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All of the electricity used at 3 Rivers is currently
provided by the sun. We have an array of ten
solar panels giving us a maximum power of 800 watts.
Although this does sound limited, we have ensured that we use
low powered electrical appliances and have found it to be amply
sufficient for our current needs. Guests should have no problem
using their own electrical appliances, but we ask them to inform
us if they are planning to do so, in order for us to make sure
that not everyone is pulling big power all at once.
Eventually we plan to install a hydro turbine
in one of our rivers, which will give us around 6 kw, more than
we should ever need.
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We also use the sun to pump water for the hotel
from one our adjacent rivers. This 24 volt solar slowpump is powered
by two panels and is capable of pumping 1000 gallons in less than
four hours of moderate sunshine. Even on a cloudy day the pump
still works sufficiently for our requirements. The river we use
is crystal clear and we test the water regularly in the laboratory
to ensure it's continued cleanliness. The water passes through
a filter before being pushed up the hillside to our holding tank,
from where it drops down to the cottages
using gravity. |
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Each cottage has its own simple solar thermosyphon
hot water system. Water is heated in a collector on the lower
end of the roof, and as it heats up it rises to a hot water cylinder
on the top of the roof (hot water rises naturally). As this hot
water cools down it circulates back through the system to the
collector so that it can always remain hot. No pumps, no electric
heaters and always plenty of hot water for your needs!
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One of the beauties of 3 Rivers is the night
sky, and so outside lighting is of the utmost importance. We want
you to find your way around, but we do not wish to spoil your
view of the stars. Therefore, dotted all around the site are some
solar powered path lights - they light enough to show you the
way, but do not distract from your view of the planets. Each light
is independant, with its own solar panel and batteries, which
are recharged every day by the sun. They have built in sensors
and light up at night, and switch off automatically during the
day.
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