We have purchased and downloaded ALL of the solar and wind power manuals that teach you how to generate power from the sun and wind so you can store it to use for electricity. We quickly understood that there are some instruction guides that are fantastic and some that may leave you stranded or spending more money than you expected. Our reviews below will help you sift through all the DIY guides on the internet and get you started on Solar quickly. These guides are professionally written by experts in solar and wind power. Our "Top Pick" written by Green DIY Energy has even earned the Better Business Bureau A rating!
Our experience with Solar and Wind Power has helped us save on our electric bill and supply power where we don't have electricity or where it may not be safe to run electric cords. Many people are living COMPLETELY off the grid by purchasing our "Top Pick" manual and building enough solar panels (in an array) to either unplug from the power company or send electricity back into the grid and get credit for the power they generate.
Three types of solar systems
There are three basic types of solar systems you can build. The first is a small solar array that charges a set of batteries. You will have the solar panels, a charge controller (so you don't overcharge) and an inverter (to convert the 12v DC to 120v AC) to complete this system. You can then plug in many AC lights, electronics or even appliances into the inverter (which supplies the power from the batteries). Just make sure that the inverter is rated for the load you intend to put on it. The second type of solar array is a larger system (but similar) that plugs directly into your breaker panel and powers your home off the power you get from the sun. The third and ultimate system is a "Grid Tied" system. Grid Tied Solar systems DO NOT use batteries. They use the utility grid (your electric company) for storage of the electricity you produce. You will need a "Net Meter" installed by your electric company for this type of system. This "Net Meter" monitors the electricity flowing in both directions. When you produce electricity and you're not using it, your meter will actually turn backwards and send it to the grid. At your high usage times, on cloudy days or at night, you will use the energy you previously sent to the grid to power your home. Now, if you combine solar with a wind power generator, you could be generating electricity 24 hours a day and your electric bills would be zero or a credit/check! Wow, wouldn't that be great!! With the right setup, you could be producing the same or a little more energy than you use. This means NO MORE ELECTRIC BILL. All of the systems below also have the instructions on how to build a wind generator
A Small and Simple electric boat lift 12v DC Solar Setup
The picture on the right is a boat lift with a 12v 10w solar panel that charges a  marine deep cell battery. There is a 12v motor attached to the winch shaft which raises and lowers the boat. This setup keeps the dangerous 120v AC power away from the water (and kids) and allows us to have a motorized lift. This solar boat lift setup keeps the battery charged all year. This was an afternoon solar project that we completed earlier this year. It works perfectly. For safety reasons, we didn't want to run 120v power out onto the dock. We're very happy with the solution. We also have a power lead coming from the battery to the cigarette lighter on the boat which keeps the battery on the boat fully charged as well. After years of cranking up the boat lift, we're happy that all we have to do now is flip a keyed switch.
Once we got involved in Solar, we really got excited with the endless possibilities available with the technology. From the boat lift project to an entire home running off of solar power. There is a happy medium for everyone once you understand how to build a solar system.
Our Solar and Wind Reviews below are based on the following:
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Safety - Will the system you build be safe? |
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Sizeable Savings - Will you save enough for the system to pay for itself? |
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Fast and Reliable Support - in only a few hours, even for novices |
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Affordable (how much will you spend) - Should be less than $200 |
Benefits of Building Solar and Wind Power
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Superior lighting at least cost |
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Conserves Energy |
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Extremely long life span |
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Reduces Battery Disposal |
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Very Educational, fun and addictive |
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Access To electricity where not available |
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Reduces Local Air Pollution |
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Reduces or Eliminates electricity purchasing |
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Offsets Green House Gases |
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Get Paid for Selling your Electricity back |
So How Do you make Electricity from Solar?
Building a Solar System is a lot easier than you think. And cheaper too. Building a solar electric system is very easy to do and will save you hundreds a month. If you do it right, you will be able to power your home 100% off of solar and sell electricity back to your local electric company. Imaging how much green house gases you will be stopping and how much money you will be putting in your pocket!
Here is a simple diagram of how Solar can power your home
Below we've rated the TOP Solar instruction guides
We've reviewed the top DIY Solar guides and below are our reviews. These guides are fully supported and the better ones have full support along with Video guides and sources to get your solar project off and running quickly.
Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review. We review each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.
Our #1 Pick: Green DIY Energy
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Green DIY Energy is our TOP PICK and is growing in popularity because it it really the best Solar and Wind guide out there. They have produced very good instructions along with high quality videos to help you understand how to build and install your solar panels.
They are also a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and they hold an BBB A rating along with the BBB Accreditation. This means that they meet the BBB Standards. Your business is safe and everything they promote on their website is true and works as advertised. Their instructions are VERY easy to follow and you will be up and running in no time (saving on your electric bill!)
Their site says it all so make sure you make it over to Green DIY Energy |
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Price: |
$49.97 |
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Runner Up: Earth 4 Energy
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Earth 4 Energy is written by Michael Harvey. He has been in the solar and renewable energy field for over 15 years. His guide has been one of the most popular guides on the internet for Solar and wind for years. He will teach you how to build solar panels to power your entire home for the fraction of the cost of retail ($27,000 US). With this guide, you can build a 60 - 120 watt solar panel for less than $200 US. They also include clear video instructions to help you build your solar panel. This guide comes with complete instructions, installation and mounting, Wiring plans, a calculator to help you determine how many panels you will need to power your home and it also includes plans to build a wind generator. |
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Price: |
$49.97 |
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Runner Up: Energy 2 Green
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Energy 2 Green is written by Thomas Haynes and is one of the newest solar and wind generator sites around. Their site has been up since March of this year so the product has some of the latest techniques and ideas out there. Usually, the newer products are better than the older ones. This is the case with Energy 2 Green. The product and support are really good. This is one of the easiest Do-It-Yourself methods that you can start using today. This is a very simple guide and I recommend it if you're not very technical. They claim even a 14 year old can do it and I agree. They had a contest with high school students and gave away awards for the best design at the least cost. It includes the diagrams and schematics, maintenance tips and schedules, Additional "Bonus" ebooks and more. |
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Price: |
$49.00 |
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Now to the comparison table. This is a condensed comparison of the 3 reviews above. The sooner you decide to build one of these systems, the sooner you will start saving tons of money on electricity. This adds up VERY fast so act now and start saving today!
Comparison Overview of Top Solar DIY Guides
Click on the "Increase Gas Mileage Now" button to visit the web site listed above it in it's respective column.
Congratulations on your decision to "Get Off The Grid" by
building your own solar electrical system! |
