solar power e book
TRANSCRIPT
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 1/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
!
ower-ebook
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 2/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Table of Contents
• Introduction: Why Instal
• Chapter 1: Understandi
• Chapter 2: Components
• Chapter 3: Choosing a So
• Chapter 4: Where to Put
• Chapter 5: Sizing Your S
• Chapter 6: Dollars and C
• Chapter 7: Installing a S
• Chapter 8: The Pros and
• Chapter 9: Where to Get
• Chapter 10: Maintaining
• Chapter 11: Heating and
• Appendix A: A List of Sol
• Appendix B: Further Rea
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
l a Solar Power System?
g How Solar Power Works
f a Solar Power System
lar Power System
a Solar System
lar Panels
ents
lar System Professionally
Cons of DIY Solar Power
Solar Power Equipment for DIY Projects
and Expanding a Solar Power System
Lighting a Home with Solar Power
r Chargers for Small Devices
ding and Bibliography
!
ower-ebook
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 3/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Introduction: Why Instal
Solar power has been aryears that people have sviable power option. In paof the climate change criturning to solar power.
A solar power system at h
1. Solar power will red
2. Solar power will sev3. Solar power cells re4. Solar power cells las5. In remote areas, liv
upon utility compani
Why Read this eBook?
In the course of this ebo
installing, and getting thehelp you choose the righthelp you size your systedesire.
Whether you want to tie ythe utility company or liabout each method in asystems and professionallcredits are available to ma
By the time you're doneyour journey into the worcup of coffee or tea, sit bafor your home.
Chapter 1: Understandin
Solar power takes naturausable electricity. Typicall
and other non-renewable
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
l a Solar Power System?
und for decades, but it's only betarted to pay closer attention tort because of rising utility costs, anis, more and more people all acr
me has five main benefits:
ce or completely eliminate your po
rely reduce your home's greenhouuire very little maintenance.t for decades.ing “off the grid” is often more reaes.
k, we'll walk you through every a
most from your personal solar posolar power equipment to fit yourm to provide you with the amou
our system into the grid and sell ye completely off the grid, we'll estep-by-step manner. We'll coveinstalled systems, as well as wha
ke a new solar system more afford
eading our extensive ebook, you'llld of home solar power systems. Sck, and enjoy learning all about sol
g How Solar Power Works
l energy provided by the sun any, we power all our human activit
resources, but ironically, the sun
!
ower-ebook
n in the last fewsolar power as ad in part becausess the world are
wer bill.
e emissions.
listic than relying
pect of choosing,
er system. We'llbudget, and we'llt of energy you
ur power back toxplain how to gor both DIY solart rebates and taxble.
be ready to starto pour yourself aar power systems
converts it intoies with oil, coal,
provides enough
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 4/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
energy each day to fulfi
However, tapping into thexpensive, which is whymore interest until it becaclimate change were teete
The First Solar Panels
To convert sunlight intomaterials. Originally, solaelectrical current when it
when they are struck bywhich only jiggle in placein the sun for hours. Itproduce an electrical curr
Silicon can create a lotsilicon crystals to make so
Newer Solar Panel Materia
In an effort to reduceexperimenting with otherof these is copper-indiumpanels. Unfortunately, thsilicon is at creating electsilicon, which keeps the c
How Solar Panels Create U
The most important com
one of the materials mecommon variety cells anpanel; a group of panels f
The electrical current a sthe United States, DC enthrough an inverter to cenergy has passed throunumber of items, from ele
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
ll all of our our power needs –
e power of the sun is complicateas a society we haven't exploredme devastatingly obvious that thering on the brink the inevitable.
energy, solar panels use varioupanels used silicon, because silic
is struck by light. Electrons in silic
light, as opposed to electrons inand create heat. Think about a piewill be extremely hot to the toucnt.
f electricity, but it's expensive tolar panels.
ls
the cost of solar, the solar pmaterials that will also create elect-gallium-selenide, which is used fose newer, thin-film technologies aricity. As a result, many solar panst of solar panels rather high.
able Power
onent of a solar panel is the sola
tioned above. Photovoltaic (PV) calso the most efficient. A grouprms a solar array.
lar panel creates is a direct electriergy cannot be used; therefore, teate an alternating electric currengh the inverter, it is ready to uctric cars to light bulbs and washing
!
ower-ebook
and then some.
and sometimessolar power withegative effects of
s semi-conductorn will produce ann begin to move
other materials,e of steel left outh, but it will not
grow big enough
wer industry isical currents. Oner “thin-film” solare not as good asels still rely upon
cell, made from
lls are the mostof cells forms a
current (DC). Ine current passest (AC). Once these to power anymachines.
