Solar

A solar expert came to talk about our batteries and panels, and I sat on the driveway half-listening, because I know I should understand these things better, and I don't spend enough time at the garage.

It was satisfying to see the various gadgets and supplies lined up neatly, and the gardening tools suspended from a pegboard, and that wonderful green nutcracker (first picture above), which I would love for its color alone but which actually has a function.

Behold, a burlap sack of macadamia nuts! There are also drying racks, and coiled hoses on hooks, and  a sturdy trio of wheelbarrows on the concrete awaiting their next job. Everything seems reassuringly useful and sufficient.

The guy looked at the batteries and pondered the panels on the rooftop and then shone a flashlight on the inverter on the wall of the garage and shared his insights. There was discussion about panels going down in price while batteries are increasing, reflective coatings, the waste over time of self-discharge...things like that, and I'm interested, sort of, but I was getting snoozy in the sunshine. Phrases drifted my way.

"We're a little shy on capacity if it's cloudy for days," I heard Monte say. Shy on capacity. I know the feeling.  

The day was breezy, but the sun felt good. Looking up I watched a white cloud sliding by, caught briefly in the branches of a sycamore tree. 

I think I dozed off.