What are the best strategies for orienting your array to get the energy you need? Rule of Thumb There is a very general approximation based on the fact that the sun does not stay at its low point or high
The Various ‘Flavours’ Of Lithium
Lithium batteries are typically referred to by the broad term: Lithium-Ion. However, there are actually several different ‘flavours’ of Lithium-Ion in common use, each with their own unique performance characteristics. Here are the most common… Iron Phosphate (LFP or LiFePO4)
When You’re Given The Cold Solar
The sceneYou’re in the process of putting together a solar energy system. You’ve picked a brand of solar panel that will fit your needs, and have chosen a 150V MPPT charge controller to manage the battery charging. You’ve done the
The Best Solar Modules in 2023
Looking for information on the best solar modules on the market in 2023?This page serves as an update on our earlier article regarding the methods we use at Modern Outpost to select from the many brands of solar modules on
What You Really Need To Know About Lithium Batteries & Their Safe Use
What follows is a brief addendum to these articles, adding a few notes to help people truly understand the lithium battery landscape.
Fridge or Freezer Emergency Back-Up Power
This is a very popular question these days. Your fridge is one of your home’s central appliances, and is one of the tools that comes in very handy when you are living through a prolonged power outage. Not to mention
Solar For Van Conversions
One of the most popular applications for solar over the past few years. We get hundreds of inquiries for Sprinter vans, Transit vans, and all sorts of other trucks, and bug-out vehicles. System designs and energy needs vary somewhat, so
Portable Solar Panels & Extension Cables
You’re looking to position some portable solar panels at a distance from your van or RV or cabin. Mainly because it’s nice to live in the shade, while you position the solar panels out in the summer sunshine. This is
Solar Yard Lights… Know Before You Buy
Avoid disappointment and landfill fodder. Learn about the micro off-grid world of solar yard lights.
Goal Zero Yeti Battery Packs: Making Connections
In this posting, I hope to shed some light on the task of making solar connections to the Goal Zero Yeti series of portable power packs. Since Goal Zero products are constantly evolving, I will try my best to keep
BC Utilities Commission Decision on BC Hydro Net Metering Program Amendment Application
The long-awaited verdict regarding the proposed changes has been posted by the BCUC this past weekend. In brief, the decision boils-down to 3 key points… BC Hydro Net Metering Program participants are no longer restricted in the size of the
Flexible Solar Review
Edited by : Graham Morfitt (BSc Physics) Maybe you’ve seen them. Flexible solar modules without aluminum frames, glued directly onto the roofs of vans & trailers, or boat decks. Ever wonder what they’re all about, and whether they would be
Solar Charging An Electric Vehicle
Ah, the lure of the electric vehicle. What’s not to like? Amazing driving experience and emissions free. Best of all, you will pay about $500 per year on electrons instead of over $2,000 per year on gasoline. And feel true
Solar Drone Charging In The Wilderness
Details referenced from an article posted by Voltaic Systems on July 30, 2018 In this post, we will outline the equipment needed to properly charge a drone when away from utility grid power. The goal is to create a lightweight,
Energy & Utility Bankruptcy – Who Pays?
This week, PG&E started the process of filing for bankruptcy protection in the fallout of this past summer’s massive California wildfire season. GreenTech Media covers the announcement here… https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/pge-files-for-bankruptcy-protection-facing-billions-in-wildfire-liabilities?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Daily&utm_campaign=GTMDaily#gs.1m8zMEz0 This raises the important question of how exposed energy & utility
LED Lighting : Think Lumens, Not Watts
A Watt is a unit of power, not of light output. But we’ve been conditioned to think of lighting in terms of Watts (ie power consumption) because that’s what was stamped on the top of the bulbs we bought. From