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 5/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
In a solar power system
and used to help power tstored in a bank of large b
Other Types of Solar Energ
In addition to the solar psun's energy with passive
“Passive solar” is just thaof the sun. Passive solar
encourage the sun to warthen added in the formwater. In the winter, thesthe sun goes down they c
“Thermal solar” is anotheheat in a non-toxic anti-frcan then heat water or bsystems and swimming po
Although passive solar anbe the main focus of thisthermal solar, see the sec
Chapter 2: Components
As mentioned, the main csolar panels. However, astart creating usable pow
INVERTERS
Besides the panels, the ipower system because itAC energy that appliances
Types of Inverters
There are many types of include:
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
ied into the grid, this AC energy i
he home. In an off-grid system, thatteries and saved for later use.
y
nel energy mentioned above, peosolar and thermal solar methods.
– it's a low-tech, passive way tois used by adding windows to a so
m the room. “Thermal mass” to stof brick, stone, concrete, or evenmaterials soak up the heat of the
ntinue to radiate heat.
r low-tech way to create heat. Iteze inside the solar panel's tubes.
uildings. Solar thermal is popularols.
d thermal solar techniques are usebook. For more information onion entitled “Further Reading”.
f a Solar Power System
omponent of any solar power systsolar power system needs more thr.
nverters are the most importantransforms unusable DC energy intand most batteries use.
inverters to choose from. The mo
!
ower-ebook
fed into the grid
e energy is often
le also utilize the
apture the poweruth-facing wall to
re excess heat islarge barrels of
un, so that when
collects the sun'sThis heated liquidfor water heating
ful, they will notpassive solar and
m is the array of an just panels to
art of your solaruseful, 120-volt
st common types
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 6/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
• Square Wave: The
wave” of energy buentire home.
• Modified Sine Wasine wave inverter gshould be aware thtimers that won't w
• True Sine Wave: closest thing to a tproduce power morAC applications will
most expensive typ• Grid-Tie: A grid-tie
into the grid, thusgrid-tie inverter, ycompany.
Choosing the Correct Inpu
Inverters come in 12, 24,expensive, but also more
solar panels, the invertersystem!
Multiple Inverters
A solar panel is only asconverted by the inverteryourself to just one inveror a parallel configuratioparallel configuration incr
CHARGE CONTROLLERS
How much electricity panCharge controllers regulatbatteries or appliances pthree-stage cycle called th
For 75 to 80 watt solar pthough these panels probstage 40-amp controllers
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
e are cheap but not desirable. The
are not strong enough for a syst
e: Popular and economical, theets the job done for most applicatit some appliances will use motorrk properly with a modified sine waAs the name suggests, these invrue sine wave. In many cases, thefficiently than even the utility coork with a true sine wave inverter
s.power inverter feeds the power
educing or even eliminating youru can sell excess power back to
Voltage
or 48-volt styles. Higher voltage iefficient. You should use the sam
, and the battery bank, otherwise
efficient as its inverter. Electricitis wasted power. Therefore, you der. You can stack compatible inve. A series of inverters increasesases power output.
els produce depends upon the stre the voltage from the panels in orwered by solar. Quality charge c
e bulk, absorption, and float cycles.
nels, choose a controller rated upbly won't usually produce that muhould cost between $140 - $230.
!
ower-ebook
create a “square
m powering your
odified or quasi-ns. However, youspeed controls orve inverter.erters create theese inverters will
pany. Almost all, but they are the
ou produce backower bill. With ayour local utility
verters are moree voltage for the
you can fry your
that cannot beon't have to limitters into a seriesutput voltage; a
ngth of the sun.der to protect theontrollers have a
to 40 amps, evenh current. Three-
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 7/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
BATTERIES
If your system is tied toHowever, if your solar syskeeps you powered up astore the power you are gbank of batteries.
The easiest batteries tomarine, and golf cart brespectively, these types
solar system. However, itbatteries and link them to
Industrial strength battebatteries, are more expenthe grid.
Flooded batteries are repopular choice for solar sindoors because they rele
make sure you use proper
Gel batteries do not relalso perform better than a
AGM or absorbed glassgas, and have the best pthe most expensive of all
WIRING
Once you have your invcourse your panels, youprevent overheating andsystem, you will need to s
For choosing the correctand free calculator availamore information.
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
the grid, you won't need to worrtem is designed to provide only pad completely off the grid, you wi
etting from the sun, and this mea
find, which are also the most af tteries. Used for campers, boatsof batteries are really only ideal if
is possible to gather a half-dozenether for a larger system.
ies, which include flooded, gel,sive but are perfect for powering a
asonably priced and last for manystems. However, be aware that thse a potentially toxic, volatile gas.
ventilation.
ase gas, meaning they can be uflooded battery.
mat batteries are extremely effirformance of all. Naturally, thesehe batteries mentioned here.
rter, your charge controller, yourare ready to hook the whole syset the best possible energy efficie
ize your wires correctly.
wires for your system, we suggesle from Free Sun Power. See “Fu
!
