While researching an article on solar power for the October issue of the magazine, I came across a really interesting website that is packed with everything you need to know about installing a photovoltaic (PV) system at your home.
Needless to say, powering a home with solar energy is a major undertaking in terms of time and resources. But there are lots of people doing interesting things with much smaller PV systems. These small DIY projects are a great way to learn about PV, including solar-powered model cars (check out the kits at hobbyplace.com), self-charging electric cars with solar panels, solar phone and battery chargers, solar pool heaters, solar attic fans, and solar fountains (all of which can be found at solar-for-energy.com).
One of my favorite websites is builditsolar.com, a renewable energy site for DIYers. It's a great source of information about large-scale grid-tied and off-grid PV systems. It's also full of articles, free plans, and links to websites for DIYers who are using their imagination with smaller-scale PV systems, including a variety of things like:
— Solar scooter that can be driven on public roads
— DIY Solar Panels
or…
— Solar trash compactor
— Solar street lights
— Solar Electric Boat
— Solar DIY Workshop (Portable and Fixed)
— RV Solar Power System
— Truck and trailer mounted solar power systems
The site does have a few unusual projects (such as a firewood-fueled clothes dryer) but overall it is a very well-researched site with a wide range of PV-based projects and is definitely worth checking out.
— Elisa Bernick, Deputy Editor
Are you interested in improving your energy efficiency and saving money on your energy bill? Check out these great articles:
– Energy Vampire
– Save money with high-tech thermostats