Solar power systems install yourself

Solar power is HOT, literally and figuratively.

If you live in California, you may have heard about the Governator's one million solar roofs legislation--and throughout the U.S. there are rebate and tax credits for solar system installations.

But even with such subsidies, you've heard the costs and complexities are enormous. My answer, perfected over the course of a dozen years, has been to "bootstrap" solar--find the components of a solar electric system locally, and install a basic system in a room in your house, a small cabin,
a motorhome etc.

Solar power systems install yourselfI first began experimenting with solar in the early 90's when I had a 50 watt panel installed in a 20 foot motorhome by an expert. I toured the country, "boondocking" in places without hook-ups, because I COULD. Standing still, I ran a small tv, pumps and lights--never worrying about draining my car battery. I became very comfortable with solar this way.

More recently I put a small system in a bedroom of my house, and when I built my strawbale casa in Mexico (see wwwretirement.com--no dot after www), I used the principles I had learned to electrify the place for well under $2000. Some of my components I bought used, others from hardware stores!

After over a decade of experimention, I wrote a small book, the People's Guide to Basic Solar Power, which has sold steadily online since 2002. In the book I tell you the specifics about DIY solar even if you are not electrically inclined! (I wasn't--I had only changed light switches). I reveal some things most don't have clue about:

--Solar panels have a nearly indefinite lifespan. They are warrantied for 25 years, and will lose some electrical generating capacity, but if maintained properly will last a very long time
.
--A small system can pay for itself in MONTHS, not years.

--The deep cycle/marine batteries you will be using with my approach can last between 5-10 years; they are the "weak link" in a system, but not so much if you know what you are doing.

--I've discovered a source of ABSOLUTELY FREE solar panels. Normally, panels will cost $4-8 a watt, so you can figure what a 100 watt panel might be IF you pay retail for it.

--A basic solar electric system is no more complicated than a computer system and has about the same number of components (3-4).

I'm proud to say my findings have made solar much more affordable and accessible right at a time in our history when clean energy is so sorely needed. More recently, I've turned to research on gasoline alternatives--but that's an article for another time!