cheap way to power 8000 watts of light

[Thehulkster321]

My brother recently purchesed his first home and has decided to invest alot of money into a growroom. He wants to run 8 1000 watt lights but he doesnt want to get turned in by the electric company. What could he use to power his electrical needs? I dont know much about different kinds of generators ect. and he was stumped aswell.

[Crispyfried]

Maybe get some high-tech solar panels. These will be expensive initially but then free after that :dance: They are hooked up to a bank of batteries that store the power. Dunno if you can run that many lights off of such a setup though.

[mountainman]

Well, here's an idea. Skylight :-D The old fasioned solar panel :stoned:

[karmaxul]

If he gets a generator the options are diesel which are the most reliable and natural gas. A 6000 watt natural gas generator will do 3 1000 watt lights on the 12 12 flower no problem and is whisper quiet. If two people were sitting on it while it was running they would not need to raise there voices in order to talk. Another benefit is CO2 is the biproduct. Diesel or biodesiel is the most reliable and if you got a pick up truck you will be able to get a tank to fit your bed for stealth fill ups. With 5000 watts running constant you are looking at spending around 1000 a month or more in fuel to operate. Just a small amount of what you will be making. The natural gas unless you live near a airport of which most have fill stations you will need a couple different companies to deliever to you or get an excuse for useing it. You could say you use it to heat and power your house heat a garage or some thing. Just put out some non working halogen lights that look like they come on at night. They are 1500 watts a piece. I would not go much over 500 with a non private electric company. Most gas companies are private and will not complain about making them money. Still its one more person to smell the garden. I recommend you line the room in pond liner. Get a generator that can handle twice the watts you run through it. Diesels are reallt the only ones designed to run all day.

Hope this helps
One love
c

[Thehulkster321]

what are some private electric companies? and are they really private? and would it be cheaper for me to run the lights via diesal or through a private electric company?

[stinkyattic]

My brother recently purchesed his first home and has decided to invest alot of money into a growroom. He wants to run 8 1000 watt lights .....I dont know much about different kinds of generators ect. and he was stumped aswell.

That's a big growroom- I'd have some other questions:

-Is he an experienced grower looking to expand? If not, I'd go for a much smaller setup to start with

-8kw could produce up to 8lbs/month if done perfectly. Forget looking suspicious to just the power company- that's a lot of weed and a host of other complications not limited to finding a market for it all without getting busted or robbed.

-Those lights are going to put out a significant amount of heat. Your brother will want a SERIOUS air conditioner, there's another big power sucker.

-Don't forget the cost of routine maintenance on the generator, and the wiring for it. If he intends to run it into the panel so that it is correctly wired with circuit breakers etc., there MUST -and I cannot stress this enough- be a safety switch for whenever the power company has to work on the lines near the house, such as when there is a power outage. Same goes for a solar system. The last thing your brother needs is to have to explain why the poor unsuspecting linesman was injured or killed.

If you want my advice as a homeowner, just tell your bro to get a few 600w lamps (less heat, more flexibility), start smaller, and invest the money he's ready to spend on a generator on a really nice security system for his new home. I promise he will sleep better at night.

[karmaxul]

If he has wind look into wind generator. The electric company will plug them into the lines and pay you to produce power. I live on a hill and its like a wind tunnel I hope to get a call back today.

One love
c

[jakenthegentiles]

i have thoes right behind my house excepe the powere goes to florida and i live inteh north that sfucken bull shit

[krustythfreakinclown]

From what I've read, diesel generators are very inefficient. And from a security standpoint could stand to make it more likely that you will get busted for having a generator running in your backyard 24/7 (12/12, even).

As mentioned earlier, I would suggest he set aside a space for when he goes to max out his grow ops. Then, start with one or two lights. Then, develop a system of either hydroponic or soil. Don't worry which one. I suggest starting with soil if it's your first grow and move to a small hydro setup after one or two harvests. Then, look at expanding your operations.

Just you and your brother watch your asses if you get a big grow going.

If it is his goal to use 1000W lights, then he should start with one and grow a few plants at a time. Or, get a 400W light and grow one, maybe 2 plants to start. Once you get the hang of it, a quarter pound off a 400W light is easy.

[turtle420]

From what I've read, diesel generators are very inefficient.
Wow... inefficient? Diesel generators? Damn... compared to what?

Take this very friendly Krusty, I'm not pushing any buttons. I just find that, well, um... ???

Compared to a gas turbine, they're inefficient. But, from all internal combustion engines, I would put my money on a diesel generator being the most efficient.

