When the sun hides, so does my solar power

I believe in saving the planet. That’s how this whole adventure started. A few years ago, I set out to see if we could get solar panels on our house. The answer was yes-but barely. Due to space constraints, we could only fit four panels, which hardly seemed worth the effort. But then inspiration struck. We reconfigured the garden office and shed, and suddenly, we had room for ten panels. Success, right?

Well, sort of. The panels are great-when they get sunlight. The problem is that our house sits behind what used to be a hospital, which before that was a workhouse. Now, it’s a very posh apartment building, and in winter, when the sun is low in the sky, that building casts a long shadow. Some days, the panels sit in darkness from sunrise to sunset. It’s maddening.

That’s why I love it when the days start getting longer. As the sun climbs higher, the panels finally get their moment in the spotlight-literally. Suddenly, we’re charging batteries and running at least part of the house on solar power. It’s a reminder that, despite the winter struggles, the effort is worth it.

Making the most of limited space

With ten panels maxing out our available space, we had to get creative. We couldn’t add more panels, but we could be smarter about how we used energy. That’s when we joined a renewable energy cooperative. Now, we technically own 47 millimeters of a wind turbine blade in Scotland. Not exactly a commanding stake, but enough to get a small discount on our energy bills.

We also invested in a tiny share of a new wind and solar power park. Again, it’s not a massive contribution, but every little bit helps. Between our own panels and these external investments, we’re piecing together a greener energy future.

The sun may not always shine on my panels, but that doesn’t mean I can’t find other ways to power my home.

Energy efficiency: The unsung hero

Of course, generating green energy is only half the battle. The other half is using less energy in the first place. That’s why we’ve been focusing on insulation, smart devices, and energy-efficient appliances. We’ve also got an electric car, which means we’re thinking about energy use in a whole new way.

It’s not about perfection-it’s about progress. We’re not living in some off-grid utopia, but we are making smarter choices every day. And that’s what really matters.

Winter can be frustrating for solar power, but with smart planning and a little creativity, we can still make a difference.

Looking ahead

So, what’s next? Well, we’re out of space for more panels, and we’ve maxed out our cooperative investments for now. But that doesn’t mean we’re done. The next step is to keep refining how we use energy. Maybe that means upgrading our battery storage. Maybe it means finding new ways to cut waste. Whatever it is, we’ll keep moving forward.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about saving money or reducing our carbon footprint. It’s about doing what we can, where we can, to make a difference. And even in the depths of winter, when the panels sit in shadow, that’s a goal worth chasing.