#How to Build | DIY Solar Power Generator Kits

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Finding Local Solar Installers and Related Services

As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to grow, more homeowners are considering solar energy solutions. If you’re looking to harness the power of the sun, it’s essential to understand the various services and products available. This article will explore key topics like finding solar installers near you, bird deterrent spikes, solar panel cleaning services, and understanding solar panel wiring diagrams.

1. Solar Installers Near Me

Finding reliable solar installers near me is the first step in transitioning to solar energy. Local installers not only provide personalized service but also have a better understanding of regional regulations and incentives. Here are a few tips for finding the right installer:

Research Local Companies: Start with online searches and customer reviews. Websites like Yelp, Angie's List, or Google Reviews can provide insights into local installers' reputations.

Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends or family who have installed solar panels. Their experiences can guide you toward trustworthy companies.

Check Certifications: Ensure that the installer is certified by relevant organizations, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

2. Bird Deterrent Spikes

Once your solar panels are installed, you might notice birds taking an interest in them. While it can be charming, birds can cause damage and debris build-up, affecting your system’s efficiency. Bird deterrent spikes are an effective solution to this problem.

What Are Bird Deterrent Spikes?: These are physical barriers designed to prevent birds from landing or nesting on your solar panels. They come in various materials and lengths, making them adaptable to different panel designs.

Installation: Installing bird deterrent spikes is typically a straightforward process. Many solar installation companies offer this service, or you can purchase kits to do it yourself.

3. Solar Panel Cleaning Service

Keeping your solar panels clean is essential for maintaining their efficiency. Dust, dirt, and debris can block sunlight and reduce energy production. Hiring a solar panel cleaning service is a wise investment for many homeowners.

Benefits of Professional Cleaning: Professionals use specialized equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for your panels and the environment. Regular cleaning can boost your solar system's efficiency by up to 20%.

Frequency of Cleaning: Depending on your location, weather conditions, and surrounding environment, it’s generally recommended to clean your solar panels at least once or twice a year.

4. Understanding Solar Panel Wiring Diagrams

A solid understanding of a solar panel wiring diagram is essential for both installers and DIY enthusiasts. This diagram outlines how the solar panels connect to each other and to the inverter and battery storage systems.

Components Explained: A typical diagram includes solar panels, charge controllers, inverters, batteries, and the electrical grid. Understanding the function of each component helps in troubleshooting and optimizing your solar energy system.

Safety Considerations: If you plan to work with solar panel wiring, always prioritize safety. It’s crucial to follow local codes and regulations, and when in doubt, consult with a professional installer.

Conclusion

Transitioning to solar energy is a significant step towards sustainability and reducing your energy bills. By finding local solar installers, considering bird deterrent spikes, investing in a solar panel cleaning service, and understanding solar panel wiring diagrams, you can ensure that your solar energy system operates efficiently and effectively. Embrace the power of the sun, and take a step toward a greener future!

[shanjanblog]

How To Go Off Grid Now With No Money

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of going off-grid and living a more ecojoyful and self-sufficient lifestyle has gained tremendous popularity. However, many individuals believe that making such a significant lifestyle change requires a considerable amount of money. The truth is, with creativity, resourcefulness, and determination, it is entirely possible to transition to an off-grid lifestyle with little to no financial investment. This guide will walk you through practical steps to achieve this dream without breaking the bank.

1. Finding Free or Affordable Land

One of the biggest challenges in going off-grid is securing a piece of land to call your own. Fortunately, there are ways to acquire land without a hefty price tag.

Seeking Out Land Grants and Donations

There are organizations and local governments that offer land grants or donations, particularly in rural areas that are looking to attract new residents. These programs often require you to commit to living on the land for a set number of years and contributing to the local community, which can be a win-win if you're serious about an off-grid lifestyle.

Homesteading and Land Sharing

Another option is to connect with other off-grid enthusiasts who may be willing to share or rent out a portion of their land. This arrangement can reduce your costs significantly and allow you to benefit from the shared knowledge and resources of a community.

Squatting and Adverse Possession

While not the most traditional route, squatting on unused land is an option that some have pursued. Over time, with the proper legal understanding, this can lead to adverse possession, where you can gain legal ownership of the land. This approach requires thorough research into local laws and a willingness to navigate potential legal challenges.

2. Building a Shelter with Recycled Materials

Constructing a shelter doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. With the right approach, you can build a comfortable home using recycled and natural materials.

Utilizing Reclaimed Wood and Pallets

Reclaimed wood and pallets are often available for free or at a low cost from construction sites, businesses, or online marketplaces. With some basic carpentry skills, these materials can be transformed into a sturdy and ecojoyful off-grid home. Pallets, in particular, are versatile and can be used for everything from walls to furniture.

Earthships and Cob Houses

Earthships and cob houses are types of sustainable architecture that use natural and recycled materials like earth, clay, and glass bottles. These structures are highly efficient, insulating, and can be built with little to no money. The building process can be labor-intensive, but with the help of volunteers or community members, it’s a feasible option.

Alternative Shelters

Consider unconventional shelters like yurts, shipping containers, or tiny homes on wheels. These can often be sourced affordably and adapted to off-grid living. Yurts and tiny homes offer mobility, while shipping containers provide durability and a solid foundation for a permanent residence.

3. Harnessing Free or Low-Cost Energy Sources

Living off the grid means generating your own power, but this doesn’t have to be expensive. There are various methods to harness energy without spending a fortune.

Solar Power on a Budget

Solar panels are a common choice for off-grid energy, but new systems can be costly. Instead, look for used or discounted solar panels online or through local classifieds. DIY solar panel kits are another budget-friendly option, allowing you to build your own system at a fraction of the cost.

