Re: [A/S] converting an Airstream into an office?

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jason,
  You have a LOT of research to do. The first thing is to peruse the 
HomePower web site and subscribe to their magazine. It's at 
http://www.homepower.com

Calculating your power usage is mandatory, you can't guess at it. 
Fortunately, it's easy to do. See any of the solar electric sites such 
as http://www.rvsolarelectric.com

Besides a composting or propane toilet, you might consider a 
conventional septic tank/leach field. Although initial cost isn't 
trivial (check with a local contractor or 2), maintenance is limited to 
getting it pumped every few years, no other ongoing costs. It also takes 
care of your grey water disposal; if you're living there, you don't want 
to simply dump it on the ground in one spot week after week.

Filtered lake water would be OK for showering and maybe dish washing. A 
distiller could be used for drinking/cooking needs or you could simply 
haul potable water to your site. Depending on usage, a surplus plastic 
barrel(s) could suffice for both hauling and on-site storage. You'd have 
to be careful to not contaminate the water and barrels, and a bit of 
bleach (chlorine) periodically might be a good idea. You could also 
drill a well at a substantial cost; check with local contractors for 
cost estimates. Pumping from a well is problematic with solar power, but 
there are ways to do this.

A largish battery bank will be required, along with a good 
inverter/charger. Using a genset with the latter will allow efficient 
battery charging when needed. Again, refer to the Home Power site above.

                            <<Jim>>