It operates at near constant speed (RPM). It can be "tuned" to that speed range. It's diesel (better than gasoline).

Just my two cents... ;)

<><><>
In other news: I've always had this crazy idea:::

Say, the 8,000 Watts... well, say you have the money and the will power to do it...

Ok, so buy a diesel VAN... then fill it up with batteries (Optima batteries kick-ass)... obviously, upgrade the suspension. Then, engineer your way into putting a huge generator connected to the engine (one, or two, or a couple of heavy duty alternators).

Then, your van charges your huge battery bank. So, you turn your van ON in the morning, go fill it up, drive around... smoke some blunts... fill it up again... drive some more... then go home when it's fully charged.

Park inside the garage, connect power cables to battery bank, and TaDA!!!

What do you guys think? Quick, before I patent it!

[krustythfreakinclown]

Wow... inefficient? Diesel generators? Damn... compared to what?

Take this very friendly Krusty, I'm not pushing any buttons. I just find that, well, um... ???

Compared to a gas turbine, they're inefficient. But, from all internal combustion engines, I would put my money on a diesel generator being the most efficient.

It operates at near constant speed (RPM). It can be "tuned" to that speed range. It's diesel (better than gasoline).


Thanks for the info, turtle! I'm just going by what I hear on the Internet (hey, if it's on the Internet, it's *got* to be true! lol).

BTW, nice idea on the van.

:rasta:

[MASTER BLASTER]

My brother recently purchesed his first home and has decided to invest alot of money into a growroom. He wants to run 8 1000 watt lights but he doesnt want to get turned in by the electric company. What could he use to power his electrical needs? I dont know much about different kinds of generators ect. and he was stumped aswell.
if he did not buy the lights yet,tell your brother to do a web search for light tube, free sunlight better than a sky light,only if your growing in room near the roof.:thumbsup:

[turtle420]

Thanks for the info, turtle! I'm just going by what I hear on the Internet (hey, if it's on the Internet, it's *got* to be true! lol).

BTW, nice idea on the van.

:rasta:
Thanks Krusty.

Again, as I said, all positive vibes.

But, anyway, we need to see what's the bechmark. There's a reason container ships have 1,500 and 3,000 liter (litre, for you UK guys) internal combustion, piston, diesel-burning engines. Most of them, are more efficient than a motorcycle's engine. No, I am not kidding.

I love reading about those types of engines. Imagine, an engine where by you access the valves through a door. Can you imagine?!

An engine, where the redline is 80 RPM.

Engineering is wonderfull.

[nakadish]

regarding generators...Being a hurricane katrina victim we were without power for about a week...during this entire week we ran 2 Wall unit a/c's, a television, a freezer, a refrigerator, a playstaion 2, a couple fans, and cell phone chargers. and i beleive its only like a 5 or 6 KW generator. We had absolutly no trouble with it and ran it 24/7. a full tank of fuel lasted about 8-10 hours. I believe it was about 700 hundred USD at a home depot.

hope this helps your decision someway.

[nakadish]

BTW, a disel engine is much more reliable and lasts longer than any gasoline engine. if anyone says different they are just ignorant.

[Kush Over]

regarding generators...Being a hurricane katrina victim we were without power for about a week...during this entire week we ran 2 Wall unit a/c's, a television, a freezer, a refrigerator, a playstaion 2, a couple fans, and cell phone chargers. and i beleive its only like a 5 or 6 KW generator. We had absolutly no trouble with it and ran it 24/7. a full tank of fuel lasted about 8-10 hours. I believe it was about 700 hundred USD at a home depot.

hope this helps your decision someway.

I know the feeling. Being this far South in Lafourche Parish was a bitch during Katrina, and again during Rita.

I didn't have the luxury of a generator, however.

Good investment, but unnecessary in the eyes of over three billion years of evolution.

Losing the food in the freezers and refrigerators was a bitch, though.

[bongerstonerd00d]

If your bro is going to be growing in that quanity and he flips on security system, leaves house, and some punk kicks the door in to rob his change jar, and POW!!!!!!!!!!! He is busted and going to jail for a long time. Least of his worries is a power bill at that point. I'd go for 3-4 Rotwilers that I only fed once a month or some shit versus a security alarm. Oh, and by the way, in the event that EVER even gets whispered he is growing that much dope at once, he may wake up to a .40 caliber blowing his fucking brains all over the wall. AND, here comes the funny part, it wont be to steal his dope. Now, figure out who did it and why, and get back to me:dance:

By the way, bro better have a MBA from Harvard so he can figure out how to make all that cash "clean". Thats going to be a shitload of "dirty money" And since the IRS uses them computer things, they kinda find out real fast when you are depositing 10,001 dollars or more at once, or you have bank accounts all over the place with 400K in each and your tax return shows you make 35K a year..................:rasta:


If bro has that kind of money he needs to find him a pack of pygmies in south america to grow the shit, smuggle it in, and market it for him.