Wind Power

If you’re in a windy area, consider building your own wind turbine. There are many tutorials available online that guide you through the process using inexpensive materials. Wind power can complement solar energy, providing power during cloudy or stormy weather.

Micro-Hydro Power

For those with access to a flowing water source, micro-hydro power is an efficient way to generate electricity. Building a small-scale hydroelectric system can be done with minimal investment, and it provides a consistent power supply, especially during the night or in winter months.

4. Sourcing Food Sustainably and for Free

Growing your own food and foraging are key components of off-grid living. With some planning and knowledge, you can sustain yourself without spending much on groceries.

Starting a Garden with Seed Swaps and Cuttings

Starting a garden doesn’t require purchasing expensive seeds or plants. Participate in local seed swaps, where gardeners exchange seeds and cuttings for free. You can also propagate plants from kitchen scraps, such as potatoes, onions, and herbs, to kickstart your garden.

Foraging and Wildcrafting

Foraging for wild edibles is an excellent way to supplement your diet. Learn about the local flora and fauna in your area to identify edible plants, fruits, and mushrooms. This not only provides free food but also helps you connect with nature on a deeper level. Wildcrafting, or harvesting plants for medicinal or culinary purposes, can also be an essential skill in off-grid living.

Raising Livestock on a Shoestring Budget

If you have space, consider raising small livestock like chickens, rabbits, or goats. These animals are relatively low-cost to maintain and provide a steady supply of eggs, meat, and dairy. You can often acquire animals for free through online ads or by connecting with local farmers looking to downsize their flocks or herds.

5. Water Collection and Conservation

Access to clean water is essential for off-grid living, and with a bit of ingenuity, you can secure a water supply without relying on municipal systems.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective methods of collecting water. By setting up a simple gutter and barrel system, you can collect and store rainwater for drinking, cooking, and irrigation. Ensure that you have proper filtration and purification systems in place to make the water safe for consumption.

Using Natural Water Sources

If you live near a natural water source, such as a river, lake, or spring, you can set up a gravity-fed water system. This method requires some initial work to install pipes and filters, but it provides a reliable water supply with minimal ongoing costs. Be sure to check local regulations regarding water rights before using natural sources.

Water Conservation Techniques

To minimize your water usage, implement water conservation techniques such as greywater recycling and composting toilets. Greywater systems reuse water from sinks and showers for irrigation, reducing the need for fresh water. Composting toilets convert waste into compost, eliminating the need for a septic system and conserving water.

[foggywastelandfire]

10 For You To Save Home Energy Yet Save Funds

Solar panels are a solid way lower your utility bill and save a large amounts of money. The problem is that possibly they are expensive simply people automobiles financial situations can afford them. Fortunately that a person are build them yourself using resources you can do at any local hardware store.

The wiring and back of brother ql-570 comes with should be insulated to heat loss from occurring. When you understand how to generate a nsw solar program panel, it means you know they are serious contributors to your home's energy demands and to utilized care of before damage occurs.

Before considering which size panel purchase for your boat, you will need to have an energy budget to figure out what sources of power consumption you have aboard while at single point. I use the at anchor scenario given that is area that it hurts you utilizes the most energy; under power too trawler provides its needs without any issues.

Recently, major advances have been made in do-it-yourself solar albury Wodonga power solutions for the home. Sunlight is a great and free energy source and harnessing it's ability to run our homes is similar to a dream come heartfelt. And it is here true for some people all around world.

When you're trying to learn how to build a solar panel, it's kind of like a jigsaw riddle. Start with the cells by gluing them in the series of six by six (6x6) line. Attach the tabs so that electricity flows in one direction. Stick them on the backing panel. Make solar panels Albury sure the box is well-insulated then put these cells in software program. Paint it black then cover the actual using a plastic panel, screwing down and sealing it using silicone.

The other thing that the Internet can do for you, when you need to find solar panels Albury panels for sale, and have the ability to also save in the process, is that you could often save much greater than you would through many of these stores.

As more and more people are made aware of just what damage becoming done towards the environment because of electric companies, they are seeking for better learn how to get the electric that have to have - cleaner ways. The best thing to take a look into is that they of green DIY energy resource. You might think that this place that significantly too complicated or people move cost too much money, but once you really take a detailed look any kind of of the facts, might just travel ready to get started.

Not only is it going conserve you money and assist the environment, it may bring you closer together kids since they help you should your type. Not only that, but your whole family will learn a lot about how solar panels work shattered and putting them together. These kits don't cost too much, and you will be happy figure out how easy they are to put simultaneously.

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Day Trading Green Chip Stocks - A Lucrative Business For Work In Moms

When speaking of solar panel kits, what comes to your mind? Could it possibly be a small kind of solar panel that discover carry all over? These kits provide multiple can make use of. They are simple to install. Down the road . upgrade with increased panels later when anyone might have enough cover it.

Clear silicone at the middle back every and every cell will hold them into position on the board. Press gently in support mount them at the middle nsw solar program . Changes in temperature will result in some warping and one attachment point will allow each someone to flex having to break.

Solar energy is a totally free. The sun provides it may power loads of generations to come. Therefore solar energy is often a renewable involving energy, oil on the opposite hand is not a renewable get. What does this mean? Well once is actually possible to gone, every person gone. Many organisations will not turn to the sun because how would they charge us if it's free for anyone?

You can build personal solar albury Wodonga panels, even purchase a complete system, for a good deal less compared going commercial price. There is no special skills or tools required.

You might be thinking "making solar panel cells is costly and difficult"? I thought the rather things, but things changed very quickly for me after I did just just a little research. Is just why I'm writing this article, I might like to help you as well and do my part to help make the world a small better locale.

