Sunday, December 28, 2014

Baby steps to a solar future

I envision my future to be completely off the grid. I want the sun to produce all of my power for me. That is the goal!

Financially, we aren't able to be there yet. I'm starting with baby steps. I first bought a Nokero solar lightbulb. It looks like a light bulb with a solar panel on the side. It comes with a small hook, so you can use it as a tent light. Our power was out recently. I just went to the window sill, where the light bulb lives, and turned it on. It was just as bright as a conventional flash light! I've also used it to read in bed, at night. Its bright enough for me to read but not so bright it keeps hubby awake.

Next, I bought a small solar panel. Its called a Nomad 7 portable solar unit. It can be used at home or on the go. It comes with 2 small panels and can be hooked to a backpack. I just keep it in my window and charge. It doesn't have a battery, so it just charges your devices,it doesn't store the power. I now charge my phone and laptop and no cost to us.

The very best part of these purchases is that I found them at discounted prices! The solar lightbulb was about $6 cheaper than retail and the solar panel was $20. That's $80 off of retail!!!!! The reason? The box was smooshed. Seriously!

Next step, solar lights for our outbuildings. No more using a flashlight to try and find something in the shed. Just flick a switch and the solar lights come on.

One day.....whole house solar. One day...