Want to know the reason I I wrote yesterday about how relying on solar power connects me to nature and makes me humble to it?
Because we’re approaching the winter solstice. Despite a PhD in astrophysics that included helping build a satellite still taking data in orbit, I’m learning more about astronomy and many other parts of nature today.
I’m not yet at the level of ancient Babylonians or Mayans, but over the years I’m seeing more directly the angle of the sun changing, along with the length of the day, and the patterns of where shadows fall and move.
These days I’m thinking about it not out of wonder, though. I’m thinking of it because it’s getting colder and windier. Shorter days also mean less flexibility in when I can charge—basically only a couple hours before and after noon. The sun doesn’t deliver as much power going through more atmosphere. I get colder. Soon I won’t be able to type because my fingers will be too cold. Sitting still for too long, my feet get numb.
This year is more challenging than past years, when I could leave the panels to charge on my building’s roof and I could go back downstairs. Until they finish the roof work (it was supposed to be a five-month project starting last March, but last I asked, my building’s superintendent said they don’t expect to finish in December), I can’t access the roof and have to go to Washington Square Park.
In how many ways is going there harder? Let’s see:
- I have to walk farther
- I can’t leave the panels unwatched
- There are no spots where the sun hits the full day so I have to move the panels periodically
- I can’t warm up anywhere
- It’s probably windier
- I can’t leave equipment there overnight
- It’s harder to bring more than one battery
This winter looks like it will be my hardest season so far.
It hasn’t snowed yet this season, but soon the park will look like this, though today was windier than it looked then:
Thank you so much for sharing your day-to-day life, one that respects the natural limits to harnessing energy! Out of curiosity, have you experimented with solar cooking? If yes, how did those experiments turn out? It would be interesting to see how something like this (https://gosun.co/products/solar-oven-kit) would work during a NYC winter! Thank you again!
I’ve researched the idea, but haven’t experimented. I tend to start an experiment when something falls into my lap, as opposed to seeking out new products to buy. I figure one day I’ll see a solar cooker on Craigslist or some friend of a friend will be getting rid of one and I’ll try it out.
In the meantime, I keep finding ways not to need to pollute or deplete, such as by learning to eat more raw, like finding out what legumes don’t need cooking.
If I try solar cooking, I’ll post about it here. If you know anyone getting rid of a solar oven around New York, I’ll take it to try it out.