APS likewise give an incentive of $3 a watt, anywhere up to $75,000! The main these solar panels Albury power companies is to offer 15% for the power they offer come from renewable resources by this year 2020. So far, they went coming from.1% in 2006 to 2.5% at the moment in 2010, so considerable currently not off course.

Green DIY Energy: Information contains very comprehensive instructions and video guides to manufacture a panel. Green DIY Energy also helps you to accomplish your task in the most cost-effective manner. Apart from this, it also includes a wiring guide, a beginners guide, installation and mounting guide, solar tax rebate and maybe a credit aid. Furthermore, it is also updated at consistent basis in order to meet the daily evolutions that take place in the process of making recherche.

It is actually impossible for me to give every body the details here in this post. What I can do though is introduce an individual a electrical power expert, enthusiast and DIY creator, is actually best solar company australia more than able to help you out with the information you should. They can teach you everything undestand about producing your own electricity using solar or wind supply.

[mygeneratorza]

Reliable Power On-the-Go: My Generator's Dual Battery System

Many RV and 4x4 enthusiasts want the freedom to travel off-grid without worrying about running out of battery power. Plus, they want to ensure enough energy to run or charge their devices and appliances. If you share the same concerns, it’s time to choose a more reliable power source, like the dual battery system from My Generator. It’s a battery system for your vehicle with a secondary battery to power auxiliary accessories and gear. That way, you don’t have to rely solely on the starter battery and risk discharging it too fast.

How Does It Work?

With a dual battery system, your starter and secondary batteries can run as two isolated systems. So, while the engine runs, the starter battery functions with the alternator to run your RV or 4x4 and its electronics. However, when you switch off the engine, it’s the secondary battery’s turn to run all vehicle accessories and gears. That means you can power your inverter, lights, and portable fridge without leaving your engine running.

The isolator is a key component in a dual-battery system that disconnects the starter from the secondary battery. This way, you only draw power from a single battery at a time. Allowing each battery to function independently will prevent your starter from draining fast. Additionally, the isolator ensures both batteries are properly charged.

That said, be sure you are getting a high-quality system from a trusted source like My Generator. The store carries various dual battery systems and isolators from well-known brands like Enerdrive, Victron, Hulk 4x4, Projecta, Mastervolt, and Thunder. To save time, consider getting a DIY dual battery kit from Enerdrive.

More Benefits of Using Dual Battery Systems

A dual battery system will ensure you have sufficient and reliable power during your adventures, especially on long journeys! With this system, your rig can efficiently power your appliances, and you can conveniently use solar panels to charge the secondary battery. Plus, you can have additional power for your winch. And should your primary battery fail, the system will give you peace of mind.

Get Dependable Power For Your Next Adventures

Find the perfect dual battery system at My Generator! Whether going DIY or building your own system, you’ll discover the best selection of products and parts to ensure you have enough power for your upcoming journeys.

[sunnyenergyco]

Installing Solar Panels

solar energy distributor

So you have got constructed your own sun cell panels or even have purchased certain ready-made ones and after this you wonder where by they should be installed? Almost all people question if photo-voltaic panels need to proceed top of a roofing. Although the roof can be described as very good choice when ever selecting a place for ones solar energy panels, isn't the only location which can be utilized.

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The reason why your roof is an excellent solution for the installation of solar power systems is that it is due to human and canine reach. Most homes have a 30 amount angle which is a dependence on proper solar energy construction. The installation of solar panels simply requires a small chunk on the roof. If a roof structure is too level, a small frame the spot where the photo-voltaic panel can be placed on, can be meant to raise it with the desired angle. Your frame should be covered to keep the heat around and the cold out there.

Another reason why sanctioned great decision to employ a roof for the installing solar panels is because a right view of the sunshine is required. Solar cellular panels should be looking at a southern way to absorb the maximum sunshine available throughout the day. Woods that obscure a view of the sun's light need either come to be removed or clipped. Branches should not be permitted to be hanging on the solar panels. Tree organizations are nesting zones for birds in addition to their droppings may well severely damage that solar panels.

A different option to a roof installing would need to be uncovered if surrounding houses or structures come in the way of extensive sunlight exposure. Some other choice would be to lie down solar panels on higher garden beds. The crucial is to find a spot that gives the pv cell panels highest sunlight exposure.

Despite the fact that Solar panels are effectively maintenance free for the reason that there aren't various working parts, it happens to be still advisable to fit them on a organ of the roof that is readily available.

An installation of solar power panels is quite simple and definately will only take a number of hours. It is advisable to find the help of a professional for everybody who is scared of altitudes or if working away at a roof forces you to feel uncomfortable. Remember that the cost of a professional assembly goes up considerably which means asking the help of someone during the installation has to be great idea.

The installation of your own solar panels is a project almost any DIY enthusiast are able to undertake. With massive cost savings to your electricity bill and realizing that you are contributing to some sort of cleaner environment traditional is clear. Solar powered is the energy into the future. Solar energy can be carried through into any dwelling and thousands of dollars could be saved by working yourself. The easiest way get going is with a HOW TO MAKE solar kit. These have everything you need to construct some solar panel and will allow you to receive on your way to getting independent of your power company and enjoying the benefits of becoming power self-sufficient.

