, but more affordable and efficient than the fossil fuel based energy sources we've become dependent upon. Solar Power has made some exceptional progress and will soon be standard within the building industry. Wind Power is also a viable option.

With satellite TV and cellphones, it's becoming much more convenient off the grid than it ever was. What's great about this is that you can easily make this your vacation home or even your primary home. You'll be more independent than ever.



Radiant Heat

Radiant Heat 250x250Radiant heat has become an important component in solar heating, and in energy conservation. Due to the low temperature requirements, and the volume of water used to hold heat, radiant heat is considerably more energy efficient than other methods of hot water heating. Radiant heating can be installed in basement slabs, on joists, or in QuickTrak (plywood with an aluminum undersiding with a grid pattern for your pex tubing). Here's a Radiant Heat Learning Center. PEX Tubing is a versatile and plyable plastic tubing that's revolutionizing the plumbing industry.

Radiant heat works best in tandem with solar heating systems, due to the lower temperatures required throughout its widespread distribution system. Generally, there are multiple zones that can be adjusted as necessary.



BP Solar BP350J 50W Solar Panel

BP Solar BP350J 50W Solar Panel

$429.22

High-efficiency photovoltaic module using silicon nitride multicrystalline silicon cells. Ideal for remote telemetry, instrumentation systems, security sensors and land-based aids to navigation. [Read more]

Powerfilm R15-600 Rollable Solar Panel

Powerfilm R15-600 Rollable Solar Panel

$198.47

This 600 mah (approx 10 watt) solar panel comes with a cable that can connect to a battery or various other devices. The internal batteries of your wireless electronics can be charged by connecting the PowerFilm Rollable Solar Panel to your device's 12V cigarette lighter adapter by using the optional (not included) RA-2 Female Cigarette Lighter Adapter is required for your solar panel. [Read more]

Backup Power Source 4-Panel Add-On Package for BPS-3600-S Solar Standby Power System

Backup Power Source 4-Panel Add-On Package for BPS-3600-S Solar Standby Power System

$4999.99

Harness the power of the sun to generate your electricity and provide security during power outages. Add another 4 solar panels to the BPS-1250-S solar package and create your own energy to power household appliances. Plus, each unit acts as an ultra-quiet emergency backup system that monitors your utility companys electric power 24/7. U.S.A. Plug & Play no installation of power system required. Application: Add on, Panels (qty.): 4 Includes all the components to make the 24 Volt BPS-3600... [Read more]

Evergreen ES-190, 190 Watt Solar Panel

Evergreen ES-190, 190 Watt Solar Panel

$968.00

Evergreen Solar Spruce Line features high power, state-of-the-art solar panels designed specifically for residential or commercial applications. These solar panels offer the end-user superior performance and complete peace of mind while providing the utmost in installation flexibility. [Read more]

UniSolar 62 Watt Thin Film Solar Panel UniSolar 62 Watt Thin Film Solar Panel

UniSolar 62 Watt Thin Film Solar Panel UniSolar 62 Watt Thin Film Solar Panel

$452.00

United Solars proprietary Triple Junction spectrum-splitting amorphous silicon cell design achieves high performance.These cells are constructed of three separate p-i-n type, amorphous semiconductor solar sub-cells, each with a different spectral response characteristic. This allows the cell to convert the different visible and near infrared wavelengths of sunlight with optimal efficiency. [Read more]

Air Breeze Land Wind Turbine

Air Breeze Land Wind Turbine

$604.00

How can you prepare for a rainy day? The answer is blowing in the wind.
Small wind electric systems can deliver serious energy. This is just one lesson people are learning all around the world. From remote homes and cabins to rural communications towers and monitoring stations, people are using small wind system to generate inexpensive energy, right where its needed. And for a great many of these people, the system of choice is Southwest Windpowers Air generator. [Read more]

Air Breeze Marine Wind Turbine

Air Breeze Marine Wind Turbine

$763.00

How can you prepare for a rainy day? The answer is blowing in the wind.
Small wind electric systems can deliver serious energy. This is just one lesson people are learning all around the world. From remote homes and cabins to rural communications towers and monitoring stations, people are using small wind system to generate inexpensive energy, right where its needed. And for a great many of these people, the system of choice is Southwest Windpowers Air generator. [Read more]

Go Power GP-RV-110 110 Watt Solar Kit With Digital Regulator

Go Power GP-RV-110 110 Watt Solar Kit With Digital Regulator

$1640.25

Go Power GP-RV-110 110 Watt Solar Kit With Digital Regulator [Read more]

Go Power GP-RV-110E 110 Watt Solar Expansion Kit

Go Power GP-RV-110E 110 Watt Solar Expansion Kit

$1492.63

go power gp-rv-110e 110 watt solar expansion kit [Read more]

