Spring - Summer 2020 Newsletter from The Oasis |
With the ongoing saga of the COVID-19 virus, we want to emphasize our hope for our customers and employees’ health and well-being. As time moves onward, we are monitoring any new developments and relying on experts to keep us all safe and prevent the spread of this virus, with guidance from CDC.gov and WHO.int. Here’s a link with common sense information about COVID-19 and how to deal with it: https://www.sciencefriday.com/spotlights/coronavirus/
Most of our supply chains are still intact so we will be business as usual as much as we can (open weekdays), while trying to follow safe social practices. In the meanwhile, please take precautions to protect your health and the health of family and friends. We can all survive this together. Many if not most of our transactions have, in the past, been done by e-mail or phones, and that will continue. We are seeing some price increases but availability looks pretty good for most PV components, at least through summer, although some of the manufacturers of certain components and appliances have closed their doors temporarily.
Not all carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS, truck freight, etc.) are honoring expedited delivery dates so some orders may not be delivered in any guaranteed time frame. As to our business here in western Montana, we are doing our best to be informed, flexible, being available for our customers, being careful and planning for the future. 
Now, in spring, the fruit tree blossoms are supplying our hungry bees and we are engaged in our rites of planting, and taking comfort in the natural resiliency of our most beautiful world. If you garden, try and plant extra this year – I’m sure there will be plenty of folks who would appreciate your extra produce. It may be time to consider having a ‘victory garden’, like during and after WWII. We do not, at this juncture, know how COVID-19 will affect our spring agricultural businesses and production. But now is a good time to plan and expand upon your vegetable garden. One thing for sure, it never hurts to plant more than you may need. And building resilient foods systems are always a wise way to proceed.
If you are seeking a more self-reliant and secure energy for important loads in your household, now may be the time to consider an investment in solar power. In the U.S. through the end of 2020, there is still a 26% federal tax credit for all costs related to such an investment venture, including labor, shipping, permitting, etc.
Be well people, and take care.
Small Watt Solar Modules:  | Size: 13.9 x 10.4 x 1.4, 5lbs
VOC: 22, Vmpp: 17.5
ISC: 0.82A, Impp: .0589
Back Side: TPT /TPE
Output: Junction Box
$28 apiece or two for $49 plus shipping!
25 year, 80% output warranty. |
Sometimes it’s harder to find 12V solar modules – but we also have these sizes available:
12V, 50 Watt POLY solar panel is $85.00 a piece
12V, 100 Watt POLY solar panel is $129.00 a piece
12V, 160 Watt POLY solar panel is $179.00 a piece
If you have an RV or need modules for a smallish 12V system, these prices are hard to beat! Call us for specifications, 406-777-4309 or 4321.
| Technical difficulties:  I’m not sure if it’s just a sign of the times or perhaps our boonie factor, but we’ve been having regular problems, on occasion, with our phones and sometimes internet connection. Then, last weekend, all our web sites were down due to a server problem. If you’re trying to contact us and things just aren’t working, please just try again later! Sometimes all of our glorious technologies just aren’t what they’re cracked up to be!
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High altitude systems:
 Recently I had a chat with a fellow about the poor performance of his generator. We do not sell generators per se, but most of our off-grid systems (particularly in the north) integrate a fuel generator for times of low light or winter use, so we are familiar with questions related to generator use. Anyway, I finally asked the fellow…what is your elevation? His system is at 7800 ft., and that gave an indication as to the problem: the air is thinner the higher you go; the low oxygen  density needs more airflow for the proper mix of air and fuel. And, actual output needs to be de-rated, about 3 to 5% for every thousand feet above sea level (above 1000 ft.). So here at the Oasis Montana, we’re at 3700 ft. elevation, so you’d have to de-rate a generator about ~12 - 15%; at 8000 ft., about ~35%. Some manufacturers may offer a ‘high attitude kit’ to help mitigate the power loss from the thinner air. But an 8KW generator is apt to put out only 5KW or less at 8000 ft. elevation. Engines also get hotter when the air is thinner. Many manufacturers do not state at what altitudes they will perform, so that’s good to check out before you make the purchase. It may affect its warranty too. | Inverters are not all alike at higher elevations either; some are not warranted over 6500 ft., so it make sense to do your homework before you make the investment! Often it’s not the electronics that are a factor, but the mechanics of those electronics – like a cooling fan on an inverter. Fans won’t move as much air since there’s just not as much air to move. | 
4KW Inverter
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 Gas appliances can also have their performance affected by high altitudes; above 8000 ft., sometimes a change in the size of the gas orifice needs to be made, or a change in the gas pressure, so that there is a proper air/gas mix. The gas refrigerators we offer and sometimes the stoves may need an orifice swap to improve the appliance’s function. Visit www.LPappliances.com or call us if you have any questions.
At this writing we are readying for another year of gardening; we’ve been growing these dried beans for years. The variety is called Indian Woman Yellow, and they are an easy to grow and tasty shell (dried) bean. Send me a couple of stamps and your address, and I’ll send you some seed source. They are great for chili, burritos or anything that calls for a tasty bean. They also do well in short-season areas, needing only 80-85 days to mature. Our address is Oasis Montana Inc., 436 Red Fox Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870.
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NEW ITEM: Do you need ice? Need water? Model #AIWD282 can make up to 282 lbs. of ice per day and can also dispense filtered water. It meets NSF-12 commercial standards; perfect for medical facilities or small commercial operators.
$3425 plus shipping.
• Three dispenser options to meet all of your user needs
• Produces up to 282 pounds of nugget ice in a day cycle; ice storage capacity 11 lbs.
• Height adjustable to fit a multitude of spaces; 31.25" H x 16.5" W x 25.0" D
• Stainless steel construction provides a professional, sleek look
• Bacteria-killing UV light keeps unit clean and easy to maintain
• Weighs 146 lbs (shipping weight 177 lbs)
• 1 year parts & service warranty, 5 year warranty on the compressor.
• 120VAC 60 hz, using 2000 watt-hours (2KWH) a day.
The AIWD282 is ETL-S listed to NSF-12 commercial standards. Measuring 18 3/4 inches from the front leg to the unit rear makes this a perfect fit on standard counters. This unit can produce up to 282 pounds of ice per day. Three dispenser functions - ice, water, or ice+water - provide expanded functionality, while the illuminated display ensures easy access and control of the unit.
Adjustable legs offer flexible height options, while the stainless steel front provides a professional look. The removable tray and sealed back make for easy cleaning, and the bacteria-killing UV dispenser light keeps the unit sanitary. This unit must be used with a drain and should be placed in a space that allows for draining below the unit. It is top vented.
With its countertop footprint and large production output, the AIWD282 is the perfect unit for hospital waiting areas, break rooms, or similar settings looking for a water and ice dispenser that is attractive and efficient.
Note: A water filtration system is available and recommended for optimal performance of the unit. That model is #AIWD282FLTR and costs $3685 plus shipping. Call or e-mail for more specs!
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