DIY Solar Projects: Small Projects to Whole-Home Systems: Tap into the Sun

Learn how to make your own solar-powered appliances and additions to your home with the step-by-step instructions you’ll find in this updated edition of DIY Solar Projects.

Put the sun to work in your home with the new, expanded edition of the popular 2011 title DIY Solar Projects. Like the original, this edition offers small-scale, achievable solar projects that homeowners can build and install themselves. From cooking in solar ovens, to mounting solar panels on your roof, this book teaches how to take advantage of solar energy. It’s all possible with relatively small investments and minimal DIY building experience.

You’ll learn how to make:

• Tool trailer with available AC-power (directly from the sun)
• Solar systems for marine crafts
• Solar-powered security light
• Solar water heater
• Solar hot-air collector window mount
• Solar lumber kiln
• Solar battery charging station

With clear instructions, tips, and step-by-step color photos for each project, this book takes the intimidation out of DIY solar builds. For those with more ambitious solar power plans, this updated edition contains information on outfitting your home with solar electricity collection systems and integrating them into your primary power supply system. Excitement about home solar energy is exploding, and DIY Solar Projects: Updated Edition sheds light on how you can get involved immediately.

This book also offers an extensive resource guide with links to tax-reducing, subsidy, and support programs on both a national and state-by-state level. With high energy costs and an environment that demands cleaner fuel sources, now is the time to introduce new, cost-saving solar projects into your home.

Eric Smith has worked for many years as a Home Improvement editor. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Philip Schmidt is an avid environmentalist and a home improvement expert who has written many successful DIY books, including Build Your Kids a Treehouse, The Complete Guide to Patios and The Complete Guide to Contemporary Sheds.