Best Do It Yourself Solar Electric info?

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Posted by kevin kelly (Questions: 65, Answers: 54)
Asked on March 1, 2012 10:04 am
15258 Views

I tend to think that it is best to leave solar electricity to the pros right now. The panels are still expensive, changing every month, and the layout and installation, hookup, etc very tricky. But this also might be a time for DIY-ers to leap ahead. Looking around I've not seen any reliable guide to offer practical advice about what exactly to buy today (2012), and how to install it on your house or yard. A lot of this info for sale is 5 to 10 years old. Is there a source that you have used yourself that you'd recommend?
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Posted by kevin kelly (Questions: 65, Answers: 54)
Answered On March 1, 2012 11:23 am

P.S> I know about Backwoods Solar website and Home Power magazine (previously reviewed), but I was looking more for a step-by-step systematic tutorial or manual for setting up a system.

  • I was actually thinking of doing a small-scale project myself, just to learn the ins-and-outs. I have a need to exhaust my attic during the summer; I typically use a pair of box fans on a timer. I was thinking of a solar panel charging a deep-cell battery, and driving the fans off that system. My problem, at a smaller scale than you imply, is how to assemble a minimal system.

    (christopher at March 8, 2012 3:31 pm)

  • For an attic, have you already looked at non-motorized rooftop turbine vents? They made a HUGE difference on my house, and I already had very good soffit venting. A cheap, simple solution might be possible.

    I've also seen a few solar-driven roof vents as all-in-one packages. But most of the time they seem not to really be necessary, and contribute more parts to potentially break.

    (kenahoo at March 11, 2012 7:06 pm)
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Posted by derek murawsky (Questions: 1, Answers: 15)
Answered On March 11, 2012 11:56 am

Build It Solar is a wonderful resource. http://www.builditsolar.com/

Since each site/system is fairly unique, you're probably not going to find many step-by-step sites. Your best bet is to learn the basic system components and go from there.

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Posted by garygary (Questions: 0, Answers: 1)
Answered On March 12, 2012 6:48 am

Hi, The grid-tied PV systems that use micro-inverters make good DIY systems -- they are straight forward to put together.
There are three detailed descriptions of micro-inverter PV systems here: http://www.builditsolar.com/References/Pumps/PumpCurves.htm

The first one is my system and the how-to build it is VERY detailed -- it was also in Mother Earth News a couple months back.

Gary
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