Installing your own small, remote off-grid solar system

[Sadoun]

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/yago116.html

By Jeffrey R. Yago

In almost all of my past articles I have described many different types of solar power systems, but did not go into detail on how to install them yourself, since most systems should be sized and wired by licensed solar professionals. However, the Backwoods Home website continues to receive many e-mail questions related to smaller do-it-yourself solar projects for remote weekend or vacation cabins in areas not served by power lines. If this is your situation, and you are willing to stick to the basics, I will show you how to install a very simple battery-based off-grid solar system just to power a few lights, and possibly a DC well pump or freezer.

[ayelvington]

I have done remote power installations in the past, and I strongly recommend that folks considering the investment pick up a copy of Home Power magazine. Home Power is distributed nationally, and is supported by an excellent web site Home Power Magazine: Solar | Wind | Water | Design | Build. Given the shortage of eastern alternative energy retailers, I strongly recommend it as the premier advertising venue if Sadoun is interested.

Amateur installers often compromise safety (code compliance), and that is the reason that I recommend investing in some training prior to pulling wire.