Home-Made Solar Energy Solutions

Solutions for everyday energy uses let you substitute a renewable source of energy for one that may be in short supply. Solar energy is cleaner than energy from fossil fuels. The biggest benefit is that once you have made the initial investment in the materials for a solar energy project, the cost of the power that you produce is zero.

Projects for do-it-yourselfers do not require specialized equipment and materials, other than solar panels, electrical connections and batteries. Some knowledge of electrical wiring is necessary for solutions that power appliances or electronics. A little basic math for calculating wattage output is the only other thing that you should need for most homemade solar energy solutions.

Solar dehydrators and ovens are simple, practical solar energy solutions that do not require solar panels. Even children can construct them. You can make them with cardboard or wood and an insulated liner. The interior of the unit, usually a box, is painted black. Using a solar oven moves your cooking outside, so this project is most practical in tropical or temperate climates. Expect longer cooking times with solar energy than with fossil fuels because the temperatures will not be as hot.

Solar water purification solutions are useful for water emergencies after natural disasters or while traveling. They also meet a very important need in any areas of the world where clean water is not readily available from a sanitary tap or well. The most inexpensive approach only requires plastic or glass bottles and a roof with a black coating, along with sun. Leaving the water bottles on the roof all day is the same as boiling water over a fire that uses fossil fuels. A more complex purification system uses solar energy to heat water in containers and collects the condensation as distilled water. Both methods kill most bacteria and viruses. These solutions put clean water within everyone's reach and reduce deforestation.

Solar heaters, solar water heaters and solar generators have great potential. You can start by using any of these solutions as a supplementary or backup source in your home. These solutions are not difficult for people with basic DIY skills. Wiring and plumbing connections are intermediate skills that many solar enthusiasts do not have. Once you choose a homemade solar solution, you can purchase the materials or kit. A solar generator kit that produces enough energy to get lamps, small appliances or your laptop off the grid starts around $600. If you collect all the materials and construct the generator yourself, your cost will be less than half of this amount.