Many Thanks to Fred VA7UN, Chris VE7EQN, Gary VE7GCP, and Bob VA7MF for their efforts to replace the old solar panels at the Little White repeater site. After a few weeks of closely monitoring the snow melt at the summit of Little White on the morning of May 11, 2026, Graham Helicopters ferried our crew up to the repeater site.
While there was still some snow on the ground near the com-shell the work area was clear and although a bit cool, there were no mosquitoes to contend with (HI HI). On arrival at the Little White summit, the work party set up the ladders and got to work.
They first removed 5 old, heavy panels from the fibreglass com-shell. The weight of these panels was cracking the fibreglass shell and their power output has degraded. A much lighter solar panel was installed in their place. The new panel is much more efficient than the technology utilized in the old panels and as a result it alone generates more power. That extra power will boost the solar charge capacity during the winter and ensure a long life for the batteries at this solar site. The reduction in weight will also protect the shell from further cracking until we can return for another day of fibreglass repair.
By afternoon, the solar panel replacement was done and Graham Helicopters returned to take our intrepid crew off the mountain along with the many kilos of old solar panels, steel bracing and other garbage. This final trip completed the complete rehab of the Little Mountain Repeater side. A job well done and thanks to all who have been involved over the years it took to complete the project.