Sunny Energy General Trading LLC We’re Using Solar Power to Simplify Your Life ABOUT Our Mission Our Vision Since 2013, Sunny Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (Sunny Energy) is committed to being the most valuable solar technology company in the world. Under the mission of "To make the best of solar energy to build

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Solar Power Penrith - Makes Your Own Solar Panel

Solar power at your home is now a trusted tradie and if you want to build a solar panel at your home, no problem! There are now many places on the web where you can find what you need for a very reasonable price. In Penrith, Northumbria there are a couple of good places to start. Michael O'Rourke runs Solar Power Ltd, based in Kirkby and he has been in the industry for over 27 years. He is a trusted tradie and has helped many people set up their own solar panels.

Solar power is becoming increasingly popular all over the world as a great way to save money and protect the environment. It is a clean renewable energy source that does not pollute. Many governments are now encouraging people to switch to solar power at home. There is now a financial incentive to do this. In June this year, 2021 the government announced a further stimulus package for renewable energy. This included a further increase in the tax credit for low carbon energy, schemes to help people improve their homes and a further encouragement for people to build their own solar panels.

Solar power at your home is really easy and affordable. You don't need to know anything about electricity or photovoltaic technology. If you have a fairly decent home computer and access to the internet, you can learn how to set up your own solar power system in just a few hours.

You will soon discover that using solar power is not only economical but it is also a great way to make a stand out statement. You can talk to other homeowners about your project. It is a very simple process and the guides that are available online walk you through each step. You can even watch some online videos to get a better idea about what you are doing.

The first thing that you need to do is to find out where you can buy solar panels. You can buy directly from the manufacturers or you can visit your neighborhood hardware store and they should be able to help you. But if you do not want to be bothered with going into a store then visit the internet and do a search for 'solar panels' or 'build solar panels'. There are a number of sites you can visit to get all the information you need.

Once you have the information you need you will be in a better position to decide how much solar panel and what size of panel you need. Remember that each type of panel is made up of a series of photovoltaic cells. The bigger your panel the more electricity it will produce. You should also take into consideration the amount of sunlight your area gets throughout the day. The larger the solar panel the more energy it will produce and the lower your electricity bill will be.

You may want to get some professional advice when it comes to making a solar panel. If you do a lot of research online then you will know that there are a number of companies offering advice. The only problem with using an expert is that they may charge you hundreds of dollars for their advice. A cheaper alternative is to get a DIY kit that will give you all the information you need to make a solar power system for a few hundred dollars. However, you should only consider this option if you are confident that you can complete the project and that you are capable of putting it together.

It is important to remember that once you have completed building a solar power penrith you will still need to pay for the electricity you generate. Many people believe that they can completely eliminate their power bill this way. This is not the case, you will simply need to learn to conserve the electricity you use. Some of the best advice that can be given to someone who is just starting out is to use an LED light as your light source instead of a regular light bulb. This will help you to save on the amount of electricity you use while also being kind to the environment.

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Can I Build A Solar Water Heater?

Solar power is a wonderful way to cut documented on your electricity bill. You can pretty much get solar power by using solar energy panels, that you'll either be or that you can buy already fashioned. Choosing diy vs. commercial used solar panels can be described as real tough decision even worse. Below is 2 great reasons why I would choose to create my own solar power panels rather then go towards store and purchase them.

These are the claims which makes it stand out as a potential scam. However, it must be seen from your local neighborhood consumer viewpoint and consumers have found this product and information to be very pleasant. The information has brought about an improvement in energy consumption and he's been seen positive for "green living". It has contributed positively to the bleak desolate man depleted natural resources.

Do you believe you not have the expertise to essentially build a bit of equipment that will generate free energy for that next half a century? If you can follow instructions, you can build your solar table. All you have a need to do is assemble the various properly, surely you are not going to the complex part from the beginning (the solar cells). You will build the frame from nothing. Then it is a simple a couple of inserting a budget solar cells you will buy and making use of a soldering gun to wire them in post. Really, its not that hard, it's simple to do it with best instructions. Is it possible to build them yourself? Solution is that is correct!

When order the how-to kit, you learn exactly, step-by-step the steps to making a solar water heating device. It gives you the know-how, you supply elements need to be. The materials are all released on your local hardware market.

Factor one: there's no doubt that solar power is sufficiently strong for any home, when you install solar panels, you must consider weather conditions you are now living in. To explain, is it sunny for a good many year? An individual deal using a large amount of rain or clouds your area? Is your yard filled up with a regarding trees?

Here are a few things to check out as you ponder the solar panel question: You may have looked several Commercial solar in Brisbane that cost nearly as much since home. It is far from unusual to twenty-thousand dollars or more for a doctor panel set-up. In fact, some homeowners have needed to take out second and third mortgages to be able to afford solar cells. That would seem to take a few of the idea out of obtaining them at the beginning. It is possible to buy a ready-made kit for about five thousand dollars, but even might be feel pretty steep towards the average home owner.

You can create your own solar water heater in a couple of ways. Factors complete kits available who supply everything you would. The second way is to become a kit that basically tells you the way to practice. You supply the matter.

Earth4Energy e-book claims that you might potentially have eighty percent cut off your energy bill but it might not have access to such the impact. Mother and father have monetary impact the same manner stated but will definitely save with the natural helpful the long lasting. This book has been marketed and sold over a huge area who has proven important to many potential customers.

http://postbits.net/p/points-of-interest-of-rooftop-solar-system-for-businesses/

[script-a-world]

