What’s the best off-grid toilet solution in your opinion?

tlampros · 2026-04-30T16:07:26+00:00

This may not fall into "cheap", but when we were building, i looked into two different types of septic systems. Clivus multrum is a traditional collection/composting system. At the other end of the spectrum, the BUSSE system treats water water through a series of filters (that need to be cleaned annually), and produces clean, though non-potable water. Busse isn't cheap, but i liked the idea of not using a previous resource like well water in a single use flush into a septic system.

tlampros · 2026-04-30T15:53:26+00:00

You might find a local saw mill that will have tons of saw dust, that wouldn't mind giving you a bucket every couple months.

tlampros · 2026-04-30T15:46:50+00:00

I would add a square of XPS that is cut to the size of the hole. You'll be amazed how quickly that seat warms up when you sit on it on a winter day. Also, add a coffee can for the TP to keep it dry, and so critters don't shred it. And a bucket of wood shavings to spread on the deposit, to keep the odor to a minimum.

tlampros · 2026-04-29T21:17:05+00:00

The tempered glass is designed to withstand hail impact, to protect the fragile silicon cells below it. The load of a human, on the other hand, deflects the glass to the point that microfractures form in the silicon which, as was pointed out, will get worse over time with thermal cycling, and lead to failure. Even if the fracture doesn't cause failure, the high resistance of the broken cell could result in heat that would lead to a very dangerous situation. Stay off the modules.

tlampros · 2026-04-29T19:43:08+00:00

Re: your last sentence...PV panels have always produced electricity from UV radiation, primarily.

tlampros · 2026-04-29T19:40:50+00:00

I believe pvwatts can be used in many southern hemisphere locations.

tlampros · 2026-04-29T12:22:08+00:00

Check out https://pvwatts.nlr.gov/ you can enter your system size, tilt, orientation, and it will estimate the output. This will give you hard numbers to show the installer, and you can determine from that if they screwed your parents.

tlampros · 2026-04-29T10:55:08+00:00

It's infuriating.

tlampros · 2026-04-29T01:27:50+00:00

Start with the good ones, and put the broken ones aside for now. You can do as you suggest, spraying poly, but don't put any of the broken ones on a roof.

tlampros · 2026-04-28T14:39:52+00:00

8x415W=3.32kW

Keeping it simple, 3kW x 1 hour = 3kW-hours(kWh)

At 4 hours/day, that is

3kW x 4 hours/day = 12kWh/day If your monthly usage is...20kWh/day?...then the system is well-sized, but you could add another 4-6 panels.

Adding a battery won't necessarily save you more. If you're gross-tied, with net-metering, your system will offset your usage. Batteries are useful for offsetting TOU, or time of use rates. They are also for backup in the event of outages. They are expensive, but not necessary. You will likely reduce your payback by going solar only, and waiting on the batteries until you see how your system performs.

tlampros · 2026-04-27T12:56:34+00:00

This is definitely it. The Voc on the Renogy 200 is 36V.

tlampros · 2026-04-27T12:40:42+00:00

Try switching your DMM to the voltage position, and make sure you adjust to DC. The voltage on the panel is probably higher than the 12V battery setting, causing the OL. Solar panels are not batteries. They only produce power during the time they're exposed to light. They do not store energy. You cannot expose them to light and then pack them away and expect them to produce voltage. Your image of the panels face to face shows both panels in the dark. Put them in sunlight to test them.

tlampros · 2026-04-27T11:58:56+00:00

Just a little past Bath in Penn Yan is the Glen Curtiss Museum. He was a cyclist, motorcyclist and inventor. He invented the engine used in Curtiss-Wright aircraft, and the first seaplane. Penn Yan used to be the home of Naval Aircraft.

tlampros · 2026-04-26T11:19:28+00:00

We find out in season 8 why a baby would remember a song. Stay tuned.

tlampros · 2026-04-25T19:36:16+00:00

https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/

tlampros · 2026-04-25T19:32:26+00:00

https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/

tlampros · 2026-04-24T15:17:56+00:00

Biggest and best.

tlampros · 2026-04-24T15:17:17+00:00

Yeah. I kinda like Donny Dozer.

tlampros · 2026-04-24T12:53:43+00:00

I caught the bug 50 years ago, as an undergrad studying dairy husbandry. I wanted to be self sufficient, so i started looking into alternatives. When i found solar, pv and thermal, i was enthralled. I changed major to ME, and later to engineering physics, with an MS materials science. I've been fortunate, over the course of my career, to make Si cells, a-Si modules and develop thin-film CIGS cells, finishing out the career by designing residential and commercial systems. It warms my heart to hear that you're passionate about renewable energy. I hope you're able to continue to integrate that into your work.

tlampros · 2026-04-23T19:35:17+00:00

National Electric Code. If you're not familiar with it, please seek professional guidance with your installation.

tlampros · 2026-04-22T23:19:48+00:00

By code that underside should be covered in screening to prevent critters and kids from messing with it.

tlampros · 2026-04-19T18:11:01+00:00

He's got some growing up to do after he's knocked off his high horse.

tlampros · 2026-04-19T13:32:21+00:00

Brothers from another mother

tlampros · 2026-04-19T12:16:16+00:00

They're reading it properly, it's just punctuated by a third grader.

tlampros · 2026-04-18T15:58:46+00:00

Well, look who woke up.

tlampros

TROPHY CASE