The longer I participate in Bitcoin and Permaculture the more my mindset moves towards thinking about everything in terms of tradeoffs. In the last note about the solar panels, I explained my choice for more panels over storage. Today, is an example where more storage would be beneficial, in order to make sure the batteries are charged enough to power the wifi router tonight, I have to make sure the panels remain clear of snow. Because I installed these new panels with the batteries at a low state of charge during cloudy weather the batteries definitely wont make it through the night if I don't keep a trickle of power coming in. The next day with even a little bit of sunshine will surely top off the batteries charge and from there in think the residual power on cloudy days will be enough to keep the Internet running without such constant maintenance clearing the panels of snow. The forecast for the next week is clouds and more snow so it will be a great test to see how much a of a difference these new panels make in the worst conditions.
#permaculture #permies #homesteading #grownostr #meshtadel #selfsovereignty #solarpower #offgrid
quotingExpanding the power production capacity of the homestead with 4 more solar panels
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Slow and small solutions is one permaculture principle that comes to mind with the solar power system at the homestead. Every year I plan to make additions and upgrades. This year, the plan is to double capacity (done) and run the starlink internet directly on DC from the batteries. Last year, I added one more panel, and got a second charge controller as a backup after I thought the charge controller had failed but I was able to repair it.
I keep choosing to upgrade power production over storage because the power storage needs of the yurt guests is low. Plus, now that I have Bitcoin miners, any excess power production can utilized. Now, I think I have enough capacity to start powering some circuits at the house too so maybe power storage will be next year's expansion. Who knows, maybe more storage won't be necessary because I'll be able to generate power when the sun isn't shining with a wood gasifier...
#permaculture #permies #homesteading #grownostr #selfsovereignty #meshtadel #powerproduction #solarpower #solarpanel #plebminer #offgrid #offgridmining
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