Solar Energy DIY – The Components of Your Solar Power Solution

When beginning a solar energy DIY home conversions project, one question many people have before they start is: What will I need to complete the conversion?

Of course before you start with anything, you should get a good DIY solar guide, and you’ll be walked step by step through the process of setting up your solar energy solution. Aside from that though, let’s cover the basics of what you’ll need to go solar!

There are 7 main components you’ll need when wiring up a solar energy solution for your home. It should be noted here that we’re talking about converting a home, and not just creating portable solar energy solution (in which case you’ll only need 4 components).
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Before you install your home energy solution, you’ll need the following components. These are listed in the order they will be wired into your solar energy system.

   1. Solar Panels – In most DIY applications these will be built by you. You order discount photovoltaic cells, and assemble those into 50W, 75W, or 100W Panels.
   2. Array DC Disconnect – This simple device is basically just a switch. It allows you to cut the DC power from your solar panels should system maintenance be required. If you shop around you’ll likely pay less than $25 for this component.
   3. Charge Controller – Most home systems will be built with a battery backup. The charge controller ensures that a consistent amount of power is sent to the batteries, and that the batteries don’t discharge at night. Again, if you shop around for this component, it won’t be a large expense.
   4. Deep Cycle Batteries – To store the power from your solar panels, you will need deep cycle batteries. If you find reconditioned batteries, these can be obtained for fairly cheap. Better yet, you can get old batteries for free and recondition them yourself.
   5. System Meter – This component is actually optional, but it is suggested so that you have a clear way to see how much power is being fed into your home from the solar panels.
   6. Converter – Since your solar panels produce DC power, and your home runs on AC power, the converter makes the solar energy usable by your home. A 1500W converter likely won’t cost you more than $50.
   7. Backup Power – Most systems will also include some sort of backup power. In an off grid application this would generally be a generator. In a city or town, the power grid itself provides the backup.

From there the system gets wired into your home breaker box. At this stage, unless you are qualified, you might consider getting a qualified electrician to install the system. At any rate, you now have an idea of what will be needed to get your home running on solar energy.

If you haven’t done so yet, you should also consider downloading a copy of one of the top guides to teach solar panel DIY. Doing so will ensure you have all of the information you need to get the conversion finished right – the first time!

Start Converting Your Car to Run on Electricity

Converting cars to run on electricity has become a growing trend in recent years.
A trend which was heavily fueled by last year's extreme gas prices. Now as the economy starts to recover the price of gas is resuming its ever-upward climb.

Coupled with the fact that affordable, factory-made electric cars are still many years away, it’s evident why so many motorists have given up waiting and beaten the oil companies at their own game, keeping money in their pockets instead.

There are several Electric Car Conversion Guides that are nothing more than a scam that Must Be Avoided. Our experts have worked overtime to remove the minutia from the EV conversion confusion. They have taken all Electric Car Conversion Guides and narrowed them down to the top three sites. Now you can decide for yourself which is the best EV conversion guide for you without the confusion and uncertainty that comes from too much information. 

The criteria used by our expert reviewers to rank the sites are as follows: 

• Features– Detailed Schematics, Electric Car Plans, Real life Examples, Step by step Instructions, Verified Customer Reviews, Video Tutorials etc.
• Customer Service – Does the site offer in depth, easy to use customer service tools, can you communicate with a help desk or customer service group, effectiveness of the service given, etc.
• Easy of Use – Is the guide easy to use, do the steps to acquire EV parts make sense, etc.
• Price– in relation to comparable services, convenience of purchase, etc.

Declare Independence and Build Solar Panels

Say goodbye to electric bills and hello to renewable energies.  Solar power is one of the best and most reliable renewable energy sources available.  The problem most novice environmental warriors find is that the cost of professionally installed solar power systems is way beyond their budget and it could take well over 10 years to see a return on their investment.  Never fear, there are alternatives.  The most cost-effective way to take advantage of the power of the sun is to build solar panels on your own. 

Sound like too much? If you are scared it would be difficult, it is just not true.  It is easy to build solar panels with the proper instructions.  Easy enough for kids, teens and adults.  The parts aren’t complicated either.  Most of the supplies you would need to build solar panels are available at your local hardware store or you can purchase a solar panel kit, which will include all the parts you require to be generating your own energy from the sun.  It is possible to construct several small solar panels to power small appliances or small tools in your workshop.  Or for the very adventurous and determined alternative energy seeker, you could build solar panels to service a much larger electric load.

There are many resources and guides available with detailed instructions on how to build solar panels.  The first and most important step is to seek out quality detailed instructions.  Then it is off to your local hardware store to find or order your supplies and next thing you know, or the next time you have some free time, you will be able to assemble and install the system yourself.  Watch out though, the neighbors may start asking you to build solar panels for them too.

Not only is it going to save you money to build solar panels yourself, but you can feel proud that you are doing your part for the environment as well.  Declaring your independence from fossil fuels and making a much-needed impact on the world and in your neighborhood. 

Professional solar power systems can cost thousands to be installed and in today’s economy most of us don’t have money to spare.  Make the choice togo solar today and learn to build solar panels on your own.  It will be savings you can be proud of.