Using Grid-Tied PV Panels as a Starter System – Part 2, by St. Funogas

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)

My Grid-tied System

My grid-tied system consists of only two components: the solar panels and an inverter which converts the solar panel DC electricity to the AC electricity which homes use. The system hooks up similarly to an electric water heater. The three wires from the solar panels are connected to the inverter in clearly marked places, then four wires go from the inverter to the electrical panel, attaching to a double breaker the same way a water heater does. It’s that simple and can be hooked up without calling a consultant or electrician. My electric co-op didn’t even do an inspection when they came to change my meter to a grid-tie meter, telling me anything on my side of the meter was my problem. One more reason I love living where I do.

My system has ten 300-watt solar panels giving me a 3,000-watt system. In books and articles there are chapters on how to calculate how much electricity you can generate with x number of solar panels based on a bunch of variables in any given location. Variables ranging from your latitude, daily temperatures, weather events like cloud cover, etc. A lot of math and calculations are involved which is another thing that scares people away from setting up their off-grid solar power systems.Continue reading“Using Grid-Tied PV Panels as a Starter System – Part 2, by St. Funogas”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

For he that is not against us is on our part.

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” – Mark 9: 33-50  (KJV)

Continue reading“The Editors’ Quote of the Day:”

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — September 10, 2022

On September 10, 1776, George Washington asked for a spy volunteer. Nathan Hale stepped up to the challenge of an intelligence-gathering mission in New York City. Unfortunately, the British captured and executed him. He is probably best known for his last words before being hanged: “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” He has long been considered an American hero, and in 1985, was officially designated the state hero of Connecticut. It is good for us to remember that every American patriot and hero from the times leading up to and during the American Revolutionary War would have been considered traitors to the crown and would have suffered much the same fate as Hale had America not won her independence.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 102 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A LogOX 3-in-1 Forestry MultiTool (a $189 value) and a WoodOx Sling (a $79.95 value), courtesy of LogOx, both made in USA.
  4. A transferable $100 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $750,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 102 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Using Grid-Tied PV Panels as a Starter System – Part 1, by St. Funogas

I enjoyed JWR’s recent article titled A Retreat Locale Selection Criteria Update. The updated information for 2022 is especially relevant. Who could have guessed we’d be at the point we’ve arrived at so quickly in the past two and a half years? The covid scamdemic and the blowback from the Russian sanctions alone are enough to make anyone realize we’re rapidly approaching Niagara Falls in our little inflatable kayak. Hopefully, the article will inspire some of the fence sitters to hop over to the get-out-of-Dodge side and make their wish come true instead of holding on so dearly to the conveniences (like money) that keep them in the cities and suburbs.

I would like to make one small addition to the advice on solar panel systems. Off-grid is the ultimate goal, no question about it, by my advice is to start with a simple grid-tied system and then as you get more experience, more confidence, get your electric usage down as low as possible, and understand the basics of solar power and batteries, then convert what you have over to an off-grid system. Grid-tied won’t help you in TEOTWAWKI-ville so the end goal must be an off-grid system, but beginning with the simplicity and lower initial startup costs of grid-tied will get you well on your way.

Why do I recommend taking this route? I consider myself a pretty handy guy who’s frugal enough and capable enough to handle most building projects, fix-it situations, and homestead emergencies. I’m a direct descendant of MacGyver on my mother’s side and I love challenges, problem-solving tasks, and repurposing things. But when I was trying to put together an off-grid solar-power system while building my homestead, the amount of information was so overwhelming, with so many variables, and I had so many other things on my plate at the time, that I had to go with a grid-tied system if I was ever going to have solar power. All the variables with setting up an off-grid system are a killer.

