January, 2015 Report | Print |
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Written by Administrator   
Monday, 02 February 2015 11:30

Overview:

pvjan152015 got off to a good start with a PV generation of 313 kWhrs. It would have been even higher if two snowstorms hadn't decided to 'dump' on us. That's not sour grapes, just a little perspective. In fact, it's snowing now and if the forecast is right, today's 12 inches will be added to the combined total of 21 inches from last week for a 7-day accumulation of 33 inches. Now that's winter.

Solar Living in Maine During the Winter:

You've heard it before, but there is great joy living in a solar home. The benefits in the winter are considerable:

  • Passive solar gain through the south-facing windows - yielding an indoor temperature in the high 70s on sunny days.
  • Having to open the windows to 'manage' the extra heat.
  • Enjoying our wood stove when the temperature goes down below 20 at night.
  • Enjoying our radiant heat in the floors and shower in the morning - much of it from our 1,000 gallons of hot water generated by the solar thermal panels on the roof.
  • Trusting that if the power goes out, our battery backup system will provide power to our necessary loads until the grid power returns.
  • Etc, etc, etc!

    Here's a video shot several years ago about Solar Living in Maine:


Last Updated on Saturday, 28 February 2015 16:03