Solar was about the only way we could go when we decided to live in the Arizona desert. It was also at that time about all we could afford. We were not trying to make a statement one way or the other. This is what we needed in order to live where we chose to live.
Our retirement plan was "what can we do without in order to survive?". Through with the lay offs we have gotten a pretty good preview of what we can live without.
We started planning for the fall of the economy when the housing market started rising dramatically about 6 years ago. We were one of the fortune ones that bought low and sold high, took 13 years of owning our home but it quadrupled in price. It was a very modest home. Within 1 1/2 years the home we sold was barely worth what we paid for it in the 90's.
So here we are, unemployed and very thankful we do not have a mortgage or utilities. We lost nothing when we lost our jobs accept some pride. Most people would be homeless after 6 months.
We put all that money up front into solar when we were working and now we are reaping the rewards. We are surviving.
Granted a grid-tie solar system is a bit less expensive than an offgrid one due to the charge controller and battery backup. But if you are going to go solar, do a stand alone system if possible. We would never sell back to a utility company at a fraction of the rate we were buying. Let them buy the land and the solar to put on it. We did all of the research, leg work and put the money, sweat and tears into this off grid solar system. We don't need them anymore. We paid for the system, it belongs to us and it is not for sale for a penny on the dollar.
Eventually, it will get to the point to where they need us. Think about it.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Do-it-Yourself Solar Kits
An inexpensive way to introduce yourself to solar
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Solar kits are a good way to learn about installing your own solar. Buy an inexpensive do-it-yourself solar kit. We purchased a solar kit for an RV when we first started out. It was only a 20 watt panel, charge controller, the adjustable rack and cables. It came with all of the instructions for installation.
Anything that bought that is solar is not going to be a waste of money. It gave us a really good understanding of how solar worked and it powered the lights on our travel trailer and kept the batteries charged since we only used it on weekends.
The 20 watt panel now is used to power our booster pump for the well It has been up and running for almost 4 years and we have never, rain or shine ever run out of water.
It is independent of our home solar so if we use too much power or during monsoon when there is not enough sunlight, we still have running water coming to the house. All of our neighbors, have to run their generators in the morning in order to have water. We never have.
So if you want to try out solar but do not want to spend a lot of money, buy an inexpensive do-it-yourself solar kit and try it.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Does anyone use a solar oven?
We use our solar oven as often as possible. So far I have not been all that creative. I usually make pot roasts, whole chickens, pork loins or some kind of red sauce or soup. We usually cook something that doesn't require to much timing.
We made ratatouille, boy did it smell good. We sat outside just sniffing away and commenting on how good it smelled. Neighbors came over and commented on good it smelled. By the time we were done admiring it, we dished it our onto our plates and it did smell good. Unfortunately we overcooked it by a couple of hours and it was pretty much mush.....but it did smell good.
When monsoon is over we would like to try huevos rancheros or muffins or quick breads. We have not baked in it at all. We know we need to preheat the oven before making baked goods. Not real good about that either.
Sun Oven | Solar Cooking
We made ratatouille, boy did it smell good. We sat outside just sniffing away and commenting on how good it smelled. Neighbors came over and commented on good it smelled. By the time we were done admiring it, we dished it our onto our plates and it did smell good. Unfortunately we overcooked it by a couple of hours and it was pretty much mush.....but it did smell good.
When monsoon is over we would like to try huevos rancheros or muffins or quick breads. We have not baked in it at all. We know we need to preheat the oven before making baked goods. Not real good about that either.
Sun Oven | Solar Cooking
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sun Drying or Dehydrating to Preserve Foods
Another good way to preserve foods if they are not going to be used immediately, is to sun dry or dehydrate them . Use just the trays of the dehydrator, not the heater. One can be purchased cheaply at a yard sale. Use solar rays to heat and the wind to dry whenever possible.
Many dehydrated foods have a shelf life of several years, about 5-10 years. They can be vacuum sealed, labeled and date for future use. This makes for easy storage. They can also be stored in jars or tins. They should be stored in a cool dry place.
Dried fruits have the least shelf life of 2-5 years depending on the environment it is stored. Always check the food for spoilage and the package for leaks before using it to be sure it is okay.
Many dehydrated foods have a shelf life of several years, about 5-10 years. They can be vacuum sealed, labeled and date for future use. This makes for easy storage. They can also be stored in jars or tins. They should be stored in a cool dry place.
Dried fruits have the least shelf life of 2-5 years depending on the environment it is stored. Always check the food for spoilage and the package for leaks before using it to be sure it is okay.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tips on Keeping a Watchful Eye on Waste
Keep a watchful eye on waste. Conservation in today's economy is a must. Are disposable items really necessary or merely a convenience ? Is it really so time consuming to wash and reuse?
Instead of just listing ideas on how to conserve we thought we would show some of the things that we are doing to conserve and save money too. This can be done with a bit of planning.
Make your own handmade lotions, lotion bars, lotion butters, soaps, and laundry soap, perfumes, handcraft cards for birthdays, weddings and holidays. This personalized touch is always welcome. Use baking soda as a fabric softener in clothes or in the spa. A favorite fragrance oil can be added. Handmade special gifts will always be on hand for family and friends.
The easiest way to make your own lotion butter is to buy Shea Butter at any drug store. Put it in a bowl and whip it with a wand or electric mixer until it is light and fluffy. Shea Butter is a natural UV and moisturizer.
Instead of just listing ideas on how to conserve we thought we would show some of the things that we are doing to conserve and save money too. This can be done with a bit of planning.
Make your own handmade lotions, lotion bars, lotion butters, soaps, and laundry soap, perfumes, handcraft cards for birthdays, weddings and holidays. This personalized touch is always welcome. Use baking soda as a fabric softener in clothes or in the spa. A favorite fragrance oil can be added. Handmade special gifts will always be on hand for family and friends.
The easiest way to make your own lotion butter is to buy Shea Butter at any drug store. Put it in a bowl and whip it with a wand or electric mixer until it is light and fluffy. Shea Butter is a natural UV and moisturizer.
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