Here is a collection of projects.There is a small portable solar dehydrator that can handle most of our drying needs. We also have a large 4′ x4′ solar dehydrator that has been in use for 10 years.

Next is a small PV panel system that runs as a 12 volt system supplying power for lighting via 12 volt CPF bulbs. This also powers a laptop, small battery charger, Mp3 player, along with an occasional use inverter for 120 volt appliances.

A solar water distiller one of several in use here. This puts out about 1/2 gal a day.

Rainwater harvesting. This system collects water off of a shed roof and fills a 305 gal tank rather quickly. We are always adding to our rainwater collection here. We have 5 other tanks in various stages of use/completion  from 250 to 3000 gallons as well as many 55 gallon tanks. The land is in a continual process of re-sculpting for water catchments via berms, holding ponds etc.

Below you will see finished and construction photo’s of the small portable dehydrator. The dehydrator comes apart in 3 places, legs, body and collector. The legs are flared for more stability in wind. The unit works very well as just a passive dryer but I added a small  low volume solar fan that noticeably increases it’s efficiency especially on cloudier days. We dry large volumes of excess vegetables and fruits from our gardens and trees. (Note I have replaced the solar fan in the photo’s with a computer fan and small panel. I bought a case of these solar fans pictured below and they are JUNK. Everyone of the solar fans have died within 6 months or less.)

Small solar fan

9 -18″ X 18″ racks

Air flow

Large Dehydrator

Here is the large 4x4x4 ft solar dehydrator. Works on the same principle as the small one.