Gimme a 400 watt, my little closet, and I can hide my activities, not set off bells, whistles, chimes, lights, and alarms to the power company. Grow all I need, and in a stealth manner that NOBODY ever finds out about.



Just some thoughts during my break .....smoke one for me.......

b0nger

[yaarea41510]

who cares about making that money clean..just blow it..haha..forget about all that solar panel or generator..just snake it..personally I don't but everyone else I know has and been snakin it for yrs...and they're pumping 30 1000w. No joke.. and dude 8 1000w is not that much..i got friends that pump 7-8 1000w and they do it legit. I'm not saying that's smart..not at all.Phone companies may get on your ass. These days electricity is higher than it used to be back then..even so, I know its not $900 or so. But do like 5 1000w that be alrite..

[turtle420]

"snaking" it?

Stealing electricity?

[the image reaper]

regarding generators...Being a hurricane katrina victim we were without power for about a week...during this entire week we ran 2 Wall unit a/c's, a television, a freezer, a refrigerator, a playstaion 2, a couple fans, and cell phone chargers. and i beleive its only like a 5 or 6 KW generator. We had absolutly no trouble with it and ran it 24/7. a full tank of fuel lasted about 8-10 hours. I believe it was about 700 hundred USD at a home depot.

hope this helps your decision someway.

a full tank of fuel lasted 8-10 hours ... and your rich uncle owns a fuel refinery, I hope ???

[turtle420]

a full tank of fuel lasted 8-10 hours ... and your rich uncle owns a fuel refinery, I hope ???
Either that... or shitloads of tasty cars stranded by the side of the road....

[hazeywonder]

the equalizer pf2 custom order from canada $750 - 800 they reduce a percentage of your bill.But with more load they knock off a bigger percentage. Its odd the more you put on it the better it works to a point. although I havnt used it i have seen on in use and will be trying one on my next run.

[HazardousToking]

I remember hearing someone talking about how they got a permit to run a big LAN setup or something along those lines as an excuse to why they were running so many watts. Anyone know what this is all about, or heard anything like it?/

As for the bulbs, just use 1000w vertical bulbs

[kushman45]

the equalizer pf2 custom order from canada $750 - 800 they reduce a percentage of your bill.But with more load they knock off a bigger percentage. Its odd the more you put on it the better it works to a point. although I havnt used it i have seen on in use and will be trying one on my next run. Save your money on that equalizer they do not work......

[Garden Knowm]

hulkster.... did the room get set up?

[Bachelorpads]

Umm, running a generator is not a good method for this. Just do 2 rooms of 4k per and have them alternate on times the power usage is constant and pay the bill on time. Nobody will notice anything at all because they will be happy you are paying them all that money. Don't steal electricity, they will notice that kind of a power draw that isn't being paid for.

[the image reaper]

tell the electric company you need high-amperage 220-volt independent line run into house, as you are using a high-powered electric MIG welder ... they will love you ... $$$ ... a friend did that, and they even cut him a deal on the hookup fees, as they saw big bucks ahead ... :smokin:

[Garden Knowm]

Umm, running a generator is not a good method for this. Just do 2 rooms of 4k per and have them alternate on times the power usage is constant and pay the bill on time. Nobody will notice anything at all because they will be happy you are paying them all that money. Don't steal electricity, they will notice that kind of a power draw that isn't being paid for.


no one will notice 8,000 watts... ummm

That depends on your neighborhood and what kind of police enforcement you have...

I don't mean to scare... but there are police department(s) that check electrcil bill averages in neighborhoods and then walk police dogs past homes that have high bills.. this happened in calabasses, california a couple years back...

They busted a house that had 4 computers on and NO MJ.. LOL

[Bachelorpads]

any decent lawyer will tell you that without a warrant that evidence is completely inadmissable. Same thing that happens when a drone sees grow lights and the cops bust it. Charges get dropped every time because without a warrant, the courts won't let it through. Spying is still frowned upon by the courts when it comes down to it and those cases almost always get thrown out.

