What makes the Watts Up? PRO so unique is the data logging feature that can be downloaded to a computer via the usb or serial cable and their custom software. How deep you dig into the data is up to you, but it’s nice to have the level of detail and the ability to save the results over the long term.
All good solutions start with a real problem. Mine is that we suck way too much juice at the house. I’m not talking juice as in the Florida type; I’m talking the carbon producing, wallet draining variety. I bought the house that my wife and I currently live in back when I was young, single, and had other concerns in life beyond how efficient my house was. It’s a 1938 transitional ranch that measure approximately 1138 and has a partially finished basement that’s approximately 450 square feet. Construction is double bonded brick, plaster walls, and steel casement windows which have vintage single pane glass.
Alternative energy to me has always been a great promise packaged in not so meaningful applications. You could say the quest for free power has always left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. Whether it was the free battery of the month program at Radio Shack which seemed to die instantly, the potato battery science kit, or the pedal powered generator on my childhood bike, alternative sources never seemed to live up to the hype. Years, later, before my last Grand Canyon Trip, I purchased a pair of 12v portable solar panels which left my camera gear half charged after a couple of days in full sun – literally not worth their weight. A recently purchased 15 watt solar panel destined for our camping trailer barely pumps out 1 amp of power in peak sun, but I’m encouraged. Why?
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