So the number one reason I’d recommend starting out with grid-tied system is that it’s so simple and relatively inexpensive for any DIYer to set up compared to an off-grid system. The amount of information, variables, and the cost for off-grid are so overwhelming I think most people would end up procrastinating it far too long, or even more likely, never get around to it. Contrary to many comments I’ve read on SB, those who survive The Day will regret not having their own solar-power setup. They’ll see how the neighbor’s is performing, how much labor it’s saving them, and how close to today’s “normal” many of their daily activities will be compared to others who are blasted back to 1834 without electricity.Continue reading“Using Grid-Tied PV Panels as a Starter System – Part 1, by St. Funogas”

Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those –or excerpts thereof — in this column, in the Odds ‘n Sods Column, and in the Snippets column. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

The three of us had planned to tour Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons this past week,  But then we all came down with summer colds, the night before our planned departure.  🙁

Even with a cold, I was able to split some firewood.  I also handled all of the livestock chores for several days, since Lily’s cold was more severe than mine.  Oh, and I walked all of our fencelines, looking for spots where foliage might be contacting our electric fence, or where the hot wire had popped off of an insulator.  I really should get out and do that walk at least once a month, but often I get busy with other projects, and the interval between fenceline checks stretches to two months, or more.  Shame on me…

Now, over to Lily…Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.

Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.

Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost.

Only do not two things unto me: then will I not hide myself from thee.

Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.

Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?

Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.

Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.

And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten.” – Job 13: 16-28  (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Friday — September 9, 2022

On September 9, 1492, the fleet of Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo / Cristóbal De Colón) set sail west.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 102 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A LogOX 3-in-1 Forestry MultiTool (a $189 value) and a WoodOx Sling (a $79.95 value), courtesy of LogOx, both made in USA.
  4. A transferable $100 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $750,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 102 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Some .357 Revolver Cartridge Alternatives, by F.B.

In the July 28th edition of SurvivalBlog, my article on reloading previously fired primers and projectiles was published. Wondering if the primers reloaded with Prime-All repriming compound purchased from Sharp Shooter 22 would still fire several weeks after being reloaded, I mixed up another small batch.

Important Note: For safety, all batches should be small and eye protection should be worn. If you should decide to try this keep in mind that it could be potentially dangerous, after my experimenting I don’t recommend it.

Then a half dozen large pistol primers were loaded with the compound as before. They were seated in 10 MM brass and set aside. I was curious if they would still fire weeks after being reprimed, would they absorb moisture from the air was my concern.

In the past when running out of large pistol primers (LPPs) I had drilled a hole through a spent primer with a one-eighth-inch bit and inserted a small pistol primer (SPP) for .45 ACP. I don’t recommend using anything but the proper components, but the low-pressure 21,000 PSI cartridge was, I felt good to experiment with. I would not recommend doing this with a full-power 10MM or any rifle which can have 60,000 PSI or more. As a test, I loaded up a dozen 10MM with very light loads and some .45 ACP to see if a different caliber and firearm would make a change in reliability. Once again, I do not recommend this, especially with higher-pressure cartridges. What you have is a two-piece primer. If your legally-owned defensive handgun takes large pistol primers (LPP) it is possible to obtain brass for .45 ACP and 10MM with small pistol primer (SPP) pockets, then it might be wise to have a few of these on hand when ammunition and reloading components are scarce or tightly controlled.Continue reading“Some .357 Revolver Cartridge Alternatives, by F.B.”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at the shocking increases in new car and truck prices. (See the Inflation Watch section.)

Precious Metals:

When it dipped to just $17.97 per Troy ounce on September 6th, I believe that silver reached — or was very near — a “capitulation” bottom. As of Friday morning (9/9/2022), spot silver was back up to $18.93. For any SurvivalBlog readers who have been dawdling, this is now a good juncture to hedge into silver. Buy low, and sell high.

o  o  o

Market Crash Incoming, Will Gold & Silver See Their Day? – Gareth Soloway.

Economy & Finance:

Some general observations from JWR: The global economy seems to be heading into a deep spiral. Mainland China is on the verge of a banking collapse. Meanwhile, western European nations are experiencing a major economic contraction triggered by the worsening Russian natural gas embargo and higher prices for nearly all other fuels. And the U.S. is experiencing high inflation, a recession, sharp declines in equities markets, and the beginning of a down market in real estate — both residential and commercial. Brace yourselves, folks!

o  o  o

Calls for jumbo 75bps ECB refi rate hike on Sept 8 on knife’s edge – economists.

o  o  o

At Wolf Street: Fed’s QT: Total Assets Drop by $139 Billion from Peak.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“All men recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.” – Henry David Thoreau

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — September 8, 2022

On September 8, 1565, the first permanent settlement in what would become the United States of America was formed — St. Augustine, Florida.

