Many people have adopted the hobby of making solar cookers – not only because it is a great thing to do for the environment, but because it can really be a lot of fun. Solar cookers can be used for camping, saving energy, fun outdoors, and are surprisingly effective. Remember, it is also very simple to alter the size of a box with scissors and glue – just like that!

For this particular cooker there are very few items you will need. Nonetheless these items, simply put together, can provide you with the ability to cook many more food – items than you may expect. The following instructions can help you easily build a solar box cooker. You will need the following six items before you begin:

First, you will want to collect two open – faced cardboard boxes: use boxes that measure at least 15″ by 15″ (or, 38 cm by 38 cm) across the bottom. It is often advised that the larger the boxes are the better the solar cooker will work. One of the boxes will be the outer box and the other is an inner box, therefore, one must be somewhat smaller than the other. Note, however, that it is not absolutely necessary have your inner box is symmetrical all the way around. The sides of the box on either end can be unequal. If it is a perfectly symmetrical square or rectangular fit, or if the design is a little off, it should not make any difference between the effectiveness of the solar cooking.

Secondly, you will need an additional piece of cardboard which will serve as the lid. The piece of cardboard that you use for the lid has to be at least approximately two to tree inches (or, four to eight centimeters) lager across the top than the rest of the solar box cooker it will cover, designed by the following instructions I am about to provide.

Fourth, you need a can of black spray paint. The paint you use MUST be non – toxic when dry, or instead, some people choose to use black tempura paint. As a matter of fact, some people even choose to make their own pain from soot combined with a particular type of wheat paste. The point is to use a kind of paint that will not be dangerous to you by contaminating any food you prepare for yourself in your solar box cooker.

Fifth, you will need at leas eight ounces of a white glue or a type of wheat paste.

Sixth and lastly, you must purchase an oven cooking bag such as the ones that the Reynolds corporation makes called the Reynolds Oven Cooking Bag ®. Most oven cooking bags are designed to be able to withstand temperatures up to four-hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, plastic oven bags work perfectly for solar box cookers and other types of solar cookers. Remember, nonetheless, these oven cooking bags used with solar cookers will need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Here is a simple formula for how to make your solar box cooker quickly and efficiently using the above items:

1. Decide how much depth you want for your oven, this will depend on the depth required for the kinds of things you will want to cook in your little solar oven. Use the inner box to measure the depth of the outer box and cut the folds of the outer box to create a hole.
2. The flaps of the outer box should be folds down tightly.
3. It is recommended that you draw the lines on your box before cutting if you are adjusting the size of the box. The outer box will not be visible after your solar box cooker has been fully put together. Therefore, you do not need to be a perfectionist about its design. The inner box you use, nonetheless, will be the visible part of your solar cooker, so you may want to design it with care for the sake of appearance. However, as long as you have done it correctly, it really does not matter how aesthetically pleasing your inner box appears.
4. Glue the flaps of the outer box closed tightly.
5. Place crumpled up papers such as newspaper into the outer box. Do this so that when the inner box is placed inside the outer box. Be sure to trim any excess flap length to fit evenly with the perimeter of the outer box.
6. Make a drip pan for your solar box cooker. To do this you need to cur a piece of cardboard to the exact size of the interior of your solar box oven. Cover this piece of cardboard on one side with your aluminum foil, paint the foil black and allow it to dry. The base is where you will place your pots while cooking. Place the drip pan onto the bottom of the solar box cooker with the aluminum foil – lined and painted side facing up.
7. At this point your solar box cooker should appear as follows: you can see the outer box holding the inner box within, the folds or flaps of the top of the inner box remain open at this point.
8. Build a removable lid for your solar box cooker. Take the large sheet of cardboard and place it across the top of the cooker. Trace the outline of the cooker on the removable lid
9. Take the large cardboard piece and measure a lip around the outer edge that measures about three inches of excess cardboard that will protrude over the top of the solar box cooker. Do NOT glue this lid to the box, you will need to completely remove it when you use your solar cooker.
10. To create the reflector flap for your outdoor solar box cooker you should draw a line on the lid that is the same, rectangular size as your oven – opening. Cut three sides of these drawn lines, forming a flap. You need to apply foil to the inside of this flap. It is the reflector, an essential part of what allows you to cook with your solar oven.
11. You can use a piece of hanger – wire to prop the lid open this could then be inserted into the solar box cooker quite simply.
12. The use of a turkey – sized oven bag is recommended for this next step, or whatever other type of glazing material you choose. Place the lid upside down to glue the oven bag in place. This will create a double layer of plastic for your solar box cooker. As the oven cooks, the layers of plastic will separate and build – up airspace between them, capturing hot air as the oven cooks your food. This method prevents any water vapor from collecting in the bag and condensing. As a matter of fact, you can cut practically any – sized oven bag down to the proper size for the cover of your oven opening.

