Pictured above are the batteries for the energy storage system that will power the River House in the event of a power outage. They can also be used to shift the time of use for grid power (charge from the grid during off-peak times, supply the house during peak hours) that will allow us to purchase electricity when it is cheapest. Mounting these to the garage wall was no small feat given that each weighs more than 500 pounds and that I did so working alone using levers and blocks to lift the units an inch and a half at a time. Mounting and connecting the batteries took the better part of the day, a task that could have been easily completed in half the time with the aid of a forklift and a couple of really strong assistants. Even so, there is something very satisfying about moving really heavy things alone using the principles of mechanical advantage.

The turnout this afternoon at our neighborhood summer picnic was quite good; enhanced no doubt by the perfect weather, a nice respite from all the rain we have been having. Our community seems to be composed primarily of really young families or retirees with little else in between. After a rather unproductive morning working at the River House, relaxing for a few hours was nice.