Solar Panels to the Rescue

Solar panels on Big White's roof

 On Sunday, December 7, 2015, the power went out at the home we are caring for and didn’t get set back on by the hydro company until 3 p.m. the following day. A large branch had been blown down by the ferocious wind that evening landing on the nearby electrical cables. Frank watched as a blast of sparks lit up the sky.

In our case, we are always ready for a power outage. It was our solar panels that came to the rescue.

Our immediate reaction to the outage was to first light the candles the homeowners had provided for us. They had warned us that a power outage on their rural isolated location was a common occurrence this time of year.
 

Candles provide heat and light

We stoked the fire and located the house flashlights. It has been our practice over the years living on the Vancouver Island to be prepared for various disasters with a disaster-ready kit. Even more important, we have solar panels on the top of our recreation vehicle which, these days, is our home on the road between house sits.

Frank retrieves water from the pond

On Monday, Frank set off to fill a few buckets with water. Without electricity, you would pour water into the toilet in order to flush the contents. Also, the animals need fresh water every day and so access to water is critical. We have several large plastic containers in the house filled with drinking water.

 Without electricity, you cannot plug in any device let alone the coffee pot. That’s where our solar panels provided us a civilized resource to enjoy a sensible cup of morning coffee and keep our cellular phones charged.

Fresh perked coffee

Being ready for any catastrophe is a practical mindset for all house sitters. It would be sensible for all us to have a disaster-ready kit always filled with ready-to-access items.  A polluting noisy generator is somewhat common as a power source while solar panels are sensible, quiet and ready when you are.

Be Prepared!