DIY Solar Projects - Updated Edition: Small Projects to Whole-home Systems: Tap Into the Sun

by Eric Smith, Philip Schmidt

Overview

Learn how to make your own solar—powered appliances and additions to your home with the step—by—step instructions you’ll find in this updated edition of DIY Solar Projects.

Put the sun to work in your home with the new, expanded edition of the popular 2011 title DIY Solar Projects. Like the original, this edition offers small—scale, achievable solar projects that homeowners can build and install themselves. From cooking in solar ovens, to mounting solar panels on your roof, this book teaches how to take advantage of solar energy. It’s all possible with relatively small investments and minimal DIY building experience.

You’ll learn how to make:
 

• Tool trailer with available AC—power (directly from the sun)
• Solar systems for marine crafts
• Solar—powered security light
• Solar water heater
• Solar hot—air collector window mount
• Solar lumber kiln
• Solar battery charging station

With clear instructions, tips, and step—by—step color photos for each project, this book takes the intimidation out of DIY solar builds. For those with more ambitious solar power plans, this updated edition contains information on outfitting your home with solar electricity collection systems and integrating them into your primary power supply system. Excitement about home solar energy is exploding, and DIY Solar Projects: Updated Edition sheds light on how you can get involved immediately.

This book also offers an extensive resource guide with links to tax—reducing, subsidy, and support programs on both a national and state—by—state level. With high energy costs and an environment that demands cleaner fuel sources, now is the time to introduce new, cost—saving solar projects into your home.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591866640
Publisher:	Cool Springs Press
Publication date:	01/01/2017
Edition description:	Updated
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Eric Smith has worked for many years as a Home Improvement editor. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Philip Schmidt is a writer, editor, and project designer specializing in houses and everything we do with them. A former carpenter, he is the author of more than two dozen books covering subjects from solar power to backyard treehouses to DIY plywood furniture, including How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library, The Complete Guide to Treehouses, PlyDesign, The Complete Guide to Patios, and Install Your Own Solar Panels. He lives in Colorado.

Table of Contents

Introduction 5

Wherever the Sun Shines 7

Solar Electricity 15

How Sunlight Becomes Electricity 16

Solar Power Basics 17

Mounting Solar Modules 33

Solar Electricity Safety 38

Installing Simple DC Systems 41

12-Volt Solar Light System 49

Solar-Powered Security Light 54

Planning for Whole-House Power 63

Mobile Solar: RVs, Boats & Portable Power 81

Solar Heat 95

Solar Ovens 97

Solar Water Heater 115

Solar Hot Air Collector-Window Mount 141

Solar Hot Air Collector-Roof Mount 149

Solar Still 159

Solar Lumber Kiln 167

Glossary 180

Resources 186

Photo Credits 187

Conversions 188

Index 190