—

Also, in 1943, on this day, Italy surrendered to the Allies in World War II.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 102 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A LogOX 3-in-1 Forestry MultiTool (a $189 value) and a WoodOx Sling (a $79.95 value), courtesy of LogOx, both made in USA.
  4. A transferable $100 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $750,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 102 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

War Drums Beating Louder: Are You Taking Action? – Part 2 by 3AD Scout

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)

So where to start? Food is one of the main things preppers stockpile. In the case of trying to prepare for a war economy a stockpile of food isn’t a bad idea. However, some of the item that will be hard to get are those that require shipping from far away and/or will be needed to support the troops. Going back to World War Two for an example, it was some basic staples that were in short supply including sugar, gasoline, rubber items, and even shoes. I can grow vegetables and fruit, as well as preserve them. I can do the same with meat from our pigs, chickens and cows. But what most of us can’t or don’t do (and yes there are exceptions) is make our own salt, sugar, and baking soda. These basic ingredients are important when preserving food and/or baking. If you really wanted to hedge your bets, just storing salt, sugar, and baking soda will be of tremendous value when war comes.

Butter was another kitchen staple that was rationed. Personally, I don’t want a milk cow, and besides I’m surrounded by dairy farms so I’m sure a little traded labor will get the fresh milk we need. For those not near farmland there are a few options for stocking up on butter. First, you can freeze it, you can either make your own ghee or buy it and the other option is to buy dehydrated butter. Personally, I have some of all of these options. Again being surrounded by Dairies we can get fresh milk and make our own but with our butter churn.

Although they are not necessities, coffee and tea will surely be rationed and in short supply. What is available will also go to the military to keep up morale and to help keep soldiers warm and awake. During past wars when coffee was scarce acorns, chicory and dandelions have been used as a non-caffeine replacement. Stocking up on unroasted green coffee beans and/or freeze-dried coffee may keep you stocked through the next war. The current food supply issues and inflation just shows that having stored food is not a bad idea. When actual government rationing starts in a wartime environment it will be an even better idea.Continue reading“War Drums Beating Louder: Are You Taking Action? – Part 2 by 3AD Scout”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “JWR”. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. Today, we look at some pending Federal firearms legislation.  Please contact your congressman and senators, to voice your opposition!

Federal Anti-Gun Bills Pending

There are several gun bills before the U.S. Senate and House. The top concern is the Senate version of H.R. 1808) (PDF of bill) — Already passed in the House. A U.S. Senate bill number has not yet been assigned. But it may come up for debate as soon as this week!  The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) posted this summary:

“…H.R. 1808 would BAN:

    • Virtually ALL ARs and AKs
    • Many semiautomatic shotguns
    • Many semiautomatic pistols (including some .22s)
    • Nearly ALL AR Pistols
    • Standard-capacity magazines (anything more than 15 rounds)
    • And even many common firearm parts!”

According to The Firearms Coalition of Colorado, the other bills of concern include:

“S.736 – Assault Weapons Ban  — Senator Feinstein’s perennially horrible bill.

S. 529 is a bill to expand background checks to nearly all private sales and transfers. Contact your Senators.  Bill text here: Text – S.529 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Background Check Expansion Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress.

And over on the House side:

H.R. 8460 is a bill that would allow the BATFE to create a database that would be a national gun registry, among other infringements.  Contact your Representative.  Bill text here:  Text – H.R.8460 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): AIM Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

House Democrats are also targeting gun makers for lawsuits in H.R. 2814, which would repeal The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and make gun makers liable for crimes committed with their firearms.  Contact your Representative. Follow the bill: Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2022 (H.R. 2814) – GovTrack.us.”

US Life Expectancy Falls to Lowest Since 1996

This was linked over at the Whatfinger.com news aggregation site: US life expectancy falls to lowest level since 1996.

Starlink to Cover Cell Phone Dead Zones in the US

Elon Musk Announces Partnership to end Cell Phone Dead Zones in the US. JWR’s Comment:  With the tremendous bandwidth provided by the Starlink constellation, I saw this coming.  I predict that within a year, Musk’s companies will team up to produce a new generation satellite smartphone handset within a year.
Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”