Hi guys, I’m glad I came upon your blog. If you could give me some help in the right direction I’d really appreciate it. My idea is to have a planet [not our earth nor solar system, I need to create new ones to fit my story] devastated after a genocidal war and the end result is the bad guys completely defeated and the ones left over fled the planet. Now, the planet is pretty much ruined and sort of back in the Bronze Age with random bits and pieces left over of more modern stuff but anyone who can create more is basically gone so everything will have to be rediscovered and reinvented. But most importantly, the people that are left are from all over the world, hundreds of little tribes with as little as 1 to 2000 survivors with a total of a million population. They did get off world help to finally defeat the bad guys so there’s a further extra quarter million aliens staying behind to help rebuild the world. You’d think with aliens, they’d have technology? Nope. Everything is magic for them. So here’s a dilemma, use magic to rebuild the world or stay in the Bronze Age and rebuild with their own technology, that would take another thousands of years. People are divided or mixed. So we got a world that looks like a magical realm one town and the Bronze Age the next town over, and everything in between. End result is like I’m writing a fantasy story set in the Bronze Age but people have modern ideas and knowledge with no way to actually use them. They know what democracy is, the minority know they deserve rights and freedom. They can drive a car, they can use a computer, but those things are basically all destroyed and no one knows how to make them. So, any ideas on where I should do my research or problems the people will face, or perhaps similar stories I could draw inspiration/ideas from? Thank you!

Synth:  For any computers they had, look into the worst-case projections from back in the 1990s when Y2K was becoming a looming concern, and for electric stuff in general check out what mega huge solar flares have the potential to do right now.

Saphira:  The best thing about this scenario is that though the people are decimated and scattered, they have not lost their memories. This means anyone who had any training whatsoever still has it. Even better, literacy is still strong. They can still teach these things to their children and that is their greatest asset. What you have is not so much a race to resources, but a race to a Communal Knowledge, a Library of Letters.

What tradesman still live? How much do they understand the craft? How can one tradesman get help from another? How do we preserve what knowledge we still have before it fades? Sure we know what a pencil looks like, how it works. I can figure out a wood barrel, but I have no idea where to get graphite, or how to make rubber for an eraser. Maybe someone in the next tribe over might know. We can substitute graphite for charcoal for now, and send out a letter to every town nearby...

Most will not be tradesmen, I'm guessing. They can still read. They can still run. They might go about the destroyed world and look for scraps. Maybe a snapped motherboard. Maybe an entire gundam: who knows? Whatever they bring back, if it can jog the memory or provide insight, it has value. Look at how much we humans learn about our history and technology just by looking at old common tools and of all things the jars and plates.

Now not everyone will be so dedicated. Some will see the Arcane way of doing things that the Aliens provide, and think Well, why not? What if we simply cannot figure out some piece of advanced tech? Really hard to rebuild computers when you don't have a way to make silicon. Well, until we figure that out... Why not... Cheat? We'll uh, make it genuine later but for now we just need it to work...

I suggest try recreating something you have with household items. How would you recreate a doorknob? Yes, seemingly simple. Deceptively so. Take down what problems you face. Consider asking Google the same as asking the Arcane Aliens for help. What problems, what thoughts, what sort of experience is it?

Good luck.

Feral:  The first thing that comes to mind is what's left?

People remember how to drive cars? Are there still cars hanging around? People who not only know how to drive but how to maintain and/or hotwire the left over vehicles may very well do so.

The same goes for any and all technology that people can get their hands on. For all of human history, we have re-purposed the cultural artifacts left by previous societies; why wouldn't your people?

In terms of why people might choose to go with the aliens or try it on their own  is going to depend heavily on their access to clean water and food sources. A clean water source is paramount. And after a planet wide war, there might not be many water sources left that do not require filtration. Do the people have access to filtration technology? Or are their options alien magitech, war with a tribe that has filtration, or die from dehydration?

Constablewrites:  From the related works to study angle, the Schizo Tech trope is probably a good place to start, since the order in which they revive given technologies is probably not going to be the same order in which they were originally developed.

Like a lot of After the End stories, a lot is going to depend on how long they've had to recover from all of this. Consider that if it's been more than a generation or two, a lot of the knowledge of how to use this stuff will die out just because there's not much point in passing it down anymore. Are parents going to teach their kids to drive once they can no longer make the cars function? There will still likely be records of this stuff and people who choose to study it, but the widespread practical knowledge and experience will die out as soon as the technology is no longer viable. Just look at how many people these days don't know how to sew their own clothes, which was considered an absolutely critical life skill less than 100 years ago.

Synth:  The pro-alien-tech people clashing with the pro-DIY people seem like another potential source of conflict to help drive your story. Do the pro-tech people think the anti-tech people are stubborn and stupid for not wanting such easily accessed assistance? Do the anti folks think the pros are lazy for just accepting these handouts instead of working hard to do things themselves? Are there conspiracy theorists asking "But what are their real motives and goals?" about these aliens? Have people split themselves off into different groups/factions/entire separate settlements based on whether they embrace or shun the alien magitech? Which side do your main characters fall on, and what happens when they meet someone from or have to travel through an area populated by people from the opposing side? Hell, do all the members of your main gang of characters even share the same views regarding magic vs. going it (very) old school? What kinds of experiences might someone have that could change their mind about the alien magic? (e.g. someone against magic comes down with some horrible disease for which medications no longer exist, but can be cured pretty easily with magic. Does magic suddenly seem acceptable now that it's their life at stake, or will they go down with their principles? What about someone gung-ho about magic? What might make them decide "Actually how about No," and turn away from it?)

Tex:  I wonder if those survivors communicated with each other - the survivors of zombie-style apocalypse/ELE (Extinction Level Event) in movies such as I Am Legend and Zombieland utilized ham radios and sent out distress signals and messages containing news about holdout locations where other survivors could travel to and be safe. Radios don't require a ton of materials or knowledge to build from scratch (Boy Scouts of America has kits for building a crystal radio), and they're relatively easy to learn how to use. If there's manuals around to build something, and someone deems it important, it's probably going to get built.

