Yurt Living: Solar Power Potential

Solar power potential is active in many minds these days. It really makes sense for the yurt lifestyle, but creativity is required since you can’t rest solar panels on a fabric/vinyl yurt roof.

Here stands John M. Brown on his yurt site in Glenville, West Virginia. He is so kind to share his knowledge on a yurt blog that dates from August 2005 to March 2008. Not only are the pics, info and floor plans great, but see dear John’s solar electric block diagram from his FAQ page.

John notes the solar panels are on a sled-type contraption. He created that so he could move them around during construction. He wants to find the optimum year-round location before permanently mounting them. Smart!

Research results revealed an obvious solar trend for businesses. Nestled in the mountains of central Portugal, for example, is a vacation yurt with solar-powered energy. Takes care of reading lights and is sufficient for a laptop. With an ecological mind set, the designer built a private bathroom outside the yurt for a hot shower supplied by the owner’s spring.

Dennis and Susan Swiderski appease remote yurt lovers with their self-contained, eco-friendly yurts on Orca Island, Alaska. Solar power with compost toilet, propane range and cabin heater. They provide all the needs of a conventional cabin rental.

Joyce Coker, South of Lake Tahoe on the slopes of northern California, recently erected a solar-powered yurt to serve her Hope Valley Outdoor Center. It’s a staging location for lessons and rental packages. Visitors can purchase ski and snow boots, have them fitted, and walk right out the door for fantastic trails. Joyce encourages a leave no trace attitude.