DIY Solar Power: How To Power Everything From The Sun

I found this work to be both comprehensive and easy to read and understand. I've been an electronics hobbyist for years, and I got interested in solar last year and built two panels from scratch. I spent far more time trying to research what I needed to know than I did in actually making it. I wish I'd read this book at the outset. It covers the entire subject in one reference that is best read, as the author suggests, from beginning to end. Having reached the end, one has a basic understanding of all the key concepts and how they fit together, the many different types of solar projects that can be undertaken, and at a nuts-and-bolts level needed for considering ones interests, deciding what is practical, planing a design, and getting the ball rolling. While it presents a lot of detail, it is written with the novice in mind as well, starting out, for example, with a basic explanation of electrical concepts that will be helpful in developing an intuitive understanding for the subject rather than just applying rules without knowing why. Similarly, it not only covers options for cell types, panels, and batteries, but it provides substantial understanding of how these options work and how they interact. Even though I'd researched the area pretty extensively, I still learned quite a bit that fills in the gaps, and reading it straight through as suggested served to cement a clear, overall picture of this content area enabling me to review what I've managed to do up to this point in contrast to alternatives I might have taken, and various paths I can take going forward to use what I've made. The table of contents and Kindle features like "search" and "notes" make it easy to locate specific interest areas again to go back and re-read in connection with a specific project. While it may be necessary to acquire a bit more information in some areas, for example if you decide to do your own cell tabbing frame construction as I did versus purchasing panels (which I would have done now in retrospect), you'll be able to do that much more efficiently and effectively having the knowledge imparted by this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about a solar project and, for that matter, anyone who just wants to learn more about this amazing advance in alternative energy that is beginning to flourish worldwide.

This is the second book I have read from Micah Toll. He has a talent for presenting information in a style which is clear, instructive and concise. The book requires no prior knowledge on the reader's part of solar power, electricity or electronics. It equips the reader with a solid foundation (including safety issues) for building useful solar projects. One of my relatives is considering construction of a new home with solar PVs -- either grid-tied or off-grid. This book has equipped me to understand the equipment, materials, design tradeoffs, safety issues and calculations for planning out my first projects. One surprise was the chapter on passive solar projects. I did not know it is possible to make a solar water heater that circulates water without any electricity whatsoever -- even for pumps! One small improvement would be to provide a few more recommendations and resources for finding parts which meet the requirements of those discussed in the book. I am still searching for a reliable way to locate parts on the internet without weeding through vast numbers of vague sites which turn out to not supply anything close to the desired component. I just joined Mr. Toll's Twitter feed -- @MicahToll -- and am hoping to learn more from it.

But misses on more advanced topics like Battery Management for Li-ion batteries (author is a big proponent of Li-Ion). Also clearly more familiar with 12 & 24. Volt systems than the larger 48V setups. Regular mentions of needing circuit protection (fuses or breakers) which is good common sense. Racking and mounting panels is only very lightly touched on. Mentions of wire gauge concerns vs amperage - but no tables or details that would help people correctly size runs distances vs voltage and current. No mention of Li-Ion batteries and their low temperature or overcharging concerns. No mention of days of autonomy - maybe not an issue where the author lives, but certainly is elsewhere where the sun doesnt shine every day. As a DIY off-grid solar user who built and installed his own system with Li-Ion batteries, i didn’t learn anything new - but i could see someone who is new to solar and interested in small to medium scale solar this would be a good book to start with. For the price its a good deal, with some minor additions it would be excellent. Also a table of contents is not available in the Kindle edition.

I've bought several different books about PV and solar power. This is by far one of the easiest one to read and comprehend about using solar power. Highly recommend it! Lots of useful black and white illustrations!

If you’re looking for an easy to read book that will get you up and running on the theory of solar power systems, this book will be a benefit. It is not comprehensive or a reference, but a pretty good overview. Worth having on your shelf.

Now I know how to build a solar powered e-bike charger. Now I can charge my bike anywhere there is sunlight. Now I can go on a longer duration & distance GREAT!😃

se aprende mucho

I bought this as a guide to help with setting up solar power to my shed. It is very clearly written and covers everything you would need to know about setting up solar power systems. It starts at a basic level, so is great for beginners but also covers more complex systems.

Great book.

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