That being said, the first generation of survivors is integral for the rebuilding of society. If there was enough tech left over for survivors to leave the planet, did they do so without contacting those left behind? Was any technology repaired or retrofitted for other purposes? Does this planet have any sort of internet, or even libraries? What about fleeing survivors that pledged to come back after X amount of time or Y reason? Settling on a new planet is awfully similar to restructuring society after a devastating event, so the skill sets between the two activities have a lot of overlap.

Being able to flee the planet and presumably settle somewhere else implies that the people are capable of interplanetary travel, if not interstellar. If there's FTL drives, could these be used to power city grids, so as to take advantage of electricity, LANs, and digital information repositories? What about power supplies or engines in transportation vehicles? These can be retrofitted for use as generators, and if you're crafty enough, to boost the range of telecommunications equipment.

You only need less than a thousand people to start up a society, so having a million people, even disparate, means that the aggregate knowledge is much higher than would even be needed for colonizing a new planet from scratch. The fact that these aliens use magic isn't necessarily an issue - can they be convinced to move heavy objects, can their skills in magic be used to repair power lines or other things? What about using them to help find ore and mineral deposits to make the raw material for tech again? Are these aliens capable of scrying or telepathy, and would they be willing to create a pseudo-telecommunications net (think magic phone network where the aliens are the phone booths) across the planet to allow the different tribes to talk with each other and come up with some sort of plan? A division of labour to complete a task according to skill set can be complementary instead of contradictory, and would allow the planet to recuperate to its antebellum technological peak much faster, even if some people decide to go without it.

[waterjetx]

Shop around and you'll eventually find the best deals

Do you want to start fighting climate change? Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity is a major source of greenhouse gases that are belched into the atmosphere every year. You as a homeowner could help reduce our dependency on these fossil fuels, and save lots of money at the same time. Solar kits make building your own home solar panels easy.Retail units can cost up to $20,000 and this outlay makes the time that you as a homeowner might recover the cost of them a period of years if not decades.

If you could build a home solar panel for under $300, it'd make it much more cost-effective, especially if that solar panel could shave $100 a month off your electricity bill.To make home solar panels feasible, you need to Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination plunger pump check if there is adequate sunlight. Countries like India, Indonesia, New Zealand and South Africa have lots of sunshine all year round and solar kits are very popular there. Strangely enough, the United Kingdom, where grey weather and lack of sunshine is a national source of amusement, also sees strong sales in solar kits for homeowners who want to save money.There is a lot of information to suggest that savings of 80% or more on power bills each month can be made. It is possible, but you should expect this to start small and build up your array of solar panels before such savings will be within reach.

Begin by powering small appliances like your kettle or your mobile phone chargers, then progress on to adapting your system for your oven or air conditioning. As your learning progresses, you will eventually have the expertise to build solar panels that will power your home. When you are generating enough energy to fully supplement your own needs, you may even be able to sell some energy back to the energy grid.A DIY solar kit will give you many of the materials you need. However, there will be some more components you'll have to purchase from the hardware store, all for under $300, or you could look on eBay for better prices.

Shop around and you'll eventually find the best deals.Your first solar panel might seem like a bit of a learning curve. Rest assured, you should need no engineering skills to assemble the solar panel. Most solar kits have clear instructions on how to put the solar panel together and install it, so once you have understood the instructions you should be able to complete the project quite quickly and easily. You could even make it a project for the entire family. The solar kit will give you all you need to build a home renewable energy system that will generate power and save you money for years to come, and it's a great way to both save money and fight climate change.

[megadavestewart]

WFS 349 - Camp n Car with Steve Moore - Bunk Trunk, Van Life, Camping

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/349

Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Bearvault

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Steve Moore from Camp n Car is here to show us how to turn your vehicle into a camping machine.

We discover how you can actually turn almost any vehicle into a camper, what the van life world is all about, and how to organize your gear for your next fishing, camping, or outdoor excursion.

From Honda Element to Honda Fit to SUVs and vans to Promasters, CNC build these custom campers and make lovely homes out of them. 

Seems impossible? Listen to this episode to find out how!

Camp n Car Show Notes with Steve Moore

02:20 - In his late 20s, Steve quit his job and bought a Honda Element and converted it to a mobile camper - he drove to Alaska with it and lived out of it for 6 months

04:00 - Someone gave them an idea about selling these campers so he and his partner, Martin Nerbovig decided to do it

05:00 - They specialize in DIY assembly, flat packable camper builds that you can use in a variety of vehicles

07:15 - Steve tells us how a Honda Element turns into a camper

09:30 - They've also got Trunk Bunk that fits perfect for a wide variety of SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks

10:20 - They did a custom kit for a Honda Fit recently

11:55 - They had a custom Dodge Van camper at one of the shows

24:00 - Weight is a concern for vehicles since they have a certain capacity for safety and gas in general so that's why they use plywood for the interior to keep it light

36:30 - Bob Wells is one of those Youtube van life celebrities (CheapRVliving) - Camp n Car works with them

41:45 - You can donate to Bob's nonprofit org - Homes on Wheels Alliance

44:45 - The Facebook marketplace is the best place to find a good deal if you want to purchase used vehicles

49:45 - Steve tells us about the Australian guys he met who turned a van into a solar-powered vehicle

50:45 - Steve shares what's coming up for Camp n Cars - they bought their first 2022 Promaster van to work on. These kits will be available on the market soon.

53:30 - Steve bought a Toyota Tacoma recently for a fairly good price

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/349

Check out this episode!

[thecoroutfitters]

Written by R. Ann Parris on The Prepper Journal.