ower-ebook
about batteries.tial power, or if itll need a way tos you will need a
ordable, are RV,, and golf carts,you have a small
or more of these
and AGM sealedn entire home off
years. They are ay cannot be usedIf stored indoors,
ed indoors. They
ient, do not leakbatteries are also
batteries, and of tem together. Tocy for your solar
the wiring chartther Reading” for
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 8/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Chapter 3: Choosing a So
Before you decide whichof system you want. In thsystems and consider the
• Solar direct• DC system with batt
• Hybrid solar-genera• Off-grid solar depen
• Grid-tied solar syste
SOLAR DIRECT / DAY-USE
Solar direct systems, alsowhen the sun shines. The(no storage batteries neeobvious disadvantage is thworks when the sun iswater pumps, ventilation f rarely used, and definitely
DC SYSTEM WITH BATTER
As explained above, mostthere are some electronicdirect current. A DC solathese smaller applicationwho want to ensure thappliance always has ensystems include highway
HYBRID SOLAR-GENERAT
This type of solar systemgrid. They include all of from the solar panel arsupplement their solar ewind turbines and/or gassystem is that it generatesmall home in almost any
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
ar Power System
quipment to buy, you first have tois chapter, we'll examine the follopros and cons of each type:
eriesor systemsent systems
ms
OLAR
called day-use solar, are systemsadvantages of a solar direct systeded), its low cost, and its ease oat without batteries to store the suut. Common applications for day-ans, and electronics. These systemnot meant as a comprehensive sol
ES
of our appliances use alternating, such as well pumps and certainr system that uses batteries is d. These are ideal for people livingt their well pump, freezer, or ough power. Other common appliign lights, communication boxes, a
R SYSTEMS
is ideal for people who want to gohe components mentioned in theay to the battery banks. Manyergy with a secondary source of powered generators. The advantaa great deal of energy and can b
location. The disadvantages includ
!
ower-ebook
decide what typeing types of solar
that only functionare its simplicityinstallation. The
n's energy, it onlyuse solar includeare practical but
r solution.
urrent. However,freezers, that usesigned to powerin remote areas
ther low voltagecations for thesed gate openers.
ompletely off theprevious chapter,eople choose toenergy, includinge of this type of used to power athe set-up costs
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 9/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
and the complexity of the
up this type of system, bu
OFF-GRID SOLAR DEPEND
As above, except there issource of power, these sybatteries from charging.ideal.
GRID-TIED SOLAR SYSTEM
These systems are the mTied into an existing homsell excess power back tothousands of dollars forhave to pay for power agafor another two decades,you put into it and thenavailable to homeowners
Weigh your own needs ause solar power to supplpower bill, you can usesystem. If you want to gothe off-grid system mentiadds power to the grid, co
Chapter 4: Where to Put
In this chapter, we'll anssolar panels and where sh
PLACING SOLAR PANELS
Solar panels are generallshadows cast by trees obecause it will maximize tsummer and winter.
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
system; you do not need to be an
t it certainly helps.
NT SYSTEMS
no secondary source of power. Wistems are vulnerable if cloudy weaHowever, in remote locations, th
S
ost popular, but they are also thee by a solar installation professionthe grid. Although initial installatio
typical suburban home, the homin. If you are planning on living inthese systems will easily pay yoome. Furthermore, tax credits anho install this type of system.
ainst the systems listed above. If ment your existing power supplypartial system such as a solar d
off the grid, you will need either aned above. For a professionally insntact your utility company about a
Solar System
er two main questions: where should you place the rest of your sola
y installed on a south-facing roof buildings. A roof with southern
e amount of energy your panels wi
!
ower-ebook
electrician to set
hout a secondaryther prevents theese systems are
most expensive.al, these systemsmay cost tens of owner will neverour current homeback everythinggrants are often
you only want toand reduce yourirect or DC solarhybrid system oralled system thatrid-tied system.
ld you place yourequipment.
unobstructed byexposure is idealll produce in both
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 10/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Should you not have a ro
southeast or southwest.worst (unless you live inexposure is the best and s
The Tilt of the Panels
To further maximize solaideal for your location. Tread the article referencSolar Panels”.
Installation of Rooftop Pan
Be aware that before yointegrity of your roof, ansolar panels. Solar panelquite heavy, so you mayinstall your panels without
Once your panels are inst
rain, hail, or snow damagiall types of weather anddamage.
Alternative Placements fo
Some people choose to popen field for maximum susing your solar panels,application.
PLACING THE REST OF YO
As for your battery bank,for these you should keelements. Unlike the paneelectrical components neyourself systems, try findplace your electrical gear
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
ftop with southern exposure, the n
astern exposure is so-so; northerthe Southern Hemisphere, in whi
outhern exposure is the worst).
collection, you should tilt your plearn which angle you should us
d in Further Reading on “Optimu
els
install your rooftop panels, youverify that your roof can handleand their associated mountingneed to consult a professional rdamaging your roof.
lled properly, you will not have to
ng your panels. Today's panels arecan sustain up to 1” hailstones wi
Panels
lace solar panels on a greenhouseunlight exposure. Depending upon
this type of placement may b
R SOLAR EQUIPMENT
inverter, and charge controller, inp in mind that they must be sh
ls, which are designed to live outsidd a watertight home somewhereing a surplus electrical cabinet thlose to your panels.
