11.67 min. | 5.0 user rating
Well, I think I've finally finished my home solar project. After doing a lot of reading, I believe I have an otherwise decent and safe system. I tried to design it around the NEC's Article 690 as much as "practical". I've added additional components, and changed a few things around. It's been an enjoyable and worthwhile learning experience. I read "free" books on design, operation & maintenance, and safety, along with referencing the National Electrical Code in relation to PV systems. After playing with my new Grid Tie inverter, I'm convinced that it's a good addition to any system that produces 500+ Watts of power. My system is not the best and my way is not the only way to implement a home system, but I hope my ideas helps someone along the way. For those that wish to truly learn about Stand-Alone PV system design etc, the following are excellent free books I downloaded and used: 1.) Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems - (by Sandia National Labs) 2.) Maintenance And Operation of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems (Sandia) 3.) Working Safely with Photovoltaic Systems (Sandia National Labs) 4.) Photovoltaic Power Systems And the 2005 NEC: Suggested Practices Simply google the titles and download the pdf's, and your good to go. Good Fortune, and have fun. Latest Diagrams: (Expanded System) dc254.4shared.com (Initial System) dc382.4shared.com Other useful links; photovoltaics.sandia.gov photovoltaics.sandia.gov

4.17 min. | 4.883333 user rating
This is a long overdue video of where we have lived since 2009 and how it has been grid free. We actually got the program approved finally. The process is very confusing and we actually got help from the local tax office. first time home buyer tax credit

10.23 min. | 5.0 user rating
This video is for those who may have questions as to why someone would take the time, trouble and expense to do solar and what it can do in an emergency. I give my simple rationale as to why I did it, and a little demonstration of the benefits of my design. My system really focuses on emergency preparedness and not necessarily lowering my electric bills. The idea is to have plenty of storage capacity with rapid recharge capability by having potentially 670w of solar power coming in and a battery bank storage capacity of 7920w, while being able to power whatever 120v circuits I would want to. Here is a diagram of my system. Also, I've included some additional links so you can download free e-books on solar system design, operation, and maintenance. (Expanded System) dc254.4shared.com (Initial System) dc382.4shared.com dc136.4shared.com dc226.4shared.com dc123.4shared.com Take Care;