Some holiday weekend, head out to the ‘burbs” or stroll through some campgrounds or a public park. Your nose will pick up a couple very distinctive smells: Wood smoke and charcoal grills. Charcoal and wood fire scents carry far and linger long, presenting a pretty significant cue that people are nearby.

They also regularly offer really lovely wisps and plumes visible above rooftops, retaining walls, hedges, and woods depending on fuel source, weather, and skill. Even relatively small grills can pump enough to home in on once scents have us in the neighborhood.

We may very well want to avoid those telltales in some disasters, and there are plenty of other reasons low-and-no-smoke cooking backups are a must-have for preppers.

They apply to “normal” outage-based disasters and world-shaking events, and to beginners, apartment dwellers, and “soft” climate dwellers as well as the old hats who are already familiar with the numbingly, back-achingly incredulous amount of wood it takes to cook daily and keep even a tight, well-insulated home warm.

The backup methods I’ll list commonly use less fuel or completely different fuels than our primary systems. That diversity and efficiency helps our resources last longer and keeps us cooking when resupply isn’t available.

If we already count on wood or propane for winter heat or cooking, using alternatives now can lower our current burden, giving us the ability to stockpile more. (Or some extra cash and time!)

Many of us try to avoid pine and unseasoned wood in chimneys, especially brick that can’t be taken apart for easier access. Nonflammable, cleaner-burning and tabletop methods help limit buildup.

There are also scenarios where an injury or illness limits our usual labor, there are reasons to stay hunkered down inside, limit noise, and as such our most-efficient tools go down and our production slows; that or something like a flood or mudslide limits our access.

If we can cook and warm spaces without wood, we can horde that “now” precious commodity against greater need.

Or, we may not have a massive woodpile (yet), or a fireplace or woodstove of either species. We may not have a functioning chimney, or our chimney may develop a problem during a crisis. Backups for our backups keep us plodding forward.

*Liquid-gas fuels share some of the wood-charcoal factors, and have some new ones of their own.

Many of us live places where it gets pretty hot. Whatever the fuel used, heating the house unnecessarily just isn’t conducive for easing the stresses and burdens of an already difficult time – whether the crisis is widespread or only affecting us.

On the other hand, outdoor cooking gets old fast for those of us with seasonally or perennially dusty-windy conditions. That’s how it goes with picking oak catkins and maple spinners out of food, and dealing with flies and mosquitoes.

Grilling outside in a pounding rainstorm or frigid winds also kind of sucks – and can take forever – but then again it’s not usually a great idea to use charcoal grills inside.

Slight Consolation: Food you’ve suffered for in cold weather tastes better. (Muggy/hot weather, not so much.)

Options we can use indoors and under screened porches and pop-up pavilions check a big, big box.

There’s also the *other* rule of threes that some of us ascribe to: three ways to reach and accomplish any task. It’s not always possible (or practical), but in the case of alternative cooking methods, we can check that box, too, easily and with very little outlay in time or money.

Most of the methods below use things already in the home, very basic “everybody everywhere” tools, and outright trash/recycling that costs nothing but time. Some don’t even take up extra space.

The internet abounds with options for DIY’ing these and making them more efficient or portable, so I’m not going to reinvent the wheel on that front.

*I am not affiliated with any of the links provided, nor do I always agree with the authors (or even have any idea what else they post) – they’re the simplest, easiest, or most expedient versions that popped when I wanted an example.

Minimal-Smoke Cookers

Propane/Butane Stoves & Grills – There’s not a safe DIY for these and there’s potentially competition with preppers’ primary fuels or generators, but they’re pretty handy and inexpensive, so I don’t want to ignore them.

Rocket Stoves – I love these things. They take small kindling and sticks or trash wood and turn it into a high-efficiency, high-temperature burn. There’s a variation for everyone – balcony, porch, or backyard; homes, RVs, vehicle kits, or bag-portable.

Super easy DIY’s use CMU block, or a paint can, #10 can, or tall baked-beans or spaghetti-sauce cans and increasingly smaller cans. Other builds involve buckets, ammo cans, large terra cotta pots, cement, and sand. They’re not quite as super-easy or super-fast builds, but some variants further increase efficiency by burning the wood gas that’s generated from burning most woods.

Some of the store-bought versions have an added bonus: They’ll charge small devices or battery packs.

They can put off a fair bit of smoke, but they do it quickly and then stash away. They use wood, but we can fuel them with pruners and busted-up furniture and boards instead of axes and campfire/stove logs.

They’re not a simmer-beans or bake-bread oven/stove. It’s too fast and hot of a burn. They specialize in fast-cook foods and quickly bringing foods/water up to a boil to use with…

WonderBag/Wonder Boxes – Purchased or DIY, bag or box version http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Wonder-Box-CookerCooler/, these function like a thermal cooker  https://delishably.com/cooking-equipment/Thermal-Cooker.

They allow us to use a short “burn” time to heat food or water to boiling, then retain the heat, turning preexisting pots into non-electric slow cookers or crock pots.

Solar Cookers – DIY for solar ovens abound, from the simple glass over a tire with a pot inside, to some pretty complicated tilts, cuts and hinges. They’re done with pizza boxes and aluminum foil, vehicle reflectors, polished scrap metal, and mirrors. You can spend as little or as much as you fancy, ordering in or building.

I find them limited to mid-late spring through autumn, but I can protect them from pests pretty easily and they’re great for not heating the house or burning fuels in summertime, as are…

Steeping Jars – These are basically small-scale solar cookers. It’s as simple as pouring dehydrated veggies, grains, or pre-soaked beans in any ol’ jar, adding the needed water, and hanging/setting it in a bright spot.

Dark paint or fabric on jars, reflectors, and added insulation like a larger jar or aquarium can increase efficiency, reducing cook time and extending the weather they’re useful in.