But, not the point. The power company does not communicate with law enforcement unless law enforcement is asking. So pay your bill and they will not notice 8000W of power from a home if it is being used 4000W at a time. An average home can have all kinds of fun things running inside, the power company just wants your money and no hassles. Don't try to steal electricity and keep your wattage sane. They won't notice a thing, at least they won't care even if they did.

Get a welder if you like and that is explanation enough if you are still paranoid about it. If you are worried enough to think you need a generator do it. Whatever it takes to make it fun instead of scary. If it is too nerve racking then it isn't worth it.

[4x5]

Welders don't use that much power, but great point; they don't care unless you stiff em' so pay your bill and if you get a call, say you run a home business and have tons of office equip running, or welders ( :) ) or hell webservers. Point is, the only way to get busted is if you tell someone what you're doing, so keep tight lips, don't sell!, and make sure you have at least 2 locks between you and the plants.

[DB2004]

the equalizer pf2 custom order from canada $750 - 800 they reduce a percentage of your bill.But with more load they knock off a bigger percentage. Its odd the more you put on it the better it works to a point. although I havnt used it i have seen on in use and will be trying one on my next run.


Stay away from Equalizer PF2, they DO NOT WORK. I know how they're built and the components alone are worth about $20.00.

Best Regards

DB2004

[DB2004]

Tell your brother to use a 4 ballast flip for 8 bulbs. He'll have a constant 4KVA and that eliminates spikes in power, especially 8KVA on and off every 12 hours.

Best Regards

DB2004

[chongsboy]

My friend, an ex-commercial grower in canada stole power, paid some crooked electrician $5000 bucks to dig to the main wire, and bypass the electric meter.

Just to let you know:
AC units for single large rooms eat 1000-2000 watts
Your computer eats 350-500 watts
Your monitor eats 50 watts

So if you think, summer, you got 1 small ac on, and 1 big one, that's ~3000 watts (but ac's turn off and on...)
You got 3 computers in your house, that's 1000-1500 watts.

I would suggest in his new house, not to use a huge fridge, freezer, don't keep the tv on when not watching, turn off all other lights (cut down on outdoor lights, etc), don't use your microwave too often, don't vaccuum too often, don't use electric water heaters or electric heaters (if you have winters there), etc.

If you do that, you can easily get 1 AC unit for cooling, and 4 Lamps, and you looking kinda normal.

If you got a big house, then of course, it'll look more normal to use more electricity.

[Ole Smokey]

Tell your brother to use a 4 ballast flip for 8 bulbs. He'll have a constant 4KVA and that eliminates spikes in power, especially 8KVA on and off every 12 hours.

Best Regards

DB2004


what is a 4 ballast flip?

[Aaron385]

every 12 hrs it switches the output of 4 ballasts between 8 lights in two different rooms (4 each).. that way instead of 8k load for 12hrs you have a 4k load all day.

[Thehulkster321]

The growroom has not been completly set-up but its coming along.

He decided to go with an attic grow room
4 1000w MH's
6 SolaTubes (about same output as a 250w MH)
Everything is being planned to run off a diesal generator
2 Fuel Tanks were installed in the garage and his truck bed has been outfitted with a fuel tank aswell incase of emergency pickups when the fuel trucks cant make it.
Fuel deliverys are being arranged by vaious companys that supply diesal home heating fuel (cheaper then regular diesal)

The 6 SolaTubes were a risky idea but they way the roof is built it has bump outs so they are only visabnle by a chopper. The home location is also very good for growing ... not a house for almost a mile. The house isnt even visable from the main road you have to travel down a long dirt driveway to even get to it.

The room ahs been outfitted with various ventalation equipment, odor controll ect. I dont have all the detials yet becuase I have not been there in 2 months I only see him when he visits the family every month or so.

I should see him in the next month or so I will be able to update with exact equipment specifications.

[kushman45]

So how do you mask the sound of the generator and hide the exhaust fumes. And you have to deal with refueling good luck but man it sounds like a hassle. I am thinking you live in the boons somewhere to use this method.........:confused:

[Thehulkster321]

Not sure about the exhaust fumes but as far as sound proofing first he tried melamine foam but it wasnt good enough so he had to buy very EXPENSIVE foam used in aircraft manufacturing but I cant think of the name now. He says it works great.

[slowthestone]

8000 watts on the cheap eh.

Put a mule on a treadmill...convert kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Add a carrot on a stick and he'll be all set.

Though there'd still prolly be an issue of fumes to deal with if the mule is indoors!

