June 21st was the 2023 summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. In the NW Oregon region, sunrise was at 5:23 AM and sunset was at 9:04 PM. That's 15 hours, 41 minutes of daylight on this, the longest, day of the year.
With all those hours of daylight, this day is a milestone for solar production. I usually like to report our solar production for this day. Sadly, our production for this year's solstice was zero kilowatt-hours.
Our production was zero because our panels are stacked up on our deck waiting to be reinstalled. They were removed to allow for the installation of a new roof. The new roof is complete and the solar panels will be back up there soon.
This was an interesting process and, even after having solar for 16 years, I learned a few things through the experience. But that's a story for another day, after the story is complete and the panels are back on the roof and producing, I'll post the entire saga.
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Once upon a time, nestled in a small suburban neighborhood, there stood a quaint little house adorned with gleaming solar panels on the rooftop. The home belonged to the Smith family, who were firm supporters of sustainable living and the power of renewable energy.
For years, the solar panels had faithfully converted the sun's abundant rays into electricity, providing the Smiths with clean and cost-effective power. They reveled in the knowledge that they were reducing their carbon footprint and doing their part to protect the environment. However, as time went by, the roof beneath the solar panels began to show signs of wear and tear.
Understanding the importance of a sturdy roof, the Smiths reluctantly decided to have it replaced, knowing that this meant temporarily bidding farewell to their beloved solar panels. It was a difficult decision, for they knew that during the construction process, they would miss out on an extraordinary event—the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, when the sun's rays would be most abundant.
As the construction workers arrived, the Smith family watched their once sun-kissed solar system being carefully dismantled. The roof was stripped bare, exposing the house to the elements. Day by day, the roofers diligently worked, ensuring the new roof was strong, reliable, and capable of protecting their cherished home.
Meanwhile, inside the house, the Smiths experienced an unusual sense of emptiness. Without the soft hum of the inverter or the knowledge that the sun was powering their home, they felt a loss. The house seemed dimmer, hollower, as if a small part but important bit was missing.
The days passed, and the Smiths anxiously awaited the installation of their new roof, hoping that it would be completed before the summer solstice arrived. However, delays in the construction process made their dreams of harnessing the sun's energy on that special day grow dim.
Finally, just a day before the summer solstice, the roofers finished their work. The Smiths were relieved to have their home once again protected, but the missed opportunity weighed heavily on their hearts. They had missed out on a chance to maximize their solar production on the longest day of the year.
Yet, as the sun rose on that momentous day, its rays gently caressed the newly installed roof. Although the solar panels were absent, the Smiths knew that their commitment to renewable energy extended beyond a single day. Their actions were a testament to their dedication to a greener future.
The Smith family vowed to make the most of their solar panels once they were reinstalled. They eagerly awaited the return of their energy-generating companions, knowing that every day would be an opportunity to contribute to a sustainable world. They understood that the summer solstice was just one day, but their commitment to renewable energy was a lifelong journey.
And so, the Smiths' home stood proudly once more, with a new roof, waiting to embrace the return of its solar panels. The story of their temporary separation from the sun's power would be shared, serving as a reminder that even amidst setbacks and missed opportunities, the pursuit of a sustainable future remains steadfast.
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