Build Your Own Low-Budget Solar Power System

by Steven Gregersen, Susan Gregersen (Editor)

This book is designed to address the concerns of those whose only desire is to build a simple, small-scale solar energy system but don't know where to start (or end!). We've been living off the grid for well over ten years now and the most common inquiry we get is from people who want to set up a small solar energy system to power a cabin or camper, or to keep a refrigerator and a few lights on if the grid goes down. Some have already tried and ended up with woefully inadequate systems lacking the power and balance needed for off-grid life. But there's more to off-grid living than watts, volts and amps. It's important to understand how a solar power system works and how to size it properly for the job you want it to do.In this book I've condensed all the information you need to design your own simple, off-grid, solar power system. I'm not going to teach how to build your own solar panels but I'll tell you how purchase factory components to build the system that fits your needs the best and hopefully save you a lot of frustration and cash while putting it together.We'll see how to understand watts, volts, amps, and ohms and how they apply to deciding how many solar panels you need, the watt ratings you'll have to have for your inverter and charge controller and even how many batteries you'll need for your battery bank.You'll learn about resistance, and how it affects your solar power system. I will explain with diagrams and text the differences between sine wave, modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters and how that applies to you. I'll explain charge controllers and the reasons for and against PWM vs. MPPT vs. single-stage vs. multiple-stage controllers and which is best for you.I'll tell you a little secret about "efficient" vs. "less efficient" solar panels that will keep you from wasting money on something that's a relatively minor issue.Even if you don't want a "whole house" system you'll learn how to put together balanced small-scale power systems at whatever size you can afford.We'll also look at solar power "kits" and I'll show you how to put together your own that outperform commercially available kits and get more power for less money.My goal here is to simplify that which has been made complicated. I want you to be able to pursue your dream of independence from the grid without spending enough money to break the bank. It can be done, and for less than you may imagine!

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2014

Reviews

[Debra Honeyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic book for off-grid living

This book gives a good outline of what an off-grid solar panel system should look like. The author explains the many aspects that go into understanding, building, and maintaining such a system. The depth of the book, however, is quite shallow. Much more research needs to be done by the reader before they can implement the knowledge in the book. Overall, this is a great book for beginners, but if you know the basics of electricity, you may be better suited buying a more complex, in-depth book.

[Shawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was inspired to read this book after visiting South Sudan and realizing that millions of people in Africa live in grass huts without any nighttime illumination, even though the sun bears down incessantly upon them. In the U.S. we take electricity for granted and we don’t understand how strenuous are the limitations imposed upon one by not being able to read, assemble things, or organize ones stuff at night.


Typical Sudanese Hut

This author shows that LED lighting and a ceiling fan utilize low levels of electricity and could be easily powered by a simple solar system. The African huts could be easily so equipped and this would be a lasting improvement in the quality of life for so many.

The basic components of a solar system are solar panels, batteries, an inverter, wiring, mounting hardware, ground rod, and a charge controller. Additionally, the ceiling fan, LED lights, and an outlet would be required for the inner wiring.

Solar Panel

A solar panel with 17 volts or higher is recommended by the author.

Batteries

A 12-volt battery system is sufficient for the proposed needs. The author recommends deep cycle 12-volt batteries that are typically sold for boat and RV owners. The author reports that the batteries will last longer if the system is designed to ensure they never drop below a 50% charge status.

Inverter

The role of the inverter is to convert the electricity stored in the batteries from direct current (DC) to 120 volt or 240 volt alternating current (AC). The author recommends the highest quality inverter. The author warns that the inverter must not be too close to the batteries because batteries give off corrosive gas that can damage the inverter. The author warns not to skimp on the wiring for the inverter and to follow the manufacturers directions closely. The author also recommends getting an inverter with a built-in battery charger.

Charge Controller

The purpose of the charge controller is to protect the batteries from being overcharged. The author recommends an MPPT charge controller as best, to take advantage of every volt/amp/watt produced by the panel.

Sizing the System

So for a grass hut, we’ll only need lights (and we can use LED lights), a ceiling fan, and an outlet for charging cell phones. This can all be done with minimal wattage of power daily.


Solar Panel

Laying out the System

The solar panel is wired to the charge controller. The output wiring from the charge controller goes directly to the battery bank. The wires from the battery bank go to the inverter and should be heavy gauge cables that can handle a lot of amps. From the inverter the wiring will go to the entry panel of the hut and after that point it is wired and fused as may be desired. A single ground rod can accommodate the entire system. The author suggests keeping all wiring as short as possible.

Conclusion

After reading the book, I definitely understand the solar system better, but still feel inadequately prepared to order and wire one up myself. I’m ordering another book on solar energy to educate myself further.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good simple to read and understand book on Solar Setups. It is not designed for major operations, but for small operators. The principles are valid for any style of set up. It is an excellent book for the reader who is interested in learning what solar setups are and how to begin.