!
ower-ebook
ext best choice is
exposure is thech case northern
nels at an anglefor your panels,
m Orientation of
should check thethe weight of thequipment can beofer to help you
orry about wind,
designed to be inhout any serious
or shed or in anhow you plan on
e ideal for your
choosing a spaceeltered from thee, these sensitiveinside. For do-it-t's watertight to
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 11/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Common options for pl
basements, and garages.will require a proper veninform your choices for pl
Chapter 5: Sizing Your S
How big your solar panelwant it to generate. Yapplication uses, and con
require in order to reduswitching to low-voltagemoney as you create youair conditioning needs bynew home according to pa
Typical Home Energy Cons
Western people consumehours per day. To see a
refer to the Further Readipowers cost about $4 to $
Calculating Your Energy U
To calculate your home'sYour utility company willmonth, and sometimes a
According to the governkWh per month. If you wmeans you will need youeach month.
Where do You Live?
Clearly, if you live in theand cheaper than if you lcloser to the Earth forsomeone living in the damount of power with a s
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
acement of these items include
Refer to Chapter 2 to learn whichilation system. The type of battercing the rest of your system.
lar Panels
array will be depends upon howu should first calculate how mider ways you can reduce the amo
e the cost of your solar system.C appliances, you can save a lot osolar system. You can also reduce
improving insulation in your homessive solar techniques.
umption
great deal of energy – typically athart of how much energy commo
ng section on this chapter. General5 per watt of output.
age
energy usage, start by referring toell you how many kilowatt hours (aily average is provided as well.
ent, most American families use aish to completely replace your utilr system to generate roughly 1,0
sunny desert southwest, solar poive in Alaska. Furthermore, the sueople living in southern climes.sert southwest will be able to galler system as someone living in
!
ower-ebook
storage sheds,
types of batteriesyou choose will
much power youch energy yournt of energy you
For example, byenergy and saveyour heating andor designing your
least 4,500 watt-n appliances use,
ly speaking, solar
your electric bill.Wh) you use per
pproximately 936ity company, this0 kWh of power
er will be easiern is stronger andThis means thatnerate the samelaska.
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 12/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
For a free solar power cal
system for your home, rThis tool allows you to eswhere you live, what utilusage, and what percentaverage, you should expesuburban home to be at le
Chapter 6: Dollars and C
During this chapter, we'llcomplete solar power syst
• Grid-tie system cost• Off-grid system cost
• Tax incentives and r• Monetary savings fr
GRID-TIE SYSTEM COSTS
Installing a system tied thome in the southeast texpect to invest about $think of a grid-tie solargoing to use over the nemind that with a grid-tieback to your utility compinvestment.
If you can reduce your mkWh per month by upgrad
efficient appliances, you$10,000.
Selling Your Power Back t
As mentioned above, youback for your solar systeThe federal government rto buy back surplus powresidential power consum
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
ulator that will estimate the size a
fer to the Further Reading sectiontimate the size and cost of a solarity company you use, your currenge of your overall power you wat the overall size of a grid-tie systeast two square meters.
nts
look at the bottom line when it com for your home. We'll cover the f
sbatesm a solar system
the grid, as already mentioned,at uses about 1,000 kWh of elec2,000. Although the price may bower system as paying for all thet few decades at one time. You shystem you will actually be selling
any, which will speed the rate of
nthly energy consumption down ting insulation, doors, windows, and
can reduce the cost of your syst
the Utility Company
can speed up the rate with whichby selling power back to the loca
quires forty-two states plus the Dir from solar powered homes. Thirs and commercial consumers.
!
ower-ebook
nd cost of a solar
for this chapter.system based ont monthly energyt from solar. On
m for an urban or
es to installing aollowing topics:
isn't cheap. For aricity per month,a sticker shock,electricity you'reould also keep inyour extra powerpaying back your
an average 800choosing energy-
m by more than
you pay yourself l utility company.strict of Columbia
is true both for
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 13/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
In order to sell the power
monitor your power, whicbackwards to track energyou in different ways acompany will pay you in c
How Much Can You Make?
Usually, utility companiescost for power. In othercents per hour, you will
marked-up price they billmaybe a few hundred doll
However, there's anotherthat's by becoming a poplans in place for buyinghomeowner in New Jerseand sells alternative ene$3,500 per year (Source:
If your state offers analternative energy creditslong time to pay you backand eventually provide yo
OFF-GRID SYSTEM COSTS
An off-grid system is ideutilities are either not anspeaking, off-grid syste
install. You can reduce yDIY solar system. HereWholesaleSolar.com:
• Small DC Cabin: $2,
• Medium DC Cabin: $
• Medium AC Cabin: $
• Small AC Home: $1
• Medium AC Home:
• Large AC Home: $2
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
back to the utility company, you
means a power meter that runsconsumption. Different companie
d at different rates, but genersh for your total surplus at the end
pay you the wholesale cost of poords, if the cost of the power to thbe paid for two cents per kilow
you for. Generally this will notrs per year.
way to make money with yourer broker. Some states, such asand selling alternative energy c
, Carl Baldino, has taken advantaggy credits to power companies, eNew York Times, April 1, 2007).
