The solar powered toilets in Oregon are ruined because the heavy snowfall covered the solar cells so long the batteries discharges and were destroyed.
I almost dare not ask, what with Oregon’s reputation for environmental silliness... but I’m preternaturally curious:
Just why does a toilet need solar power? Or should I say, why did these toilets need solar power? To power a stereo that would play wind chime and pan flute music while a person used them? Or to power the lava lamp for ambiance?
Lead/acid batteries are almost freeze-proof as long as they remain in a charged state as long as the 25% sulfur solution lasts.
As they go dead the sulfur retreats to the plates and only water is left; the water freezes, the plates buckle, make contact and short out.