First step toward building the panels that will power the house. Soldering the tabbing wire onto the cells proves to be difficult. After some research we found a new conductive adhesive product from Loctite specifically for solar panel construction. The time and materials saved with its use should prove worth its rather high cost. Once the House is up and running, one of the workshops we would like to provide is Solar Panel Construction.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Solar Panel Construction Training Module
First step toward building the panels that will power the house. Soldering the tabbing wire onto the cells proves to be difficult. After some research we found a new conductive adhesive product from Loctite specifically for solar panel construction. The time and materials saved with its use should prove worth its rather high cost. Once the House is up and running, one of the workshops we would like to provide is Solar Panel Construction.
Into The Basement To Make Room For Water Storage
The temporary ladder into the basement was built using wood recycled from the closet taken out of room 1. Once in the basement, the first step was to remove the HVAC unit and portions of the ductwork. Next we will need to dig down another 1.5-2 feet to make room for the first of 3 10oo gallon+ ferro-cement tanks. First step before much excavation Radon Testing. Once that has come back we will open up the basement exterior door, remove the HVAC unit and other accumulated debris and start excavations. Then build the rebar forms, pour the footing place the forms and build up with multiple layers of cement. Once cured and sealed they will be used to store water from captured from the roof.
Free Desk
Found by the dumpster of the Greater Works Assembly on Jonesboro Rd., the week after their eviction. It will need some drawers fabricated and some refinishing but it is a fantastic find.
first food from the garden
First gerkins from the garden harvested early last week. One eaten raw the other Susan used to make a Geschmorte Gurken (cucumber, bacon, ground beef and dill)
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Painting With Susan
A little reStore paint goes a long way. Susan took charge of prepping and painting the interior walls. It is so nice to see such a dramatic change.
Interior Water System Started
This tank was found in a junk pile 3 years ago and stored until now. It is the perfect size (1/2inch clearance end to end) to fit into the attic through the retractable stairway opening. The rafters will be reinforced for the weight of the water. Some additional water pressure will be gained by elevating the tank 2 feet further on a support structure.
The bear head mounted on the TruckBarrow was found in the attic along with 3 years of Christmas trees, other holiday decorations and an extensive collection of 1980s vintage tabloids.
Black Berries From The Neighborhood
We have been picking Black Berries and other edible fruits from various spots around the neighborhood for several weeks. So far Susan has made: Jam, Sauce, Fruit Leather, Pie, Cake, Cordial ...
Monday, July 5, 2010
Room One Renovations
Room One will be used as a multipurpose space once project181 is fully functional. It will be used as a gallery, meeting space, workshop space, studio and much more.
Free Sink
This was found in a trash pile on Sawtell Ave., it only took a few minutes to clean it up. Now it is ready to install as part of the grey water system.
Water Collection Test System
This system uses PVC tubing and fittings and is designed to be inverted when it is not raining to keep debris from finding its way into the water supply. After two substantial downpours it seems to work quite well. The 400 gallon tank will be installed in the next week to gather water for the construction of larger Ferro Cement water tanks in the basement. These tanks will be used to store rainwater collected from the larger sections of the roof as well as grey water from the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
The Mighty TruckBarrow
This has been the main means of moving materials to and from the house on a daily basis.
Water Barrel 0ne
A 55 gallon barrel was connected to the existing gutter on the back of the house. The water from the barrel will be used to water the garden.
Garden Progress
Garden planted June first just before 2 days of good rain follow by 28 days without any rain. The 55 gallon rain barrel was a quarter full at the beginning and was supplemented by daily water hauling of anywhere from 2 to 45 gallons. 42 gallons were carried over the second week of June using the TruckBarrow and a 15 gallon tank. After that it was only necessary to carry small amounts in 1 gallon jugs. The rains of late June were a welcome relief for the garden and from the water hauling. Extra heavy soaking on July third held the plants over for a couple days while everyone was out of town. On return everything seemed to have gained several inches, Cucumbers have really taken off at least 6 gerkins started with 25-30 blossoms, Squash has 3 blossoms, Radish are progressing and all of the Tomatoes have at least a few blossoms. More on the Peppers, Carrots and Swiss Chard soon.
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