pportunity to become a power, you could turn an expensive sysinto a cost-effective system that wwith profits -- in a fraction of the
l for people who live in remote aoption or are very expensive / uns require more maintenance, bu
ur costs even further by piecing tre some off-grid cost estimates
7505,0008,500,00017,000,000
!
ower-ebook
ill need a way to
oth forwards andwill compensate
lly speaking theof a year.
er, not the retaile company is twott hour, not the
mount to much;
olar panels, andew Jersey, have
edits. One savvye of this programrning him about
broker by sellingtem that takes aill pay you back –ime.
eas where publiceliable. Generally
are cheaper to
gether your ownfrom the vendor
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 14/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
If you want an off-grid s
own off-grid home. Thisfrom the start, relying ucooling costs and orientiexposure. Alternatively, yset up for solar power.
TAX INCENTIVES AND REB
There are two primary typavailable on the national
addition, some cities aConsidering the high costtax incentives can often b
On the national level,thanks to the Recoveryexpired or are about to exact swiftly. However, therfor a while longer.
In particular, take advant “Consumers who install sfor systems placed inEnergy.gov).
On the state level, visitState Incentives for Renethe map to see what incethe link, visit the Further
MONETARY SAVINGS FRO
How much your solar syconsumption.
If you currently pay an apay $50,000 for a new sneeds, it will take youinvestment in power savinkeep the system active fosavings. However, for the
small price to pay.
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
stem, the ideal way to go about i
ay you can design your home to bon passive solar techniques to reng your home to get the mostu can buy a property that's alread
TES
es of tax incentives and rebates avlevel and incentives available on t
d counties also offer tax inceof installing a solar system as outla deciding factor as you debate y
any of the tax incentives thatnd Reinvestment Act of 2009 ha
pire, so if you plan to make use of are other national tax incentives t
ge of the Residential Renewable Elar energy systems... can receiveservice before December 31,
the DSIRE website, which standables and Efficiency. You can clictives are available at the state aneading section for this chapter.
A SOLAR SYSTEM
tem saves you depends upon yo
verage of $100 per month in enerlar grid-tie system that meets 10
a substantial amount of time togs. Even with a 30% tax credit, yoabout 30 years to earn back thatenvironmentally conscientious, thi
!
ower-ebook
t is to build your
e energy-efficientuce heating andossible southern
y off the grid and
ilable: incentiveshe state level. In
ntives for solar.ined above, theseur solar options.
ere put in placeve either alreadyhem, you need tohat will be around
nergy Tax Credit:a 30% tax credit2016” (Source:
for Database of on your state in
d local levels. For
r current energy
gy costs and you0% of your solarearn back your
u will still need to50,000 in energy
rty years is but a
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 15/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
This low return on invest
energy efficiency and maattractive. Considering thpowered home costs $17,pay for itself in savingsback the investment, it witax credit as above).
The high initial investmenfor many people. Insteadpeople choose a small sol
partial system can keep ipay for itself in five or sismall system will only prpower a few computers, a
Chapter 7: Installing a So
If you choose a grid-tieinstalled professionally. Yor your electrical supplyif you happen to be a prexperienced installers for
A professional solar instahelp you maximize theproper panel orientation,securing the panels prope
The best choice is an allboth provide your solar
protects you in the long ru
Choose a company whosthe North American Boarorganization that certifies
To find a NABCEP certifinabcep.org. Choose “Insquickly search for professi
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
ment for grid-tie solar underlines
kes an off-grid system or DIY syt a complete solar system mediu
000 as opposed to $50,000, this tuch, much faster. Instead of takinll only take 10 years (assuming the
t for residential solar is a barrierof making their entire home sola
ar system that runs just a few ap
nitial investment costs down undex years. Of course, you get whatvide a small amount of power –refrigerator, or a washer and dryer
lar System Professionally
solar system, the only way to du do not want to take the risk of dy approaching it with a do-it-yourfessional electrician, you should shis type of system.
ller will also have the experiencefficiency of a solar system, includjusting the panels to the most ely to your roof.
in-one package, wherein you hireystem equipment and install the
n if warranty issues or maintenanc
installers are NABCEP certified. Nof Certified Energy Practitioners
PV installers and other solar indust
d solar professional, visit the Naller Locator” on the left-hand snals by your zip code or by state.
!
ower-ebook
he importance of
stem much more-size off-grid ACpe of system will30 years to pay
same figures and
or installing solarr-powered, manypliances. A small,
r $1,000 and willou pay for, so amaybe enough to.
it is to have itmaging your roof elf attitude. Evenill consider hiring
nd know-how toing choosing theficient angle, and
one company toystem. This also
problems arise.
ABCEP stands forthe professional
y professionals.
BCEP website atide and you can
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 16/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Of course, professional in
solar system, but professiboth through avoiding inwork.
