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

by Eric Smith, Philip Schmidt

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
 
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 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.

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Eric Smith was born the fifth of six children. He served a full-time English-speaking mission from 2000-2002 in what was then the Illinois Chicago North Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He studied English and earth science education in Rexburg, Idaho, at BYU-Idaho, particularly enjoying and excelling in geology, editing, and English and early-American literature. He earned his teaching certificate and a bachelor of science degree in 2007. He enjoys writing imaginative, critical, and biographical pieces. Some of his favorite books include "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray." In addition to writing and speaking, Eric enjoys tech, superhero lore, folf, firearms, and film, particularly those made by Christopher Nolan and those starring Jimmy Stewart.

Reviews

[Thomas Hucks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at the Tractor Supply Company in Conway,SC today. I was in this Business back in 1974, and have sold very few, because people didn't believe in Solar Energy back then, much less, Wind Energy. I quit with the Business back in 1990.Then I bought several Photovoltaic Panels, and 2 Wind Turbines from Southwest Wind Power, and built an Exhibit. I still use the power from it today. I bought the DIY book of Solar Projects to catch up more, Energy Projects. I have lots of books on Solar Energy. I looked through your book, and I'm going to build several of your projects. Thanks for publishing the Book, DIY Solar Projects.

[Elly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. Not very many projects and the designs could definitely be improved upon but good concepts and easy to follow instructions. Would like more details on on materials and what makes a superior material for heat absorbtion or conduction. Overall good start if you are looking for some ideas.

[Adrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this book. It is divided into two basic sections, solar electricity and solar heat. It explains how solar works and has several DIY projects with detailed instructions. Definitely recommend this book.

[Pete Albrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice start but it's not a very creative list of projects. I appreciated the cut lists and material schedules for each project. Some of these are diy but most require someone with a host of professional grade tools, knowledge to actually implement.

[Christine Sopko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical, easy to follow and inspirational for future.

[Amberwench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multiple types of solar related projects with great, simple to follow instruction and how-it-works diagrams for the moderate DIYer. Excellent for the small, urban, or sustainable homestead.

[Jessica Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how there are lots of color pictures to accompany the step-by-step instructions making it really easy to follow along. Great variety of projects that can be done on your home in the city or if your home is more off the grid.

[Scott Shackleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some cool projects might have to reread this one.