Well I promised you questions in my intro so here is my story.

My wife and I are wanting to buy a large lot, around a half acre, and construct the most energy effecient house we can. We both like the idea of the metal homes or pole barn house. I want to put in the heated water tubes in the concrete slab. I also want to use a small wind generator for powering my heat, a/c unit, freezer, and fridge. I would love it if I could use it full time but I'm afraid building restrictions and neighbor complaints would not allow a system that large. I'm thinking more of an emergency backup plan for when the power goes out and to help out during peak power times. Is this possible? I would like to be able to shut the breaker off to the grid coming in and turn the breaker on to the power coming from my batteries. I haven't looked into solar as I'm kind of afraid hale would break them. Is this a real concern?

That's 2 of the many I'm sure will follow. Thanks for any help you can give!

TH