Through the Solar Year

Viki Mather

Living on solar power makes us naturally energy conscious. Especially during the six weeks surrounding Winter Solstice. December is filled with cloudy days when we gain no power at all.  And on the few days each week when the sun does shine, it is low in the sky. By the time it rises above the trees in the morning, and then shrinks below the trees in the afternoon, there may be only 5 hours of productive energy accumulation.

Thank goodness, that all changes in January. While the days are just as short as they are in December, they are more often sunny. The brilliance of the snow reflects more light onto the panels, bringing in more power. Still, we only do laundry on sunny days.

I love living on solar power. It is a simple system, with no moving parts, no stinky fumes, no noise pollution, no power outages when an ice storm comes by. We have eight 85-watt panels. These charge a battery bank that occupies a 2½ by 6 foot area of our mudroom. An inverter and various monitors regulate the power. Flip a switch on the wall, and a light comes on! This miracle of light at the flip of a switch goes unnoticed by most folks.

Even when the sun does not shine for three days in a row, that light continues to shine when the switch is flicked. That’s what the battery bank is for. That’s why it is call a “bank.” It saves the energy from the sun so we can use it when the sun isn’t there. If we’re careful, we can go five days or more without the sun. In December, we are careful.

Each day in January the sun rises a little higher, shines a little longer. We start to relax a bit with our energy vigilance. By February, the sun is high enough in the sky that we can wash a load of clothes whether it is sunny or not. Because when it does get sunny again, the solar energy will replenish the bank.

By March, we don’t have to think about every light that is left on. Although by March, the days are long and bright. We don’t need the lights as much anymore.

As summer approaches, I start trying to think of new ways to use energy. Our system is designed to keep us wired through the winter. In summer, we can produce at least double the energy of winter. Too bad we can’t bank it all for December!

Generally, electricity made from solar panels is not recommended for heating things, like microwave ovens and hair dryers. But in June, we have more energy available than we can keep, so we look for ways to use it. I can iron my shirts!

When September comes, we need to get back into thoughts of conservation. It takes a while to remember this. Luckily, we have three months to practice before the dark days of December descend once again.

            
Viki Mather is owner of Kukagami Lodge, a northern Ontario wilderness resort at the southern boundary of the Temagami forest. Web: www.kukagamilodge.com , email: lodge@kukagami.infosathse.com Viki has lived in the wilderness for 26 years, without electricity or running water. Read these columns monthly to discover wonderful ways to live in harmony with nature, bring edible wilds into your kitchen, thrive without plugging into the grid, and enjoy a healthier life.