Chapter 8: The Pros and
Some people wonder if dgiven the warnings laidresounding “YES”, do-it-y
people are doing it alreadof these stories, gathered
The $700 Solar System Cab
With four golf cart batterinverters, a guy namedwith 100% solar energy.would be a good way to doff-grid, do-it-yourself s
manner (Source: OtherPo
Dennis' Vacation Home
Dennis DuBois found a lWashington state, but topower grid. To connect itsolar system would costdecided to make his newsaid and done, he spentpaid for nearly a quarter o
A True Solar Haven
Jim and Mindy Phypers wchoice to live off-grid in tmore than a choice abouspiritual statement for thscratch, is just 950 squafeasible. They chose a s
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
stallation will be another cost to
nal installation can save you monstallation problems and through
ons of DIY Solar Power
-it-yourself solar power is even f out in the previous chapter.
ourself solar is definitely doable,
and telling their stories on the wefrom various blogs and websites.
in
ies, $310 in panels, and discountard took a little cabin in ColoradNow, the seven-sided cabin isn'tescribe it. Nevertheless, it clearlylar can be achieved in a safe
er.com).
ovely little property in the Cascis chagrin he discovered it was noo the grid would cost him $30,000half that amount. After extensiveacation home an off-grid solar proj16,000 on his solar system, but inf his costs (Source: EnergyPrioritie
uld admit to being their own breedeir own straw bale house in the At energy costs; it was also a moem. Their straw bale house, whice feet, which is part of what makand-alone, pole-mounted solar sy
!
ower-ebook
consider for your
y in the long run,arranties on the
asible, especiallyhe answer is and thousands of
b. Here are a few
d controllers andand powered it
very big; “rustic” emonstrates thatnd cost-effective
de Mountains inconnected to the
; to build his ownresearch, Dennisect. When all wascentive programs.com).
of activists. Theirrizona desert wasral, political, and
they built froms their DIY solar
stem, which cost
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 17/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
them a total of $13,500 a
energy needs (Source: So
For the Ambitious...
Some people will go so faeven more money and enself-sufficient. Truthfully iand turn them into solarand the delicacy of the celare working with them.
There are many guides omore extensive guides willmaking the panels to inScience, the husband andof such a guide. Theirdemonstrate the step-by-
Chapter 9: Where to Get
So, you've decided you hown off-grid solar powerthe equipment?
Thanks to the internet, thdecent equipment at discsolar equipment providers
Ok, so Google rules the wwhy do they make the tohunting for your solar eqas solar panel, inverter, oleft-hand side. Googleshopping easy.
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
d, together with a wind turbine, p
larHaven.org).
as to make their own solar panelsables their DIY solar power projectt's not actually that hard to take ianels; the real trouble is the amouls. It's very easy to break or chip t
line for making your own solar pawalk you through the entire DIY stalling and completing your systwife team of Dan and Denise Rojahelpful website is filled with
tep creation of your own solar pan
olar Power Equipment for DIY P
ve the time, the energy, and the cystem. The next question is: Whe
ere are plenty of vendors who canount prices. In this chapter we ha.
rld, but they're not yet making solp of the list? Google is a great resipment. Just type in what you're lcharge controller – and then clickill give you a long list of optio
!
ower-ebook
ovides all of their
. This saves themto be even more
ndividual PV cellst of time it takes
he cells when you
els. Some of thelar process, fromm. Green Powers, is one examplefree videos thatls.
ojects
sh to install yourre do you find all
provide you withve a short list of
r equipment – soource for bargainooking for – suchShopping” on thes, making price
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 18/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Amazon
Amazon.com is anotherequipment. Search for “sneed to get a solar power
Ebay
Like Google and Amazonabout everything, and thEbay, you can find the co
and sometimes you canalso includes vendors whDIY types who want to ma
WholesaleSolar.com
From generic sites like Ebpower equipment. The fipretty much all the equipower system, right down
RealGoods.com
RealGoods.com's motto istheir extensive catalog f equipment along with soitems. Their Real Goods Ca solar powered cabin.specifications to help youcabin or small home. Th
under $1,200.
GoGreenSolar.com
GoGreenSolar.com also hequipment and solar pefficiency. Their site also ivideos for the inexperienc
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
reat place to find a variety of solar power kits” for kits that includproject going.
, Ebay is an excellent online maese days that includes solar powponents of a solar power system
ind used components at even chsell packs of solar panel cells fo
ke even the panels themselves.
ay, we now move on to sites thatst on the list is WholesaleSolar.cment you could possibly need foto the battery racks.
“Solar Living Since 1978”, so it's natures a wide variety of both sollar powered gadgetry and otherbin Systems provide all the equipThey include sizing workshee
hoose the right combination of cose systems range from about $5,
s an extensive catalog of both sowered gadgets to increase youncludes an “Education” section witd DIY solar installer.
!
ower-ebook
lar power systemeverything you'll
ketplace for justr equipment. Ont very low prices,
aper rates. Ebaythose ambitious
specialize in solarom, which offersr your own solar
ot surprising thatar power systemenewable energyent you need for
s and technicalponents for your
000 down to just
lar power systemhome's energy
training kits and
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 19/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Chapter 10: Maintaining
In this chapter we'll coveyou've put it together, apower system.