[Aaron385]

curious on the name of that foam..

[DB2004]

the equalizer pf2 custom order from canada $750 - 800 they reduce a percentage of your bill.But with more load they knock off a bigger percentage. Its odd the more you put on it the better it works to a point. although I havnt used it i have seen on in use and will be trying one on my next run.

The PF2 Equalizer doesn't work. They're a joke, I know them very well, parts cost about $10, not including the cheap, piece of shit intermatic timer. I would not waste your money. If you'd to know more, ask me.....As for the 8 1000w ballasts, just use a 4 ballast flip (8 lights) and run the ballasts 24/7. The excess heat from the ballasts can be used to heat the room that's off during the winter months.

Best Regards

DB2004

[Buddahbear]

If your brother has the cash an easy solution to everything would be to get one of those Omega gardens. They are humongous 60-plant (in kind of SOG style) hydroponic gardens on an outer wheel, circulating around lights. They cost alot of money but, if used... well 60 plants -> pounds/month without too much power outlet/work.

[pmorris]

just use a flip you can run double the lights with 1/2 the ballasts.. he can have 2 rooms. thats still 8k ...

[Blunted22]

honestly man if he has the cheddar go get a costum built generator that run off of old vegatable oil or someshit like that it might cost alot but after that all youhave to do is beg mcdonalds for their old grease lol

[Blunted22]

o and to mask the sound i would put it in the basement build a room around it with a ventalation system and reinforce the walls with a sound proof barrier

[the yeag]

hey you should be able to run a quiet diesel generator you can always sound proof it run it to a bank of big marine battieries then to a disconect box this will limit fuel and noise battries will charge and run for quite a while.. also in the sticks where i grew up people used propane gen. and propane lighting.....hey BONGERSTONERDOOD to answer your question that is easy...who has the gun to your head.....the real druglord that sells in the same area...well the guys that work for him anyway...good point

[Buddahbear]

8,000 watts of HPS isn't just a grow room, that's a fucking grow lab. What does he plan to do with all that weed? Personal or Profit?

[DB2004]

the equalizer pf2 custom order from canada $750 - 800 they reduce a percentage of your bill.But with more load they knock off a bigger percentage. Its odd the more you put on it the better it works to a point. although I havnt used it i have seen on in use and will be trying one on my next run.


The PF2 is a piece of garbage. It DOES NOT work. I am very familiar with these items....

Best Regards

DB

[biff]

I have the fix all for this problem...hopefully its not to late. If he's got the money, buy a generator called "The Guardian", this generator will power a 12,000 sq. ft. house three fold and is whisper quiet and to top it off can be powered by solar energy. Best of all no one knows about it, its in the garage, looks like an AC Unit and theres no bill.:smokin: This is what I do and I grow pretty big with no problemas:dance: :thumbsup: :smokin: :rasta:

[MedGrower]

I have the fix all for this problem...hopefully its not to late. If he's got the money, buy a generator called "The Guardian", this generator will power a 12,000 sq. ft. house three fold and is whisper quiet and to top it off can be powered by solar energy. Best of all no one knows about it, its in the garage, looks like an AC Unit and theres no bill.:smokin: This is what I do and I grow pretty big with no problemas:dance: :thumbsup: :smokin: :rasta:

Are you referring to this company, http://www.guardiangenerators.com/

If so, curious which model you have and about how much it cost you??

[CultureCherryPopper]

Can anyone explain to me in more detail what a flip is, how it works, how much it costs and where I could obtain one, etc. Examples would be great.

[CultureCherryPopper]

Cancel that, I found more than enough info on these things. They're surprisingly pretty pricey. $420 for an 8 light, 4 ballast flip.

[SantaClawz]

if your brother has a good job and doesnt need to grow for selling purposes, then I would say he could go alot smaller for personal stash. I would say the most ive ever seen anyone smoke through was 5oz. a month. You can get that from 5 plants if done right, with alot less light.

[frostymcfailure]

i am amazed someone would incriminate family like that.. If its legal in your state more power too you; if not i suggest you reconsider location.

[Revanche21]

Maybe get some high-tech solar panels. These will be expensive initially but then free after that :dance: They are hooked up to a bank of batteries that store the power. Dunno if you can run that many lights off of such a setup though.

solar panels are very inefficient

Solar Power Products - Solar Panels - Solar Panels by Watts - 200 Watts and Greater (http://www.solarhome.org/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=112)

224 Watts for 1000$

not enough space for solar panels to run your lights alone