Venya (he/him/dude) 🇺🇦May 20

I have had an EcoFlow Delta 2 for a few years as backup power and field power for #AmateurRadio. With the new house, it will also start powering some of my shop and other outdoor activities. Today, I pulled the trigger on some 220W bifacial #solar panels on deep discount. They should work for casual use around the home but also add flexibility for field stuff. These get pretty good reviews except on price, so we shall see.

https://www.wellbots.com/products/ecoflow-nextgen-220w-bifacial-portable-solar-panel

EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel

Show threadVenya (he/him/dude) 🇺🇦

Longer term I would love to have a permanent #solar setup integrated into the house, but for now I am looking for flexibility and incremental sustainability improvements. Even if I end up doing something radical later, this will still be useful to me.

Our other impending home improvement project is #rainwater reclamation for #gardening, probably using this system.

https://www.bluebarrelsystems.com

May 20 at 5:41pmWeb
Show threadVenya (he/him/dude) 🇺🇦May 20
Before I can effectively capture the rainwater on my massive roof (the house plus the covered patio and covered driveway), I need to figure out why so little of it is actually going down the downspouts properly. Another thing for the new homeowner list.
Show threadVenya (he/him/dude) 🇺🇦May 20

I read a book about doing roofing and gutters and the like.

I looked at my gutters.

I looked at the flow of water while it was raining.

I made an appointment with a roofing contractor.

Show threadNigelMay 21
@venya very wise move, unless you have the relevant skills and experience. It does mean having to trust someone, but better that than feeing very regretful in the ambulance... 🙄😂
Show threadVenya (he/him/dude) 🇺🇦May 21

@nigelharpur

There are literally dozens of Better Business Bureau A+ rate roofing companies serving this area.

This one has been in business since 1999, is still run by the people whose name is on the company, and is based two blocks away so they are basically neighbors. And if I don't like them, I've many options.

It's not even so much the work I want done as the work I don't know I need and the easy solutions that I don't know exist. I'm paying at least as much for expertise as work.

Show threadAlison WilderMay 20
@venya this kind of thing is the fun part of home ownership! I have some portable solar, and have considered trying to get some sort of plugin solar system that I can add my current panels to. It's so wild that that's a possibility now!
Show threadVenya (he/him/dude) 🇺🇦May 20

@alisynthesis

The technology for panels and storage is improving by leaps and bounds. It's terribly exciting to me.