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TheTechnobear Member Since: 28 Jan 2011 Location: Guadix, Spain Posts: 54 |
Just do it
Last year we started down this route (remote farm in the Spanish mountains)...just recently received our planning permission been having discussion about solar systems, water filtration, heating systems... and places to store a tractor etc, etc its been fantastic so far, though, still a very long way to go - no doubting, it will be hard, but I'm sure will be rewarding in so many ways. (oh and it many i could buy a defender ) |
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8th Feb 2012 8:29pm |
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bpman Member Since: 21 May 2008 Location: Oslo Posts: 8069 |
tell me about it ... and they don't get any easier ! |
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8th Feb 2012 8:30pm |
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pom Member Since: 01 Jun 2010 Location: Worcester Posts: 1343 |
For generating power a water turbine can't be beaten, works 24x7 365. Panels are ok but don't work as well in spain as they get too hot and this decreases their efficiency big time. Water cooling them can get you as much as 40% more juice out of them. Pom |
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8th Feb 2012 8:33pm |
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TheTechnobear Member Since: 28 Jan 2011 Location: Guadix, Spain Posts: 54 |
Assuming, you have an appropriate water course ... which we don't water cooling panels is interesting, though not sure how viable, will have to have a look.. wonder how this fits, with our plans on using solar heating. (i guess though, the overheating is not too much of an issue, as during the summer, we will have excess power, its the winter thats the tricky bit) wind turbines are also interesting, though we are planning on measuring wind speeds to determine viability. |
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8th Feb 2012 8:42pm |
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pom Member Since: 01 Jun 2010 Location: Worcester Posts: 1343 |
If your looking at wind check out the new style vertical turbines, there is a large one at our local tesco store and it doesn't seem as noisy as a normal windmill and that sucker spins damn fast.
Pom |
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8th Feb 2012 9:06pm |
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wslr Member Since: 18 Jul 2010 Location: Wellington, Somerset Posts: 581 |
Zag, move down this way and open a rust treatment workshop. I'll pass some work your way.
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8th Feb 2012 9:30pm |
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Projectblue Member Since: 22 Nov 2011 Location: Devon Posts: 1096 |
Zag, I did similar to what you are talking about 6 years ago. I've never looked back. It's not as easy as can be made out, but it's worth it
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9th Feb 2012 12:31am |
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bpman Member Since: 21 May 2008 Location: Oslo Posts: 8069 |
how about a bunch of us buy a farm, split up the buildings and land ?
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9th Feb 2012 7:35am |
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Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5009 |
Interesting tips and cotacts folks
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9th Feb 2012 8:11am |
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Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5009 |
A commune Steve, now your talking, give it a religious slant, newcomers welcome with funds for our pot Seriously though, so many small farms are still being sold off. Many wealthy people trying it as a hobby, some actually making a go of it! I started in farming so know what I would be doing but making money out of it is very difficult and it's very hard physically, I'm not sure starting at the old age of 46 is a good idea. I always remember farmers in their 40-50's hobbling around with worn hips and damaged backs. I would still give it a go though if you could find a way of getting a good enough return........not easy! |
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9th Feb 2012 8:19am |
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jerseyman Member Since: 21 Jul 2009 Location: Jersey Posts: 279 |
[quote="Zagato"]
Oi I'm 61 and still have this dream I think with the sort of equity you have you could buy somewhere to cut your outgoings dramatically, the problem is that you can't get them to zero so there has to be some sort of work or income involved. The other issue is that, like me, you seem to be a chap who likes his toys, the sort of lifestyle that you are envisaging toys would be a problem. Do you think you could cut them out just like that, for the rest of your life? (A question I always ask myself - the answer is usually no - and you don't grow out of it ) Brian |
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9th Feb 2012 10:44am |
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Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5009 |
It's a good point, I am finding once you have done something or had something you don't desire it so much. I have been fortunate to do most things I have wanted to do and owned what I want although another nice classic car would be great BUT I am quite happy to wander around shows and look at other peoples - it's a lot less hassle and worry than owning your own
If i hadn't had such a varied work life all over the country in different fields of work amongst different cultures I would want to get out and explore but I've been their and done it and know the score. Same with fun things, done the climbing, surfing, shooting, pot holing, sailing, mountaineering, cycling, car building, classic car ownership, travelling home and abroad etc etc. It's now time for the quieter more settled simpler life. I see getting rid of assets as an asset. As long as I have my Defender for adventures and motor interest and my boat to fulfill a few personal challenges then I will be quite content |
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9th Feb 2012 4:03pm |
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Projectblue Member Since: 22 Nov 2011 Location: Devon Posts: 1096 |
Zag, this might put you off. Mrs PB went to a comedy show last night, part of it was guess which midlife crisis lifestyle change is the most dangerous?
a) fast sports car & recreational drugs b) scuba diving instructor off a shark infested reef c) farmer in Cornwall Yep - you are 15 times more likely to die becoming a farmer in the South West. Not encouraging when one has just bought a tractor |
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9th Feb 2012 4:36pm |
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custom90 Member Since: 21 Jan 2010 Location: South West, England. Posts: 20282 |
Yep - you are 15 times more likely to die becoming a farmer in the South West. Not encouraging when one has just bought a tractor [/quote]
A new un' ? |
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9th Feb 2012 4:42pm |
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