This kind of easy – to – build, home made solar oven should be effective during virtually the entire solar season. You can even make improvements to your home made solar box cooker for more efficiency on less – sunny days than usual. Make additional pieces of foil covered cardboard the size of your oven and place them in the wall spaces around the sides. And / or you can make an entire new lid – remember upkeep of the lid and especially the cooking bag or other plastic material should be frequently replaced. You can even use a sheet – metal surface as the drip pan. If you use a sheet metal surface such as a cookie sheet – paint it black and elevate it slightly so that your solar box cooker will collect more sunlight. It is common for people to use cardboard strips or even wire to prop up the solar box cooker itself into place. This can increase the efficiency of the solar cooker by increasing the collection of heat even on less sunny and more moderate days.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her articles on solar power and the environment, please visit solarhome.org, supplier of high quality Solar Poo Heaters and Solar Panels and more.

Drastic seasonal changes always make us mindful of our energy bills, whether for cooling or heating. Are you also aware of the many energy thieves that are lurking in your home? While they won’t appear as menacing as this fellow above, these thieves can slowly gobble power and increase your costs. An average home can incur costs from $100-150 a year due to these drainers. Here is a list of some of these thieves, tips for eliminating them, and a few reminders for increasing efficiencies in your home:

We have many rechargeable items in our homes, and tend to keep the power cords plugged in when not in use. But they continue to use power! Instead, use a power strip as a charging station, and plug all of your rechargeable items such as cell phones, cameras, and laptops into it. This will enable you to easily turn off the power strip when you’re not charging anything.

Small appliances. Even while in the OFF mode, most small appliances are truly only in standby mode, and continue to use power. Look for any items with a clock, like radios, microwave ovens, coffeemakers, DVD/VCR’s, cable & satellite boxes and TVs. Unplug these appliances when not in use, especially when you’re going to be out of town for a while.

Desktop computers. If you can turn it off when not in use, do so. It is a top user of power when on and not in use. If you have to keep it on, set it to go into sleep mode when idle. It will also help if you update to a more efficient power supply. And, if you don’t need a high-end video card, don’t install one. They continue to draw 20+ watts of power in the idle mode.

Space heaters use a LOT of wattage, but are a good alternative to using your heating system. If you don’t need to (or want to) run the heatingsystem for your whole house, opt for using a space heater when and where you need it, just don’t combine both.

Run your washing machine with cold water as often as possible to eliminate heating the water. Run your dryer on the “no heat” cycle when drying delicate items and other clothing made of thin fabric.

Insulation and weatherstripping. If you’re not sure what type of insulation you have or if you feel it is adequate, and if you think you have deteriorating weatherstripping, hire a fix-it professional to come in and look at these items. You can lose an enormous amount of heating or cooling due to these two items. Adding or changing weatherstripping alone can reduce your heating/cooling bill by as much as 30%. If you have an 1/8 inch gap all the way around a door, you will lose as much energy as if you had a six inch square hole right in the middle of it. Take necessary precautions.

Single pane windows provide little protection against heat and cold, and put a strain on your HVAC system. Consider upgrading to energy efficient, double pane windows to reduce heating and cooling costs. You can get them with a low-e (for emissivity) coating. Depending upon the region in which you live, this coating will either be on the outside of the pane to reduce incoming heat or on the inside, to keep heat in. Make sure you know which one you’re getting when you purchase or order.

HVAC units, refrigerators, deep freezers are lumped together because these units, if particularly old and outdated, are going to be terribly inefficient and, therefore, create a load on your energy bill. As proud as we are of an appliance that has lasted for so many years, the costs to you in energy may not be worth it. You should especially have your HVAC units checked annually to ensure they are still running efficiently. New models are highly efficient and DO make a noticeable difference in your monthly and annual costs.

As a reminder, keep the coils behind your refrigerator clean to increase efficiency. We all know we need to do this, but…do we? Put a monthly reminder in your calendar to manage this task…at the same time that you’re replacing your HVAC filters.

Keep frozen jugs of water in your freezer to help keep it cold all year long.

The Fix-It Professionals is a team of professionals working together to make your environment functional, beautiful and FIXED. John is the licensed electrician and fix-it guy who helps busy, professional women fix their homes & offices, making their environments be exactly as they wish them to be.

The Fix-It Professionals also help the commercial world, assisting Realtor and property managers with everyday fix-it jobs that contractors won’t fix. Let’s face it, most contractors won’t enter the building or office unless it’s a larger job. Not us, we are proud to help you with your everyday fix-it needs. You can find us at http://thefixitprofessionals.com.

Before you build a wind turbine you first need to think about its location. You have to be confident that when you build a windmill it will catch enough wind to make electricity. An average wind speed of 10mph is needed to power your homemade windmill and make electricity.

If you live in a built-up area or are surrounded by trees or hills, you may find there is not enough wind to power the homemade windmill. However, wind power technologies are being rapidly developed and are advancing all the time.

Nowadays, there is loads of information on the Internet which can help you build a windmill and show you everything you need to know to how to build a wind turbine. I have briefly outlined in a few steps what is involved in building your own wind turbine.

1. BUY A GENERATOR

It is possible to make a generator at home but it sounds awfully complicated to me and unless you have experience with this sort of thing I recommend buying one. Especially, if this is your first attempt of building your own wind turbine. If you can’t find a generator a DC motor will do. You need a motor which has a high current, a high DC voltage and low rpms.

