My reply is based upon the following facts. 1. There is no connection from the local power grid to your cabin. 2. The person that originally wired this cabin, followed the standard practices of the trade and the work conforms to the electrical code, including.......proper grounding of all aspects of the system. 3. And that the existing wiring system in the cabin was set up to receive 120/240 volt AC grid power at some point in the future, if it became available. The way I see it, you have two choices. You can either use a "whole house" transfer switch that will allow you to choose between the existing solar power supply or the genset. OR...... you can simply disconnect the wires from the solar power supply and tape them off inside the main panel for your cabin (fuse box/breaker box). You don't need to actually remove the wire from the fuse box itself. This would allow you to easily reconnect the solar power supply system in the future, should the need arise. The purpose of a transfer switch is to provide 100% isolation between two differing sources of power. So, one way or the other, this isolation must take place. IF you don't isolate the solar system from the genset, then the genset will feed power back into the solar supply. Damage may be done but even if it does not do damage, the solar system is a potential loss of wattage from your genset and you could also have a fire and electrical hazard. Once you disconnect the wires from the solar supply unit, you can install the correct wiring between the fuse box and wherever you are placing the genset. If your panel is a standard residential fuse or circuit breaker panel, then it requires 240 volts plus a neutral wire to connect to the genset. You also need to make sure that all grounding issues are taken care of. Some how, your genset must be grounded to the cabin's system. If you are not sure of how to go about this, then hire a licensed electrician to perform the work. Better to be safe, than electrocuted. You also need to consider that many gensets use about a gallon of gasoline per hour of run-time. If it was me, I would be looking at a diesel genset so that I could install a lockable fuel oil tank in the 250 to 500 gallon size on the property. The thought of transporting several five gallon cans of gas in my car wouldn't thrill me. No matter how hard you try not to, you will spill fuel from those containers. Gasoline is a highly inflammable and explosive fuel. You don't want those fumes inside your vehicle. Having a permanent tank that is refueled by a company with a tank truck has many benefits. Plenty of reserve fuel that is far more stable than gas and no worries about refueling a hot engine.

Butias are fine palms. I lost one unprotected after the horrible winter of 2010-2011 here. They will do much better if protected from winter precip--rain or snow. My are now all in containers and getting too big for containers again. I will be tempted to plant again in the spring. Stink bugs are everywhere now--no big deal. They are relatively harmless and don't breed in the house. Bigger problems are lurking--fire ants are expanding in their range so if you hate stink bugs, you are really gonna love fire ants! This year, for me, it's been big spiders all over the place, and I hate spiders.

Thank you for the kind words! I agree - light coming in from multiple directions is an essential component of a successful room, to me. Have any of you ever read 'A Pattern Language'? It is an architectural book that discusses the things that make a building successful - they have a section related more to commercial building design, as well as a section devoted more to residential building. One of the principles is 'light on two sides' - if at all possible, design rooms so there is light from at least two sides of the room. Rooms where there is only light on one side (or no natural light at all) are not welcoming, and people don't want to spend time there. My architect came up with an initial sketch of a potential home, when we were doing due diligence on the land. I told him that I wanted light on two sides and axial views if at all possible, in as many rooms as possible. Oh, you should see the sketch he came up with! A one room deep French pavilion style home. So beautiful - not sure how practical, though. It will evolve, I am sure, but it is fun to dream! Here is a link that might be useful: Light on Two Sides

Thanks a lot! jon1270 Your pointed out the right problems; I don't know the answers for most of your questions. For size, I want about 500 square feet (unless additional will not cost proportionally). Exterior would be wood siding, to match the original. Shape? I would see a rectangle is most possible. Windows need to be good in order to save heating in winters. Interior material and wall surfaces would be just so-so; no need to be great. Floor is wood. Fireplace is not needed in the addition. I have no idea of foundation, basements things unless I ask a constructor to review it on-site to find out what is the best, Yes, it is on and on... I am thinking of paying a GC to be onsite to provide some estimates. Is this a good idea? Again thanks for the reply. Donald.