Solar Power for Beginners: How to Design and Install the Best Solar Power System for Your Home

by Paul Holmes, Shalve Mohile

Save hundreds of dollars by setting up your own home solar power system. Learn how to fully design, build, and fit a working solar system – even if you’re a complete beginner. Using solar energy to power your home is a no-brainer. It can save you a ton of money on your bills and it helps save the planet. But solar energy companies charge a fortune for installation and often don’t deliver exactly what you need. But now, there’s a better way…Solar Power for Beginners teaches you how to build your own grid-connected solar power system. With your system hooked up to the grid, you’ll be able to reduce your bills and even sell excess energy back to your utility company.Stress-Free On-Grid Solar SavingsWith this book, you can avoid unnecessary costs and pointless hassle. You’ll learn how to set up your own custom solar system for home use for a fraction of the price that the “professionals” charge.And even if you do decide to hire a solar company to fit your system, this book will help you gain the know-how to make sure you get quality work done that’s good value for money and fit for purpose. Learn how to ask the right questions and identify problems before you’ve paid for the work.The thought of fitting your own system or supervising others to do the job may feel intimidating, but don’t worry, this book makes the process easy to understand and straightforward to put into practice.Solar Panels for DummiesEven if you don’t know a thing about electricity or solar installation, or you’re unsure how to get started, you’ll find everything you need to know here. Solar Power Engineers and Consultants Paul Holmes and Shalve Mohile will be your expert guides and mentors. Between them, they’ve built hundreds of solar energy systems for homes.To make things as simple as possible for you, and easy to understand, they’ve created illustrated step-by-step instructions that make the whole process of fitting your own solar system really straightforward.Clear, Jargon-Free InstructionsFrom start to finish, these industry insiders will show you every step you need to take to get your do-it-yourself solar system up and running successfully. And if you’re not comfortable with technical jargon - don’t worry. Using easy-to-understand direct language, and clear illustrations, our experts have boiled everything down to the essentials.Inside, you’ll solar photovoltaic basics. Find out how you can apply this knowledge to provide cheap, green energy that will bring your home to life.Beginner-friendly methods for calculating your energy needs. How to aim for maximum energy efficiency!Step-by-step instructions on sizing your solar system so that it’s the perfect fit for your house.A buying guide to purchasing your solar equipment (solar panels, inverters, racking). Get the best deals and save even more $$$.Methods for optimal roof sizing and panel orientation. Ensure your system is tidy and maximizes potential.How to easily build the racking and securely install solar panels to your racking equipment.The lowdown on how to install a solar inverter and safely set up electrical connections.Fool-proof methods that will prevent short circuits and fire hazards.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2020

Reviews

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

From those who are curious about solar power to those who want the knowledge necessary to install your own home system, this is the perfect guide. It explains the principles in easy to follow language. It gives you everything you need to know to evaluate the power needs of your home and gives you all the basics to decide if solar power is something for you to pursue. It is also a comprehensive guide for making installation decisions. If you are considering going solar, read this first to make informed decisions.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful basic reference, very handy for anyone considering installing a rooftop solar power system. We ended up contracting with a professional contractor to set up a solar system on our roof because both my wife and I are disabled seniors, but even though we aren't doing the design and installation, it's useful to know as much about how it works as we can. Definitely worthwhile.

[Terra Kosako · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready to do some calculations

I have read, often ending browsing, different books about solar and off grid. I am a hands on learner BUT this book does such a great job of walking you through from the basics I am glad I read it!!

[Joshua Durham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m was expecting more information.