MAINTENANCE OF A SOLA
Luckily, solar panels thepanels from the 1970s arthe rest of your solar pow
This includes:
1. Cleaning – You will wandust and dirt from blockin
2. Replacing the inverterYou'll need to monitor ydeteriorating.
3. Replacing batteries – T
depending upon how clbattery. Another major facontroller you use. In genbatteries last 2 – 7 years;16 type batteries last 4 –
You should include thesecomponents and calculatin
EXPANDING A SOLAR POW
If you decide you need tothis is possible, but challe
When you initially buildinverters, chargers, and blike puzzle pieces. Later,system by adding additicomponents of your sysbatteries, etc. Therefore itit's not easy.
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
and Expanding a Solar Power Sys
two topics: maintaining a solar pd the practicality of expanding y
POWER SYSTEM
selves are pretty durable and lstill in operation today. However,
er equipment does require some b
t to regularly wipe down your solarsunlight absorption.
– Most inverters have a lifespan of ur inverter and replace it when
he lifespan of the batteries you us
sely you follow the maintenancctor in battery lifespan is the quaeral: AGM batteries last about 4 –marine batteries last 1 – 6 years;years.
considerations when purchasing sog your maintenance costs.
ER SYSTEM
expand your solar power system oging.
a solar power system, you matteries together in such a way tha
if you decide you want to expandnal panels, you may also haveem, such as getting a differentis possible to expand your system
!
ower-ebook
em
wer system onceur existing solar
ng-lasting. Somesolar panels andsic maintenance.
panels to prevent
about ten years.it shows signs of
will vary greatly
advice for thatlity of the charge7 years; golf cartand deep cycle L-
lar power system
ce you've built it,
ch solar panels,they fit together
your solar powero upgrade otherinverter, addingnce it's built, but
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 20/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Chapter 11: Heating and
Perhaps having read thiswant a complete solar poMaybe, you think, it woulwith solar energy, thus psolar power system. In thheat or light your home wi
HEATING AND COOLING W
Passive Solar Techniques
The simplest way to useupon passive solar techniare building your home f over the passive solar dewas not initially designedyour home to use passive
• Glaze or replace y
you can greatly incbuilding. Check winthat will keep sunliduring summer mon
• Insulate walls anutilizing the sun's en
• Doors and openinopen, you let in a dvestibules at buildleakage.
Solar Heaters
There are a variety of solpowered by solar panels,heaters are generally a f dramatically reduce heatin
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
Lighting a Home with Solar Powe
guide up to this point, you have der system to provide energy forbe worthwhile just to heat and/o
reventing the large initial investmis chapter we'll examine what youth solar.
TH SOLAR ENERGY
solar energy to heat and cool youues. It is easiest to employ passi
rom scratch, as this gives you thign. However, even if you are livito take advantage of the sun, yo
solar energy. Here are a few passiv
our windows: By glazing or replac
ease energy efficiency even if youows for the Energy Star label toht in during winter months and
ths.roofs: Good insulation goes a l
ergy for heat.s: As your mother told you, when
raft. To get the most out of your ding entrances and check your
r heaters available on the market,solar pool heaters, and solar watw hundred dollars to purchase ang costs. Overall, they represent a g
!
ower-ebook
cided you do notour entire home.
r light your homent of a completeneed in order to
r home is to relye solar when you
greatest controlg in a home thatu can still modifye solar tips:
ing your windows
have an existingfind the windowslock excess light
ong way towards
you leave a dooroors, use air-lockoors for energy
including heatersr heaters. These
d install, but canood investment.
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 21/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Solar Cooling
Solar cooling devices inclconditioning units. Usingthese devices are like adevice. Like solar heatepower bills yet are not ne
LIGHTING WITH SOLAR EN
Another solar power optio
today's energy efficient cohundred dollars can provi
Indoors
Choose passive solar to liand natural lighting), orpower to light your homdedicated to providing poand cooling methods m
inexpensive and easy to
Outdoors
More and more people arare garden and pathwayday, they collect solar enthat energy to provide oucan install enough lightdriveway, sidewalk, or gar
Appendix A: A List of Sol
Campers, hikers, bikers,electronics in remote aresolar chargers are often spower to charge up onerecommended solar charg
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
ude solar-powered attic fans andolar panels and other basic solar
miniature solar power system thats, solar powered cooling can drrly as expensive as a complete sola
ERGY
n is the use of solar power to light
mpact fluorescents, just a few solae you with all the light that you ne
ght your home (in other words, rhoose active solar power. Again,
is like installing a miniature soler to just one aspect of your homntioned above, these systems a
aintain.
relying upon solar powered outdolights that have a solar cell as aergy through the solar hat. At nigdoor lighting. These lights are not
to provide adequate outdoorden.
r Chargers for Small Devices
and others who want to uses are turning to small solar chargall enough to fit inside a pocket an
r two relatively small devices. Herrs:
!
ower-ebook
solar-powered airower equipment,powers just onematically impactr power system.
your home. With
panels and a fewd.
ly upon windowssing active solar
ar power system. Like the heatingre comparatively
or lighting. These “hat”. During the
t, they then usevery big, but youlighting for your
their hand-heldrs to help. Thesed provide enoughis a short list of
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 22/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Sunforce
Sunforce makes a varietydevices.
