........ this is our inverter in the loft
which takes the direct current from the solar panels and turns it into alternating current, which we can use. We don't actually need bright sunshine for the panels to start generating, just daylight. If the panels generate more electricity than we are using in the house, then the excess is exported to the grid. This little meter in the hall cupboard tells us how much we are producing
Now comes the good part - under a government scheme, we are paid for every unit of electricity that we generate, plus a little more for every unit we export to the grid ......... and every unit that we use means a corresponding decrease in our electricity bill. I think that's what you call a win/win situation (although of course we did have to invest in the solar panels!)
While all the technical/electrical work was going on this morning, I popped the big lens on the camera and headed into Hawick. I had noticed these figures on a chimney some time ago, and finally I remembered to take some photos. The figures are rather grimy and in need of some tlc. Unfortunately there was a tv aerial in the way ...
But the only angle which excluded the aerial meant pointing the camera at the sun
Still looking up, first I saw these old chimneys
then something special at the top of this building
a thistle on the right (symbolising Scotland)
and a rose on the left (for England)
I think this view along the river looks quite continental
The heron was enjoying the sunny morning, standing on the riverbank preening
It is such a handsome bird, I never tire of taking photos of it - and it very kindly showed me both profiles!
Back home, the birds are on a somewhat smaller scale! I am still trying to get photos of them on the birdbath .... but these sparrows were just sitting in the hawthorn tree laughing at me!
Eventually a sparrow did pose prettily on top of the stone owl
and the robin was a bright spot among the sparrows
I'm off on another day out tomorrow - this time to the autumn quilt show, which is also the Scottish Championships. As well as lots of quilts, there will also be TRADERS ..... but of course I couldn't possibly buy anything so soon after my trip to Harrogate .......