solar Energy

DIY Learning Center

Solar FAQ's

Solar energy 101		1. Learn Solar basics here. History and how it works. 2. Learn about solar panel and battery wiring here 3. Should Solar panels be grounded? 4. Alternative Energy, Solar Tax Credits information and tax forms 5. Mismatched solar panels, partially shaded panels and how they effect your photovoltaic array. 6. Alternative Energy, Solar Tax Credits, incentive information and tax forms 7. A Consumers Guide to Buying A Solar Electric System EERE PV Guide (pdf) 8. How solar panel grades are ranked A through F
			Solar PV Information Solar Links How to guides Solar Do It Yourself (DIY)

Battery FAQ's

Battery 101

1. Learn battery basics here to determine what your system needs are, and how to wire batteries to fit 12v, 24v, 36v systems.   2. Avoid Common Battery Blunders 3. Learn about solar panel and battery wiring here 4. Deep Cycle Battery FAQS

Charge Controller FAQ's

Charge Controllers 101

1. Learn How Charge Controllers Work Here 2. PWM vs MPPT (Pulse Width Modulation vs Max Power Point Tracking:

Wind Generators

Wind Turbines 101

Is Wind The Answer? Read This First Before you dive into a wind generator thinking it will "run your meter backwards", read these articles on small wind generators. Wind Energy information and projects. Wind Energy basics. Wind turbine Do it Yourself   Click this link for a podcast all about wind turbines. Great place to start to learn basics and expert advice. TLG Windpower Hour on Internet Radio Internet Radio Green Talk Network

 

Inverter FAQ's

Inverters 101

1. Learn about inverters here

Do it Yourself DIY Solar "Homebrew"

Coming soon renewable energy and conservation projects you can build.
 

Conservation	Energy Conservation	Water conservation	Composting Toilets
Solar   Thermal	Passive Cooling	Sunspaces Greenhouses	Pool Heating
	Solar Homes	Space Heating	Water Heating
Solar Wind & Hydro Electric	Photovoltaic Solar	Wind Turbines	Hydro Electric
Bio Fuels	Wood & Corn as fuel	Bio Diesel	Methane
Solar Cooking	Solar Cooking	Solar Drying
More   Solar Eco Living  Eco Resorts  Eco Prefab Modern Green Home Design  Shipping Containers Into Homes	Eco Living & Eco Resorts	Eco Resorts	Prefab Modular Green Home Design & Shipping Containers into Homes/Buildings
	Frugal Projects	Lighting	Water Pumping
	Educational Projects for Kids	Solar Vehicles	Concentrating Collectors
	Solar Engines	Interesting Ideas	Wood Kiln

Free plans and information on: Conservation, water, solar homes, solar space heating, solar water heating, passive cooling techniques, solar sunspaces and greenhouses, solar pool heating, solar electricity (PV), wind generated electricity, micro hydro, biofuels, methane generators, solar cooking, solar food drying, solar and efficient vehicles, solar water pumping, solar engines, and solar wood drying.

Check out the Solar Decathlon Website for some great cutting edge solar energy concepts.  http://www.solardecathlon.org/

Congratulations to the 2009 winners!

1. Team Germany: http://www.solardecathlon.tu-darmstadt.de/home/home.de.jsp
2. The University of Illinois: http://www.solardecathlon.uiuc.edu/
3. Team California, Santa Clara University: http://www.refracthouse.com/