solar panels portland or
How do I keep a thousand gallon water tank from freezing, cheaply?
I am associated with a group of people who bought land East of Portland, OR. The 50 acres are on a dirt road, with no electricity or water. Mostly for personal camping and party use, the regulations from the government are that no permanent structures can be built. There are a couple geodesic domes. One of the people has brought in a thousand gallon water tank, with the idea of filling it with snow run off and rainwater, to help water the trees (Ponderosas) that live up there. ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET, how do we keep the filled tank from freezing and bursting during the extended 0c wintertime? Burying the tank is not a option (rocky soil, no backhoe). Electricity, if needed, would be solar panel/deep cell battery. We could enclose the tank in a simple structure if needed.
I don’t know how cold it gets in OR. so I don’t know if this will work or not. First thing is paint the tank black. Build that simple structure you were talking about. Have the doors face south and leave them open in the day and close them at night.
Use the solar panel and battery with a timer to power a water fountain pump and circulate the water at night.
Solar Options in Portland’s Households Part 2
