First Post

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 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.



Popular posts from this blog

The Eco-War

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  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-6...
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Solar Power Banks, a Low-Cost Emergency Backup

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  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 ...
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Spotted in the Wild: Solar Panels on a Flea Market Roof

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 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.
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