Let's Buy Local

Ok, the title is a joke. Or, well, something I would like to do but ... I am trying to make a "where to get it" decision on some batteries. They will become part of the backup electricity system for the Geek Ranch. Today, they will be backup to run the inflator when building our first domes.

I trot off to Tecnosol, the place that didn't know what their 2-way radios did but suggested I read the package because it was in English and the people that couldn't sell us a diesel generator that was there "quickly" (I don't know what that means but three days was not an option) because they didn't have time to put the wheels on it and start it. Today's trip was equally enlightening.

Based on the dropping prices of AGM batteries, I decided they were probably the best option. I walk in and see a bunch of batteries but they are of two types: Trojan regular lead-acid (like I have in my system at home) and a big made in China gel cell. I ask if they have AGM batteries available. The answer is "what's that"?

Now, if I asked that question in a pharmacy or even a hardware store I would expect that answer. But, it would seem that the company that appears to be the biggest alternative energy supplier in Nicaragua would at least have a clue on this one. I started to explain what it was but decided it wasn't my job to be a teacher in their store and them understanding was not going to change the answer to the question. So, I asked about the 12V, 250AH made in China units. The only available information is that they cost $400, a good price if they aren't junk.

Being less than satisfied, I headed home to look up tecnosol's and altertec's web sites to see if I could find a bit of information. Altertec's site is for sale and tecnosol's was irritating. First, because it was hard to find. (It's http://www.tecnosolsa.com if you care.) Second, and more important, it takes forever to load. I don't know how long because I went off and did a bunch of other stuff but it is full of flash BS on the front page so windmills rotate and such. In addition, it has scroll bars where they don't make sense and makes noises when you do things.

Beyond these "cosmetics", their battery section only lists the Trojan batteries. So, I guess I will ship some batteries from the U.S.

Now, this seems absurd. I am talking about buying something like 1000 lbs. of lead and plastic. I will happily pay a "reasonable price" to not have to deal with freight forwarders, customs, ... but it really just isn't an option. Probably more important than 1000 lbs, a few thousand dollars. But, an alternative such as this web page sure looks like a better option.