Category Archives: solar

Speaking of Solar, how to build your own panels

Posted on August 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

OK so you got a bunch of cells cause you are cheap,  Here are some write-ups on how to build a panel out of them.  Me…I think I might just buy the panels at Harbor Freight first.  This is allot … Continue reading →

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Building a Solar Thermal Heater

Posted on August 25, 2015 by robertwilkie

Been thinking about this as my pool is getting cold already.  First build is one I have seen in the past with irrigation pipe.  Basically you make a big circle with the stuff.  Second build is definately the poor makes … Continue reading →

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Google now makes it easier for you to figure out if you should go Solar

Posted on August 18, 2015 by robertwilkie

Interesting, Google created a tool to look at your house from Google Earth images and figure out your solar potential.  Down side, looks like its a work in progress (several addresses I put in didn’t come up). http://www.wired.com/2015/08/much-can-save-solar-panels-just-ask-google/  

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Building weatherproof solar panels

Posted on July 23, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build for extreme weather solar panels. http://www.instructables.com/id/Octanis-1-How-to-Make-Solar-Panels/

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Build your own arduino solar charger

Posted on June 4, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice build on using an arduino to controll the charge to batteries for a solar array.  Gives a nice display on stats too.  Why would you do this?  Well its a cheaper way to get information and control the charge … Continue reading →

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A solar panel setup for $100

Posted on March 13, 2014 by robertwilkie

Interesting build, very time intense to make, but the author got a roughly 100 watt unit running.  The cheapest I have seen that is similar to this is Harbor Freights Solar kit which on sale goes for $120 for 45 … Continue reading →

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Make Your Own Solar Gadget Charger

Posted on September 2, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up that basically takes a bunch of off the shelf parts to build a solar charging station.  Author claims around $20 in parts, I am thinking closer to $40. http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Portable-USB-Solar-Charger-20-4-Ports/

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BIY Solar Tracker

Posted on July 22, 2013 by robertwilkie

Nice write-up on building a solar tracker for a solar panel.  Trackers are nice since they make sure the panel is always facing the sun.  However, sometimes the power consumed for the tracker is more than the gains…. http://www.mdpub.com/suntracker/

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A simple Solar Charger with altoids tins

Posted on June 25, 2013 by robertwilkie

I like this build, take a few panels from ebay, some recharge batteries and a connector. http://www.instructables.com/id/Double-Altoids-Solar-Charger/

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Solar heater with soda cans

Posted on June 13, 2013 by robertwilkie

This maybe a good idea for a shed, as long as you can take it down for the summer (don’t need to heat the shed in the winter.  Not so sure I would do this with my house thought.  I … Continue reading →

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