Go Power GP-RV-20 20 Watt Solar Kit With 4.5 Amp Regulator

Go Power GP-RV-20 20 Watt Solar Kit With 4.5 Amp Regulator

$484.26

Go Power GP-RV-20 20 Watt Solar Kit With 4.5 Amp Regulator [Read more]

Backup Power Source 2-Panel Add-On Package for BPS-3600-S Solar Standby Power System

Backup Power Source 2-Panel Add-On Package for BPS-3600-S Solar Standby Power System

$2799.99

Harness the power of the sun to generate your electricity and provide security during power outages. Add another 2 solar panels to the BPS-1250-S solar package and create your own energy to power household appliances. Plus, each unit acts as an ultra-quiet emergency backup system that monitors your utility companys electric power 24/7. U.S.A. Plug & Play no installation of power system required. Includes all the components to make the 24 Volt BPS-3600-S system capable of creating power fr... [Read more]

Backup Power Source Solar Standby Power System with 2 Solar Panels, Model# BPS-3600-S

Backup Power Source Solar Standby Power System with 2 Solar Panels, Model# BPS-3600-S

$6999.99

Harness the power of the sun to generate your electricity and provide security during power outages. The BPS-3600-S solar package is engineered to allow you to create and use your own energy to power household appliances. Plus, each unit acts as an ultra-quiet emergency backup system that monitors your utility companys electric power 24/7. U.S.A. Requires a licensed electrician to install and wire into existing utility panel Application: Household appliances, Watts: 3600 running watts/7500 su... [Read more]

Backup Power Source Solar Standby Power System with 4 Solar Panels, Model# BPS-3600-S

Backup Power Source Solar Standby Power System with 4 Solar Panels, Model# BPS-3600-S

$8999.99

Harness the power of the sun to generate your electricity and provide security during power outages. The BPS-3600-S solar package is engineered to allow you to create and use your own energy to power household appliances. Plus, each unit acts as an ultra-quiet emergency backup system that monitors your utility companys electric power 24/7. U.S.A. Requires a licensed electrician to install and wire into existing utility panel Application: Household appliances, Watts: 3600 running watts/7500 su... [Read more]

Backup Power Source Solar Standby Power System, Model# BPS-1250-S

Backup Power Source Solar Standby Power System, Model# BPS-1250-S

$4799.99

Harness the power of the sun to generate your electricity and provide security during power outages. The BPS-1250-S solar package is engineered to allow you to create and use your own energy to power household appliances. Plus, each unit acts as an ultra-quiet emergency backup system that monitors your utility companys electric power 24/7. U.S.A. Plug & Play no installation of power system required. Application: Household appliances, Watts: 1250 running watts; 1875 watts for up to 15 seco... [Read more]

Southwest Wind Power Wind Generator Model# 44444

Southwest Wind Power Wind Generator Model# 44444

$599.99

Use the wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics. Great for cabins, 12V battery charging, remote power, backup power and hobbyists. Delivers up to 400 Watts. U.S.A. Application: Applicances and electronics, Volts: 12, Watts: 400, Blade Material: Carbon fiber composit, Blade Diameter (in.): 46, Blade Size (in.): 13, Material: Lightweight cast aluminum body, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 24 x 15 x 9 Delivers up to 400 Watts or 27 Amps in ideal conditions Patented high wind o... [Read more]

Air X Marine Wind Turbine Model# 44446

Air X Marine Wind Turbine Model# 44446

$799.99

Small turbine is designed for highly corrosive marine environments such as oceanside cabins and sail&Quot;Smart&Quot; microprocessor controller optimizes alternator output for best battery charging. Slows blade in high winds to eliminate noise. Application: Marine environments, Volts: 12, Watts: 400 at 28 MPH, Material: Powder-coated cast aluminum body, Rotor Size (ft.): 46 in. Designed for highly corrosive marine environments &Quot;Smart&Quot; microprocessor controller that o... [Read more]

Skystream 3.7 Wind Turbine, Model# 44470

Skystream 3.7 Wind Turbine, Model# 44470

$5599.99

Turn your electric meter backwards! Skystream 3.7 wind turbine hooks up to your home to help you reduce or eliminate your monthly electricity costs. It is the first compact, user-friendly, all-inclusive wind generator (with controls and inverter built in) designed to generate quiet, clean electricity in very low winds. U.S.A. Application: Home, Volts: 120/240 VAC, Watts: 1.8kw, 2.4Kw peak at 20 mph, Blade Material: Fiberglass reinforced, Rotor Size (ft.): 12 Delivers 1.8 kW rated; 2.4 kW peak... [Read more]

