But, back to where I was - the limited solar power caused our first few weeks on the farm to be extremely "interesting".
You remember that I purchased an Owl electricity monitor for RMan a couple of years ago. Well, it was actually intended for the farm, so that we could monitor our power consumption.
And that little Owl has been brilliant! At any time we have been able to see what power we are draining from the batteries.
For instance...
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| Fridge |
... that it's only supposed to draw 100watts! Oh boy, that little fridge sure had it's work cut out. I often battled to find space to cram another item into it.
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| Crammed to capacity |
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| The laptop on charge only |
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| As you can see from the Owl on the 29th July we had consumed 29 Kw of energy from the sun - for the entire month. The 258 watts is what the PC draws. And the temp, which I've bored you all to tears with, was 13.2oC - inside - at 10.30a.m. in the morning. |
We even tried adding 3 X new 135watt panels to the existing 75 watt panels. They are to be installed on the new garage roof, but until we are able to do that, we tied them to window frames and secured the fronts with tyres so that the North Westerly wind which blows in winter, couldn't take them for a spin without our permission.
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| Not an aesthetically pleasing picture, but, heck, whatever works, and is only temporary, is fine for a limited period of time... |
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| Laundry in the kitchen LOL Idiot me - I only see the kettle now - all that steam couldn't have helped...! |
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| The past meets the future... ... and it created a wonderfully warm "gemutlich" atmosphere |
BUT - we have now got the new panels in situ on top of the new garage roof (pics to follow as soon as I can upload them / create the blog posting), and I finally have my normal fridge - with freezer. Happy days!!
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| As we switched over from the 3 x 75 watt and 3 X 135 watt panels to the garage mounted 5 X 135 watt panels I took a consumption reading. We had used 69 Kw in 2 months (the pic was taken on the 4th September). Heck, a couple of years ago, we were using that in one day during the winter months, and the in-laws were visiting and we had oil heaters on all night in their room.) |
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| It didn't take me long to fill the bigger fridge LOL Leftovers are my worst nightmare...! As you can see RMan has an entire shelf for his liquid refreshment, so now he's happy too :) |
But, a freezer means...
...we don't have to drive 60kms every 2 - 3 days in order to purchase perishables. Because now I have fridge (freezer) space. And it also means that I can finally have ice in my glass of rosé at the end of the day :) And not a day too late LOL Who wants to drink warm rosé in summer?
Things are definitely improving. "Cheers" :)
Glad your solar is hooked up so that you have more power.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ~ FlowerLady
FlowerLady - Yup - works really well - when there ain't no clouds...! :)
DeleteI have found that when they print the wattage for fridges it is usually for the fridge only. If the model has a freezer, it is a totally different wattage. I even called the factory on a couple appliances for just that reason. They are sneaky. And I just learned that the freezer on the bottom is less efficient than the freezer on the top. The condenser has to work harder when it is on the bottom. Or maybe make sure the condenser is clean, that can effect the efficiency. Is it 12 volt? Alternative energy is a constant learning experience. But glad you finally got your ice :)
ReplyDeleteJane - Yeah - there are two values - for fridge and freezer. But they don't add up to the 242 watts showing on the Owl. Nope - it's 220volt, 12 volt fridges in this country are wickedly expensive for their size - which is generally very small. Our condenser is in a sealed compartment, so dunno if it will get dusty...?
DeleteChilled wine - nothing to beat it after a long day's work :)
Glad things are continuing to work out, albiet with adjustments and learning along the way. Glad you got ice for your wine!
ReplyDeleteDFW - Does one ever stop learning? And chilled rose tastes better than at room temperature :)
Deletei'm with DFW - happy for you that finally have ice for your rosee! and thank you for sharing the ups and the downs - it is hard to go off-grid and adjust to all of the changes. you guys are doing great and are a real inspiration! keep up the good work and the good fight, Dani - we are all cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
kymber - Thank you for the encouragement - it does help :)
DeleteAww...Don't worry about us. We know that you're out in the "boonies" with no way to communicate. Pretty soon it'll be 2 tin cans with a wire between @;)
ReplyDeleteUp those amps! Mama's gotta keep that wine chilled!
tami - Been there and done that as a child LOL Yup - up those amps! Up those amps! My new mantra LOL
DeleteSounds like your learning curve is straightening out a bit! Here's to dry clothes, no more long drives and a cold wine at the end of the day :)
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Robyn
Robyn - I'll toast to that LOL
DeleteYay for you, it's coming along and that's all that matters! You are indeed an inspiration and we're not going anywhere. Now go have another iced Rose' for us. :-)
ReplyDelete1st Man - Thanks - for sticking by :) Yeah - I'll have an extra glass tonight and cheers you all :)
DeleteSo interesting to know your ACTUAL usage! All good food for thought. Enjoy your refreshments!
ReplyDeleteLinda - With the full sized fridge and the TV, PC, plus a couple of lights and charging phones / laptop, we are now using 2.8Kw / day. Have read your energy usage, and seriously don't know how you are getting by with 8-odd Kw / day - with your family too!
DeleteIt is neat to see how you are doing in your new place. Gotta love (and laugh at) those learning curves. Glad your new panels are helping out and making a big difference. That is great.
ReplyDeleteEmily - LOL The laughs will probably come later, once we have the time and (builders) space to reflect. But we're loving it :)
Delete