Solio Universal Solar Char
This device won't fit inadapters for Motorola, Nand Apple iPod, the Soliobrands. The Solio also ha
a cloudy day the device wi
Power Film Roll-Up Model
Power Film makes a varieup into a shape that wibackpackers.
Brunton SolarRolls
Like the Power Film modelcompact shapes.
Appendix B: Further Rea
Sources for Chapter On
Alivisatos, Paul. “How doe20, 2008. http://www.sci
power-work
Consumer Energy Center.http://www.consumerenel.html
Renewable Energy Expert.http://www.renewable-en
Wikipedia. “Solar thermalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wi
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
of solar power chargers for small
er Kit
our pocket but will easily slide ikia, or Samsung phones, along wiill support any cell phone or otheran internal batter that charges fr
ll still charge up your phone.
y of great roll-up chargers that willll fit into a cargo pocket. Perfe
s, Brunton also makes solar charge
ding and Bibliography
:
solar power work?” Scientific Amentificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=
“Passive Solar Design – Thermal Mgycenter.org/home/construction/so
“How does solar power work?” rgy-expert.com/how-does-solar-p
energy.” ki/Solar_thermal_energy
!
ower-ebook
to medium-sized
to a bag. Usingth the Palm Treodevice from thesem the sun, so on
easily roll or foldt for hikers and
s that roll up into
rican: Octoberow-does-solar-
ss.” lardesign/therma
wer-work.php
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 23/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www.residential
Sources for Chapter Tw
Free Sun Power. “Basic Tu
Sources for Chapter Th
Solar Sphere. “Different Kihttp://www.spheralsolar.c
Sources for Chapter Fo
Green Buildings. “Solar PaCollection.” http://www.gplacement-how-get-maxi
Macs Lab Incorporated. “http://www.macslab.com/
Sources for Chapter Fiv
Northern Tool and Equipmhttp://www.northerntool.c
Free Sun Power. “Basic Tuhttp://www.freesunpower.
Find-Solar. “My Solar Esticalculator
Sources for Chapter Six
WholesaleSolar.com. “Off-
http://www.wholesalesola
US Department of Energy.http://www.energy.gov/ta
DSIRE USA. http://www.d
Residential Solar Panels. “http://www.residentialsol
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels.org/share-the-solar-
o:
torials.” http://www.freesunpower.
ee:
nds of Solar Power Systems.” om/differenkindsofsolarpowersyste
r:
nel Placement: How to Get Maximueen-buildings.com/content/781554um-solar-energy-collection
ptimum Orientation of Solar Panelsoptsolar.html
:
ent. “Solar Power.” om/catalog/buyersguides/solar-po
torials: Solar Panels.” com/solarpanels.php
ator.” http://www.find-solar.org/?
:
Grid System Cost Guide.”
r.com/StartHere/OFFGRIDBallparkC
“Consumer Energy Tax Incentives.xbreaks.htm
sireusa.org/
How do I sell solar power to a utilitrpanels.org/sell-solar-power-utility
!
ower-ebook
om
s.html
m Solar Energysolar-panel-
.”
er-equipment/
age=solar-
ost.html
”
company?” company
8/3/2019 Solar Power E Book
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/solar-power-e-book 24/24
Like the “Solar Power E
http://www residential
Alsever, Jennifer. “A Nice
Times: April 1, 2007.http://www.nytimes.com/
Sources for Chapter Se
Kashani, Hamid. “Do I nedo it myself?” Green Homhttp://greenhomeguide.coinstall-a-pv-solar-system-
North American Board of http://www.nabcep.org/
Sources for Chapter Eig
Other Power. “Ward's Chehttp://www.otherpower.c
Du Bois, Dennis. “Off-GridPriorities Magazine: Septehttp://energypriorities.co
Solar Haven. http://www.
Green Power Science. http
Sources for Chapter Te
WindSun.com. “Deep Cyclhttp://www.windsun.com/
SunRunHome.com. “Solarhttp://www.sunrunhome.
Sources for Chapter Ele
PassiveSolarEnergy.info. h
ook”? Share it With Your Friend
olarpanels org/share the solar
tiff Breeze, and a Nice Little Power
007/04/01/business/yourmoney/0
en:
d a professional to install a PV solaGuide: May 22, 2010.
m/askapro/question/do-i-need-a-pr-can-i-do-it-myself
ertified Energy Practitioners.
ht:
p Solar Power System.” m/wardsolar.html
Solar Powered Home: The PV Systmber 16, 2004. /entries/2004/09/living_a_normal
olarhaven.org/
://www.greenpowerscience.com/
:
Battery FAQ.” Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm
Maintenance FAQ.” om/get-started/solar-faq/solar-mai
en:
ttp://www.passivesolarenergy.info
!
ower ebook
Bill.” New York
1wind.html
system or can I
ofessional-to-
m.” Energy
1.php
ntenance-faq