We've been working hard at winterizing the barn, at least as much as we can. I think we've finally made it. For now.
And...at this point the electric and water out there is quite self-sustainable. Let me explain.
These puppies, at this point in time, supply all of our electrical power. They convert crazy amounts of sunlight into ... something ... that charges a deep cell battery from which we run our lights (2) and water pump. And other miscellaneous items such as phone chargers when it runs low from playing Pandora all day.
It doesn't like T's 24-volt battery charger for his tools. I wish I knew why (but if you do, you might save your time explaining it to me. there's a good chance i wouldn't understand)
We also have solar motion-powered lighting available. There is a mini-panel by the large solar panels that charge this light. It keeps me from freaking out when I run over to feed at night. Or in the morning. It's all the same here right now.
And the wata....
A couple weeks ago T and I took a few minutes (or hours, depends on if you like the glass half full or half empty) and dug this huchunko hole. We have gutters on the barn that have, up until this point, filled 55-gal drums with rainwater which we pumped out (see solar panels) to the desired destination. But 55-gal drums isn't a whole lot and we found ourselves running through 110-gals of water in a week with 2 horses. So when we saw these 275-gal beauties on Craigslist we picked a few up. Well, 2, because we only have 2 sides of the barn we can glean water from.
We underestimated their size. They are large. So, as of now, we have 1 large water tank and 1 55-gal drum. It will stay this way until next spring. Cause I say so. And we have noticed a huge difference. Water isn't overflowing after each rain. This setup is working well. (until it freezes).
But, you ask, how do we keep our water trough from freezing?
I'm a nerd. I would rather try alternative methods prior to jumping on the electrical-life-sucking-water-tank-heaters that are available at hardware stores Everywhere, U.S.A. Honestly, they use a LOT of energy and we simply don't have those resources. So I googled "Solar Water Tank" and ran into
this wonderful little link. Our plans came from this site, with some modifications.
God bless Menards. On the website they mentioned using a double layer of polycarb panels on one side for solar energy to heat the water tank. They then painted the stock tank black on that side ?to attract? the sunlight (sorry guys, i'm obviously not very scientific. i'm doing my best). Well, we took this idea one step better. Menards just received in-stock some double-layer polycarb something that was $$$$ but proclaimed to allow something like 90%ish light through and keep 82%ish thermal energy contained. So we jumped and bought a panel, using only a single layer due to the high rating of this product. Then, we thought that rather than painting our stock tank black to attract more light, we'd use the high R rated (like 13?) foil that is used in houses to surround the tank. (in addition to the 1-2" of pink foamboard insulation that lines the rest of the tank). We haven't put the foil on yet, the tank hasn't needed it.
The top is an old countertop, with 2-12" holes to allow horses on each side of the fence to drink. In conclusion, we may have spent more on this water tank then what we would an electrical bill this winter. (maybe. we had the wood for the frame, plywood, and countertop.) But, it's cool and we will reuse this next year. And the next. And the next.
Oh, and 1 more note about the tank. We drilled down approximately 3-3.5' (as far as the land would allow us to dig) and placed 4" diameter PVC pipes. And filled them with stones. The hypothesis being that the warmth from the earth may insulate the water tank.
However, I think that our water tank is in such a position as it is hit by a lot of wind. And the poor earth didn't stand a chance. Maybe it'll help though, can't hurt.
How are the animals gearing up for winter?
The chickens have an inside pen. Taking one of my stalls. They'd better lay good all winter.
Cindy is entering a Chewbacca-look-alike contest.
Peach is expecting her first. Any. Day. Now.
I mean, that's the first think I think of when I think winter, right? And live outside? Great Idea.
Honestly though, she's looking good. Even got out for a walk today and seemed to enjoy it. I think. As much as you can with a lively babe knocking around in your belly.
'Da Kitties are hunkering down in any warmth they can find.
They really are good kitties. Man, that boy, he's just like a dog. Follows us on trail rides and everything. I'm so glad they found us.
Happy Winter!
T had a bright idea to poll it on the blog, but just today, and I wanted to start calling him something! So Pilgrim it is. He's a cute little bugger, no matter what.
So far he's been blanketed, haltered, and has decided he really would rather have none of it. But we persist, and today he came up to me, sniffed the halter, and then proceeded to give my jeans (both legs) a lick-down. I'm just happy he came up to me on his own!
