September 4, 2023
Shade is a precious commodity out here in the high desert. For much of the year it is pleasant to be outside but only if you’ve got a little breeze and some shelter from the sun.
Last winter I upgraded my neighbor’s solar system and he gave me his old panels and tracker. I salvaged some telephone poles from our property and a bunch of lumber from a truss making shop that went out of business in town.
In August Quadalupe and I dropped in the poles, dug a pit, threw up two beams from the salvaged trusses, and fastened the panels over it. Boom. Shade canopy.
The panels aren’t connected to anything yet but they will be. Future plans call for an outdoor kitchen, hardscaping, wind protection, direct drive PV components, a wood fired oven and grill, and exterior lighting.
Bit by bit the place comes together…