We are very grateful to Presbyterian Women's Mission Union (PWMU). They gave us a grant of $2,000 to put solar panels on the caravan.
This is a bit out of Dennis' league to install himself. He was not confident to do this himself as he has not done this sort of electrical work. We looked at quotes from a few different caravan solar panel installers. It was going to cost between $4,000 to $5,000.
What a blessing it is to be with GRN. So many talented and
experienced people. Graham Schabel and Darren Cooper were such a help.
Graham was able to work out all the things that were needed for the complete installation. He ordered the parts. It all came to $2,500. What a saving!
These guys are working hard in the background at GRN. Graham is the go to person for computer hardware problems. Darren is in the workshop and works on developing SABRES and keeping up with emerging technology to be used by GRN
 |
| Graham Schabel |
 |
| Darren Cooper |
Dennis took the caravan to GRN and spent the week there working with the men to install the solar panels and wire up the van.
GRN has a very impressive workshop so Graham and Darren were able to construct items needed to install the panels
This also helped keep the costs down. It is interesting that being a 'missionary' full time work for God is not always going to some far flung part of the world.
These guys are living by faith and serving God right in the middle of Sydney, helping others to go to those far reaching places. God uses us all and the gifts he gave us.
It looks easy. not quite! The first just put the panels on the roof of the van and all is good....no, not quite! The men spent the first 2 days working out plans and how to do everything. Cupboards had to be pulled off for cabling to be installed, Heaps of wiring, switches, sealing up holes made, dodging the rain!
 |
| batteries & inverter installed |
 |
| Darren putting cables through the cupboards |
 |
| 2 ladders are better than 1! |
 |
| Make sure those things dont fly off down the road! |
For all the hard work the men did that week, There is not much to see. The panels are on the roof; too high for people to see, and all the workings are hidden in the cupboards and panels. We could not be happier with it. Great work Guys!
 |
| Panels on the roof |
What does this mean for us?
When traveling, we do not need to stop at caravan parks. This is a huge saving, especially during peak tourist times.
Many communities are powered by huge generators. Fuel is transported great distances to power them. This obviously makes power very expensive. We will be able to cut costs by not having to tap into the power there.
Some communities do not have power, or only a small generator used only at night time for lights and powering their fridges etc.
With our panels, we do not put pressure on their generators and still have our own power.
The solar panels will power our lights, fans, computers and any other smaller electrical items. It will not power the air conditioner, heater or microwave. These use a huge amount of power.
We are very grateful to everyone who works together to get the gospel out to others. It may be the person who prays for the workers and the unsaved; the person who helps put solar panels on vans, others who give generously to enable this sort of thing to happen.
God works through us all, and together we work for His glory!
