Solar questions

For those who haven't read all the comments:

1. If there is a power cut the panels cut out as well, because if they kept generating the national
 grid would still be getting charge going back on to it (remaining live) and would be unsafe to work on.  There have been some interesting comments with regard to batteries, but these would not be applicable to free panels as the leasing arrangement states that Home Sun own the panels and all other associated equipment and you are not allowed to fit anything on to the system.  (I thought that was the cases, but I just asked Trevor to make sure I had the details right)

If anyone does decide to get panels from Home Sun or is contacting them for a survey, I'd much appreciate the referral fee (for my fund for buying a maypole, or for charity if you prefer), so please do tell them that you heard about it from Judith Proctor.

If you'd rather contact a person (especially if you have any questions) than go through the web site, you can call Trevor - the guy we dealt with, who was helpful and non-pushy - on 07880 567 500.  He says he's happy to answer any questions people may have - again, mention my name.

Cooking rice with solar and towels

Take one cup of rice and two cups of water (will do three people). 

If you want more or less, just maintain the one to two ratio on volume.

Boil water and simmer for a minute or so while the sun is shining.  

Turn off the ring and wrap a nice fluffy towel around and over the pan. 

Come back in half and hour  of so and give it a stir (most of the water will already have been absorbed, this just mixes the remainder in evenly).  Replace towel. 

Come back some time in the next hour or two and eat nice fluffy rice.  All the water will now be absorbed.

You don't have to watch it.  It never boils over.  You don't have to time it exactly and it makes great rice.