Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Solar Power Guides Review - Knowledge is Power

As the old saying goes, "Knowledge is power", and if you're interested in do it yourself solar power the cliche definitely holds true. If you browse the internet in search of instructions, you'll probably come across people offering solar power guides. These guides, or kits as they're sometimes called, can be an excellent resource for the serious DIYer. The problem you're going to face is picking which guide to buy.

These guides can be chock full of useful information that'll help you complete your clean energy system from start to finish with very little bother, and for a small amount of money...

But be warned!

Some of the guides aren't worth the paper they're written on, and don't forget they're E-books, so no paper is used. Allow me to help you navigate through the world of online digital solar power guides so you can avoid wasting money on a lemon.

Solar Power Guides - A Primer

When you're figuring out which guide to purchase I want you to keep a few things in mind.

  1. Look for a guide that teaches you how to build both a solar power system and a wind turbine. Though it may not be strictly necessary, a wind turbine can be a great back-up for when your solar panels aren't generating any electricity. Don't forget, the sun isn't always shining!

  2. A good guide will explain exactly what materials you'll need, and where to get them cheap. You should be able to build an efficient solar panel for under $200 and a solid, professional wind turbine for around $100.

  3. Make sure the guide you purchase has customer support. Though a good solar power guide will teach you the steps simply, if you do have a problem, there should be someone who can walk you through your issue.

  4. Try and ensure the person who created the guide knows what they're about. Either they've done it themselves or they have a relevant background. It's a good thing to take guidance from someone who actually knows what they're talking about.


  5. Look for a guide that will explain maintenance. Building your solar power system is one thing, keeping it running is something else.


Solar Power Guides - Nice Little Add-Ons

Ok so you've taken all the above points to heart. Great! There are a few other things you can look for in solar power guides that aren't absolutely necessary but sure are nice to have.

  1. Video Lessons are really great because although you already have detailed diagrams and written instructions, actually seeing someone do the work gives you a leg up.

  2. Look for guides that let you in on "secrets". Some guides will tell you how to get stuff for free. Great stuff, like deep cycle batteries and solar cells. Everyone likes free stuff right?

  3. A consumer friendly refund policy. Hey, you've taken a crack at building your panels and decided it's just not your thing. Most of the good solar power guides are backed up by a company that will give you a prompt hassle free refund. Always a good thing to know.

If you want to get going I recommend you read my Earth4Energy guide review. It's a particularly excellent guide that covers all of the points I've discussed above.

Not quite ready to take the leap? Visit my website Design Solar Power to learn everything you'll need to know about solar power for the home.

I hope you've found this informative and, more importantly, useful!

Take care,

James Gilbert

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