Southwest Windpower Whisper 100 Wind Turbine Model# 44447

Southwest Windpower Whisper 100 Wind Turbine Model# 44447

$2699.99

Ultra-quiet wind turbine is designed to operate in a site with medium to high wind speed averages of 12 MPH and greater. Provides 100+ kWh per month (3.4 kWh per day) in a 12 MPH average wind. The Whisper 100 is one of the quietest wind turbines ever tested by the National Renewable Energy Labs. Ideal for cabins, 12V battery charging, remote power and backup power. Adjusts from 1248V DC and features overspeed protection. U.S.A. Application: Cabins, Volts: 12-48V DC, Watts: 900 at 28 MPH, Blad... [Read more]

Southwest Windpower Whisper 200 Wind Turbine, Model# 1-WH200L-10

Southwest Windpower Whisper 200 Wind Turbine, Model# 1-WH200L-10

$3399.99

Ultra-quiet wind turbine delivers 1000 Watts of power at 26 MPH. Includes controller to protect turbine. U.S.A. Volts: 12-48V DC, Watts: 1, 000 at 26 mph, Material: Alternator has cast aluminum body, Rotor Size (ft.): 9 Delivers 1000 Watts of power at 26 MPH Provides 158 kW per month in a 12 MPH average wind Works in winds as low as 7 MPH Voltage adjusts from 1248V DC Includes controller to protect turbine Side-furling overspeed protection turns alternator and blades out of high winds without... [Read more]

Southwest WindPower Whisper 500 Wind Turbine, Model# 1-WH500-10-24

Southwest WindPower Whisper 500 Wind Turbine, Model# 1-WH500-10-24

$8499.99

Power your entire home, cottage or shop with this ultra-quiet wind turbine that delivers an amazing 3000 Watts of power at 24 MPH! Includes controller to protect turbine. Also available in 48V model, Item# 339904. U.S.A. Application: Home, cottage or shop, Volts: 12-48 DC, Watts: 3000 @ 24 MPH, Blade Material: Carbon reinforced fiberglass, Rotor Size (ft.): 15 Delivers 3000 Watts of power at 24 MPH Provides 538 kW per month in a 12 MPH average wind Works in winds as low as 7.5 MPH Adjusts fro... [Read more]

Xantrex XPower Portable Powerpack 1500 1500 Watts, Model# 802-1500

Xantrex XPower Portable Powerpack 1500 1500 Watts, Model# 802-1500

$499.99

Now you can have a portable power system that supplies up to 1500 Watts of household electricity enough to run almost any electronic product or appliance you might plug into an outlet. State-of-the-art electronics converts 12V power from the battery pack to a 110V power supply that can jump-start a car with 600 cold-cranking Amps and provide power to run a 27in. TV, 1000 Watt microwave, 16 cu. ft. refrigerator or 12 Amp circular saw. Powered by a rechargeable sealed, nonspillable 60Ah AGM bat... [Read more]

XPower Portable Powerpack Solar 10Ah Battery, Model# 852-2071

XPower Portable Powerpack Solar 10Ah Battery, Model# 852-2071

$179.99

The XPower Powerpack Solar is the first rechargeable power pack that incorporates solar energy in a compact, portable power source. The detachable 5 Watt solar panel has the ability to recharge the 10Ah battery and extend the run time by up to 25%. Operate devices like a blender or cooler simultaneously using two 120V AC outlets, one 12V DC socket and one USB port. The 3-digit battery monitoring display indicates when the battery needs to be charged, which can be done from a standard wall out... [Read more]

FREE SHIPPING Radiant Made Simple Radiant Heat System 11kW, 37, 540 BTU Boiler, 230V, 60 Amp, Model# RMS-11

FREE SHIPPING Radiant Made Simple Radiant Heat System 11kW, 37, 540 BTU Boiler, 230V, 60 Amp, Model# RMS-11

$2399.99

Radiant Made Simple Radiant Heat Systems provide an energy efficient solution for heating basements, garages and home additions and remodeling projects. This 230V, 60 Amp system provides everything you need to install radiant floor heating. Radiant heat is quiet, clean and energy efficient. U.S.A.. Visit http://www.northerntool.com/support/RMS/ for sizing and support information Heating Application: Portable, Zone Heating, BTU Output: 37, 540, Volts: 230, Amps: 60, Blower Included: N/A, Blowe... [Read more]

FREE SHIPPING Radiant Made Simple Radiant Heat System 7kW, 23, 890 BTU Boiler, 230V, 40 Amp, Model# RMS-7

FREE SHIPPING Radiant Made Simple Radiant Heat System 7kW, 23, 890 BTU Boiler, 230V, 40 Amp, Model# RMS-7

$2299.99

Radiant Made Simple Radiant Heat Systems provide an energy efficient solution for heating basements, garages and home additions and remodeling projects. This 230V, 40 Amp system provides everything you need to install radiant floor heating. Radiant heat is quiet, clean and energy efficient. U.S.A. Visit http://www.northerntool.com/support/RMS/ for sizing and support information Heating Application: Portable, Zone Heating, BTU Output: 23, 890, Volts: 230, Amps: 40, Blower Included: N/A, Blower... [Read more]