While the sun shines
Each morning, with the sunrise, I dream of a new day where my home energy cost drops to “net zero”. The space for solar is available. I dream; fully aware of the truth. I can’t quite afford to make the leap. All those photos of home with an array leave out the crucial detail. All of those homes belong to the rich. Now, I say this, while at the bottom of the hill there are several cottages that are off grid. And so, I continue to dream.
Meanwhile, we’re moving closer to autonomy for our leisure time. The “solar generator” should ship in a few weeks, which will push me to acquire a set of portable panels. 500 watts might be affordable. I also have my folding array for my LiFePO4 battery, and the videos on DIY power packs remain as a thorn in my side. I have the pieces. My “get busy and finish” incentive is in the shade.
When I lived in the big city, with enormous hydro dams that assured my lights, solar seemed frivolous. Now, when the breeze blows from the right quadrant and I can hear my nearby wind farm churning, I accept that there are others with green as a primary colour. I’ll get there! My requirements are humble; enough current to run the well pump and get the water furnace up to temperature. I won’t need an array that masks the lawn. Just a few panels on the room, and an accumulator in the garage. Oh, the dreams I have!
