SOLAR DEPOT

We have a problem................. No power.

Lots of sun on the solar panels but no power to our batteries. What could be the problem? I checked the monitor and it showed no power going in and 4.4 amps going out. This shouldn't be happening on a sunny day.

Fortunately our supplier Mike is close by and one phone call and he had the problem solved.

The inverter has two breaker switches on the side and for some unknown reason the breaker controlling the flow of power from the panels to the batteries had tripped. Once we turned it back on the energy flowed as expected and our batteries were back to being charged.

Great to have Mike so close and so helpful. If you are considering installing solar and you live in the Bancroft area give Mike at Solar Depot a call. He knows this stuff and is glad to answer your questions.

OUR ROAD

Ontario seems to be the target for snow this winter and we have been enjoying every storm that comes our way.

We cleared a lot of trees this weekend and now our garden will be getting so much more sunlight this summer. Yes summer will return.

Our panels stand alone against the sky no longer in danger of trees falling and striking them.

We live on a cottage road which means the municipality is not responsible to maintain it. In the winter we get it plowed when necessary and the logging firm that works behind us also makes sure it is passable for their trucks. So far we haven't been stuck or stranded as we thought we might living up north and back in the bush. Everyone keeps an eye on each other and makes sure neighbours are not forgotten. They don't intrude but when there's a need they are there to help.

Paul and Steve have been great looking after us when my bobcat is out of commission. 

Life in the north might be cold but it is so good.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

NO TROUBLE SLEEPING

After climbing up and down the hill through snow up to our knees I had no trouble sleeping last night. I didn't do 1/10 of the work the guys did and I was exhausted.

Nathan stepping back as another tree goes down.

Can you see the log being tossed? (click picture for a larger view)

The trees were bucked and then everything was stacked so we can haul it out in the spring.

 Gerry and the boys were able to remove the trees without damaging the solar panels. Now if we have a bad windstorm our panels should be safe from falling trees. It's difficult to see but the trees in this picture are well back from our panels.

Lots done yesterday and just the snow to clear from our driveway today. Otherwise it will be a day of rest.

Thanks guys for all your help.

THE SOUND OF CHAINSAWS

Can you hear them? We have the Libby crew here this morning cutting trees and moving brush.

With Matt, Nathan and Gerry working and everyone using a chainsaw it's noisy but productive. 

This will open up the garden area giving it more sunlight and giving us some excellent firewood for next year or the year after.

Thanks guys for an excellent Saturday.

FIREWOOD

We have enough firewood, stacked and drying to last another three years. 

Most of it is under a deep blanket of snow. This summer I plan to build covers for each wood pile and keep the rain and snow off.

Up at the house we stack enough firewood for a season. It is convenient and under shelter although some snow does drift in.

We started the season with the wood piled above the windowsill. As you can see we've gone through a little more than half the load but with heating season half over I think we will be fine.

We love our wood stove and have access to as much free firewood as we need so this is a good heating option for us.

Thanks for stopping by. Save travels Bob.

FIRST THING in the MORNING

The view out my back door just a few minutes ago. It's a great way to  start the day, so many new promises and possibilities.

Enjoy your day and safe travels everyone.

SHELVES

Yesterday was sunny and cold, a good day for using some of our excess solar power.

When the sun is out our batteries are often full by lunchtime which means the power collected the rest of the day is just wasted.

I set my chop-saw on the back porch and plugged it in. Although it was -15*C I wasn't out for any long stretches.

Boards were measured and cut.

By two o'clock the job was done. The iron shelves are on wheels and we can easily move them out to get items on the shelves behind. Most of those are seasonal things or extras, so won't need to move it much. Next job will be doors for the closet.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.