The Pickled Prepper
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There's a storm brewing on the horizon.

Solar System and Prepping Updates

Just after we get our solar power system installed, the weather turns cloudy and rainy. We're still making power, just not as much.
Our external AC units were fine, but a part inside the air handler had been fried by the electrical surge.

Making Repairs and Living with Solar Power

We learn some of the challenges of living with solar power, especially in a house that is not optimized to minimize consumption.
When the sun is shining brightly, our solar panels produce 7.5 kilowatts of power, btu when a cloud passes in front of the sun, that can drop to below 2 kW.

Our Solar Installation Concludes, But Problems Persist

Our solar power installation concludes, but it doesn't go to plan. We're operating on solar, but we don't have any air conditioning.
The Franklin aGate, which is the brains of our solar system, is installed but not yet wired to our service panel. (The wires to the left are remnants of the phone and cable system.)

Our Solar System Install Comes to a Screeching Halt

Everything goes well with the solar system install until an unexpected problem pops up on Day 4 when it is about 90 percent complete.
An installer positions a solar panel on the other side of the roof ridgeline,

The Big Solar Install Begins

Our solar install begins! We walk through everything that took place on the first two days as we move closer to going off grid if necessary.
It's always nice to open a beehive and find it full of bees! As the honey flow starts, the more bees there are, the more honey they will bring home.

Homestead Updates and Prepping Thoughts

Updates on the economy, precious metals pricing, our beehives, our solar power system, and the use of drones for prepping.
Mountain Sunset

We Commit to Solar Power

We bite the bullet, write a check, and sign the contract with a solar provider. With any luck, we'll have a while-house solar power system installed in 90 days.
A house with solar panels on its roof.

Third Time’s the Charm

We get a third solar power quote, and this one has some nice features. There are a few open issues, but it could be a winner!
Power generation plant

Electric Utilities Can’t Keep up with Surging Demand

So many data centers are being built or are in the planning stages that we could see a surge in electrical demand beyond what the utilities can produce.
Solar panels on a roof

Back to Square One; We Get a Second Solar Quote

Not 100 percent pleased with the first quote we got for a whole-house solar system, we talked to a second vendor and got another quote.