*Don’t forget to brew sun tea & coffee.

Water Bags & Camp Showers – Getting the sun to give us a head start or completely handle heating water for us decreases resource and time expenditure. We can use anything, purpose-made, painted/covered garden sprayers, or regular ol’ jugs.

The warmed water can be used for wash-ups or for soaking and cooking freeze-dried foods, Lipton-Knorr-Rice-a-Roni sides, or our own noodles and rice.

The sun is free (when it’s there), compared to other resources – whether it’s propane, charcoal, or self-cut wood – and there’s little wear on parts compared to hydro or wind power. Even if the sun only warms that water, it’s reducing wait time and resource use.

*Keep a pot of water on a conventional oven, arctic brick stove, space heater, or woodstove, or on, under, or beside a grill and while a rocket stove burns out to accomplish the same ready-to-use pre-warming – even now. It’s even handier in winter, increasing heat radiation and serving as a heat sink.

DIY Candles – The upcoming methods call for a candle or alcohol stove. Those heat sources are interchangeable. (Differing flame heights will require adjustments.) We can also create our own.

With cotton mop strands, cord, or “real” wicks, olive oil can fuel lamps (https://www.littlehouseliving.com/olive-oil-candles.html). *Small citronella burners are really nice alternatives to open jars if we’ll have our lamps in and out of service for a while during an outage or long-term disaster.

We can sink wicks into shortening, too, in jars or the original tubs, creating another simple (and surprisingly long lasting) cooking method out of multi-functional storage items.

We use candles and mini-stoves in a grill, or set them up campfire/tailgate style with a grate over a terra-cotta pot, bricks, or some cans (fill them with water – sturdier + pre-warmed/boiled water).

Smells from candle, oil, and fuel-brick stoves and ovens will carry to nearby neighbors (so will cooking foods) but they dissipate even faster than quick-burn rocket stoves. The traces are even more contained when used indoors.

Clay Pot Heaters/Cookers – These are pretty easy to find for DIY – using as much hardware as you like, or kept streamlined and simple – or as prettied-up ready-to-use purchases.

They can be effective on their own, most usually to slowly warm foods like a slow cooker, but if they get plopped in a grill or oven (crack the door), the efficiency goes up and food will heat faster and more evenly.

*That goes for any of the methods that will fit. Be mindful of flame size and fumes.

Candle Ovens – We can buy a HERC oven (multiple recipes/examples: http://prepared-housewives.com/baking-with-the-herc-oven/) or DIY our own. It’s just rigging clusters of taper or pillar candles, DIY candles/lamps, or a whole slew of votives or tea lights on a drip-safe surface inside an oven, and cooking or baking at 200-300-degrees on the grate above.

*Hood/tent foods in full-size ovens (and campfire grates) with an overturned bowl or larger pan. It’ll hold heat closer to the food, speeding things up and cooking more evenly.

   Can Stoves – These are super easy, super effective spinoffs of Sterno stoves and the military, camping, and emergency solid-fuel stoves that abound.

They can be done with greatest simplicity with just two types of can openers, or we can go to town with tin snips to increase ease or rig cross-bar “grills” at the top.

Backing up Backups

Increasing redundancy in our disaster cooking increases our ability to weather absolutely any storm. That makes these guys a prepper must-have in my book.

Some methods also significantly reduce our observable footprint, which may end up a major benefit, and some are reasonable alternatives to heating up our kitchens even now. Most of these have easy, inexpensive DIY options, allowing everyone to build extra resiliency into their disaster plans.

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The post Prepper Must-Have: Minimal-Smoke Cooking Backups appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

from The Prepper Journal Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

[verticalw]

When you are generating enough energy to fully supplement your own needs

Do you want to start fighting climate change? Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity is a major source of greenhouse gases that are belched into the atmosphere every year. You as a homeowner could help reduce our dependency on these fossil fuels, and save lots of money at the same time. Solar kits make building your own home solar panels easy.Retail units can cost up to $20,000 and this outlay makes the time that you as a homeowner might recover the cost of 4-cylinder single overhead camshaft  them a period of years if not decades. If you could build a home solar panel for under $300, it'd make it much more cost-effective, especially if that solar panel could shave $100 a month off your electricity bill.To make home solar panels feasible, you need to check if there is adequate sunlight.

Countries like India, Indonesia, New Zealand and South Africa have lots of sunshine all year round and solar kits are very popular there. Strangely enough, the United Kingdom, where grey weather and lack of sunshine is a national source of amusement, also sees strong sales in solar kits for homeowners who want to save money.There is a lot of information to suggest that savings of 80% or more on power bills each month can be made. It is possible, but you should expect this to start small and build up your array of solar panels before such savings will be within reach. Begin by powering small appliances like your kettle or your mobile phone chargers, then progress on to adapting your system for your oven or air conditioning. As your learning progresses, you will eventually have the expertise to build solar panels that will power your home. When you are generating enough energy to fully supplement your own needs, you may even be able to sell some energy back to the energy grid.A DIY solar kit will give you many of the materials you need.

However, there will be some more components you'll have to purchase from the hardware store, all for under $300, or you could look on eBay for better prices. Shop around and you'll eventually find the best deals.Your first solar panel might seem like a bit of a learning curve. Rest assured, you should need no engineering skills to assemble the solar panel. Most solar kits have clear instructions on how to put the solar panel together and install it, so once you have understood the instructions you should be able to complete the project quite quickly and easily. You could even make it a project for the entire family. The solar kit will give you all you need to build a home renewable energy system that will generate power and save you money for years to come, and it's a great way to both save money and fight climate change.