Sunny Day NC

  Russia has been systematically destroying or stealing renewable energy sites in Ukraine. Background: On February 24th, 2022, the Russians invaded Ukraine and are still at war when I write this.  Jitters about new tech seem to be scaring Russia enough to make solar plants a target.    A Ukrainian commentator on UATV mentioned over 90% of renewable energy sites have been destroyed.  That's not random. https://youtu.be/Y5WlkHG_xAM?t=212   https://ecopolitic.com.ua/en/news/vijna-rf-v-ukraini-ce-takozh-vijna-proti-zelenoi-energetiki-direktor-aseu-3/    https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/solar/heres-how-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-is-impacting-renewable-energy-and-the-grid/   Germany hasn't been helping as much as, it could be wished.  But they did focus on this aspect, since they were so stung by the energy blackmail.     https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-scholz-ukraine-war-calls-for-faster-energy-transition-as-it-happened/a-62375351     Well maybe we should just get out from under

  I wish I could say that we'll never need emergency solar power.  Or emergency power in general.  But most people feel better if they have a second source of power if needed, even in good times. Lots of people have a secondary source of heat or power in their home, you wouldn't be the first.  But if you don't and you want it, why not solar?  So here are a few ideas, even if you're not a "prepper" by nature.   I'm a rainy day prepper.  When I feel a threat, even far away, I think, OK time to evaluate the situation.  And sometimes I don't improve it.  The return on investment (ROI) may not be there for me.  My trust in "social fabric" is actually quite healthy. I'm not one of those who thinks that society is just about to break down.  Partly I just think electronics are fun. I was born with the engineer gene, you either have it or you don't. However, the war in Ukraine has triggered a sleeping fear.  I don't think it will end easi

 This is a flea market in Columbus NJ sporting a fresh crop of solar panels.  I wonder when that went up? Excellent use of them. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Flea+Market/@40.0531644,-74.7265238,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipOV_k028BsVm5thfc3LKTOpCZ3tLsD0-Me6xzYY!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOV_k028BsVm5thfc3LKTOpCZ3tLsD0-Me6xzYY%3Dw203-h270-k-no!7i3024!8i4032!4m15!1m7!3m6!1s0x89c157e796813913:0xc918c8a56c6560df!2sEwing+Township,+NJ!3b1!8m2!3d40.2599864!4d-74.7909125!3m6!1s0x89c14451e646293f:0x57b7b0ab7d4941d7!8m2!3d40.0523213!4d-74.7267185!14m1!1BCgIgAQ    Wow Google Maps links are huge.🙌  The Columbus Flea Market in NJ, has been open as long as I can remember.

  The purple stars designate the two solar power banks and one of the two included USB cords. The yellow star indicates a bedside lamp with USB charging slot, a handy modern upgrade. My phone and another device may be recharged by either of the power banks or the lamp's USB slot. Updated March 5, 2021, see the end of the article. With some people in Texas still without power after several days and accusations flying, it's a good reminder to consider the value of backup power systems even if it's just enough to keep your phone functioning.  Fortunately, these little power banks are affordable and, if you're a fan of gadgets, you will notice them in technical articles or ads.  If you're not the type to look at gadgets, then you can easily miss this gem of solar power convenience.  In this article I'll compare two models I picked up from Newegg.com, an online electronics store with a good reputation.    Since I don't see these everywhere, and the prices were v

You can find many solar devices on Amazon now.  But most are only useful if you put them in the sunniest place in your yard.  This assumes you have a yard.  Or a porch with full sunlight for at least four hours a day (some devices demand 6-8).  Such perfect expectations are the reason solar devices haven't taken hold.  People who are interested buy a few devices, find out they don't work well, and stop buying.  There are also some limitations such as, if the device is very small, it can't have a lithium battery.  Therefore, it will only work in the summer when freezing temperatures won't disable the battery.   Whole house solar power, and emergency solar generators don't have this issue because, presumably you can put the battery compartment indoors while they charge, and leave only the solar panels outside in the cold.  But miniature devices, such as lights that require no wiring, must operate in outdoor temperature ranges.   Because these items are not very popula

  From what I know already of solar, it won't be necessary to make "compact" solar cars.  The larger the better because more body = more PVs = more watts for storage = more range.  Roomy solar cars will be possible. This is already a nice achievement.

 I intend to document my journey toward using solar power, first with miniature devices, then with a standalone generator, then perhaps with a home upgrade to solar power.  So much solar power technology is opaque and intimidating that I decided to use what knowledge and tech courage I have to explore it and share my experiences.  Maybe if I blaze this trail, others will follow. Although "blaze" may be too optimistic a term.