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Set a charging schedule for portable devices

Charging when the sun is up uses surplus solar instead of stored battery energy.

How

1. Set up one charging station with a labelled cable and charger for each device.
2. Charge tablets, phones, e-readers, speakers and headphones in the late morning to mid-afternoon when the panels produce the most.
3. Unplug chargers once done; DOE notes many plugged-in devices keep drawing standby power.
4. Give each child a charged device allowance per day, not unlimited top-ups.

Do these first

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Sources

1. Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. US Department of Energy, Energy Saver, accessed 2026-11

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