Make your own Solar and Wind Energy

Les and Jane Oke put together a pretty comprehensive package for anyone wanting to wean themselves off of the power grid. Indeed, that is what they did; in fact everything they cover is from personal experience. That doesn't mean you need to go off-grid completely, but every little bit helps.

I'm going to group solar and wind energy together, because they really work together to make a complete renewable energy system. There are actually three separate guides in the Convert-2-EV package covering renewable energy solutions for the home, including making your own solar panels, building your own wind generator, and a wealth of information on other related subjects,
such as solar thermal heaters, micro-hydro power, how to find sources for free or dirt-cheap components, and even how to become debt-free (really!). Best of all they offer email support for questions and issues along the way.

The 3 books overlap in subject matter a bit, so you have to kind of brush over the duplication and find the pertinent information. Do this and you'll find a good, solid, step-by-step guide on how to get the tools and parts you need, how to construct the panels (for under $200 a piece) and wind turbine (for under $100 a piece). Obviously costs are going to vary depending on where you are getting your supplies from and what you have already on hand. The author covers the different types of photovoltaic cells so that you can decide which route to go, and steps you through what components you will need for your panels and wind generator and how they function. He also covers advantages and disadvantages of Grid-Interconnected system -- the idea of selling electricity back to the power company rather than using storage batteries.

Included in the DIY style guide are some serious money saving tips, such as where and how to find free solar panels, batteries and other parts you will need. The author includes wiring diagrams for charging controllers as well as a schematic for the entire solar/wind system you will be putting together. All the information you need is there. Some of it may be a little daunting, but he steps you thorough it pretty well.

This is my last review on this particular package. My opinion is that for what you get, the package is well worth the money, especially considering there are other products that cost as much and only cover one of these subjects. I'll give it a thumbs-up. Get more info here (This is my cleverly disguised affiliate link, meaning that if you buy this product, I will get a commission, which might enable me to take my wife out for coffee).