We installed a small (about 1 kilowatt per day) solar system a couple of years ago at “the farm” south of Lion’s Head. It’s been a learning experience, to say the least. As long as we get a few days of good, clear sun every week, our photovoltaic panels generate enough power to run our simple needs: an energy-efficient refrigerator, a few lights, a computer for a couple of hours a day, and the wireless device that gives us a phone and internet access. (We need to generate our own power, and rely on wireless telecommunication, because there are no power or phone lines down our road. We are totally “off grid” in both ways.) Continue reading →