2. GET BLADES

Some people carve their blades from wood, or cut them from sections of PVC pipe. There are web sites which detail how to do this on good build a wind turbine web sites.

3. BOLT THEM UNTO A DISC

You have to drill some holes into a metal disc large enough to accommodate your blades when you bolt them down. Attached a toothed pulley that fits the motor to the back of this metal disc. Put it all together and bolt the blades on.

4. MOUNT THE BLADES

When you build a windmill, you need to create something to mount the blades onto. This will have a tail to turn the DIY wind turbine when the wind changes direction. You can use a plank of wood and fix the motor to one end (the end facing outwards will connect to the motor) and the tail fixed to the other end. You can use metal or any material sturdy enough to catch the wind and swing your turbine around.

5. MAKE A TOWER

To build a wind turbine you need to make a tower which will elevate your DIY wind turbine and catch more wind. To build the tower, cut out a base and you can use pipes and pipe fittings to connect the tower to the wood which the blades are mounted onto. The pipes also make an excellent bearing which will allow to top part to move.

6. BUY BATTERIES

Now for the electrical stuff involved when you build a wind turbine. You will need: some batteries which will store energy the DIY wind turbine produces, a blocking diode which saves energy being wasted powering the turbine, and a charge controller which runs everything. You can buy these easily from alternative energy suppliers or there is always eBay.

If you need a detailed STEP-BY-STEP instructions written by experts, all you need to do is Click Here!

Since you checked this article, I assume you are skilled enough to install a mantel piece on your own. If you are quite handy with tools, it is actually quite easy. You can even save a considerable amount of money along the way.

When installing your mantel, two key elements are crucial: a) observing the right distance of the mantel from the fire and b) making sure the mantel is securely attached to the wall.

Assuming that you already have the right mantel piece of your choice, here are 5 easy steps to guide you. Just make sure you follow each correctly.

You will need the following:

• Tape Measure
• Spirit Level
• Drill
• Masonry drill bit
• Screwdriver
• Circular saw
• Screws
• Wood Putty

Step 1 – Dry fit the Fireplace Mantel

Place your mantel piece against the fireplace, exactly in the spot where you want it positioned. Try to center it on the opening or firebox. You need to leave some clearance of at least 6 inches for safety measures. With the spirit level, check the level. You need to ensure that the shelf is level from front to the height of the mantel. You may need to put wooden shims under each leg until both levels are balanced.

Step 2 – Mark the Position

Now, mark the position of the fireplace mantel by tracing its outline with a pencil while it is still up against the wall. You may need to do the outlining several times just to be sure. This will make it easier for you to determine the placement of your wooden support called cleats later on.

Step 3 -The Cleats

Once the marking is finished, take the mantel piece down and lay it top-down on the floor. You now need to measure the width inside your shelf as well as the length inside the supporting legs to know the length of the horizontal and the vertical cleats. Using the circular saw, cut 2X4-inch-by-8-foot pieces of lumber to make your cleats. Dry fit them inside to ensure a snug fit.

Step 4 – Drilling the Pilot Holes

Before drilling, measure first the width of the mantel edges that will sit flush against the wall. Then inside the pencil scribe of the mantel’s outline, mark the distance where you wish to hang the cleats. With the spirit level, connect the dots.

While holding the cleats in place, use the hammer to bore evenly spaced five holes through the cleat boards and into the brick. Switching to the screwdriver drill bit, screw in the screws into the pre-drilled cleat boards and fireplace bricks. Do the same process to the rest of the cleat legs.

Step 5 – Installing the Mantel

Install the mantel piece on the wall. Make sure that you line it up with the fireplace around the support cleats. Use the hammer and screwdriver to screw in the finishing screws on the top of the mantel piece into the cleat. Countersink them slightly to hide them from view. Repeat the same process with each of the mantel legs.

Step 6 – Finishing Touches

To disguise the holes left by the screws, fill them in with wood putty or decorative plugs that match your mantel piece. This will give your mantel piece the professional look.

You can further customize your fireplace mantel by placing family portraits and other accents on its shelf. Or better yet, spruce up your hearth by investing in functional and decorative fireplace accessories for an even charming and enjoyable fireplace experience.

To learn more about Fireplace Mantels and Fireplace Accessories please click here on these links.

Here are some preparatory steps that you need to take before installing your solar power plant.

Step 1

Look at your monthly electricity usage for a year and you will get a rough estimate about the amount of energy you use. During winters or summers you energy requirements will peak depending on where you live. Add a certain percentage to your maximum energy usage. This can be a rough estimate of the capacity of your solar energy system. Most average size homes need about 1.5 KW capacity.

Step 2

Due to the increase in expense of a system as power requirements increase, reducing a home’s energy load by switching to energy efficient appliances, heating, and/or air conditioning can make a material difference in energy usage and reduce the cost of the solar energy system prior to its installation. So you may want to at this before you installation.

Step 3

Decide the capacity of your solar plant. Now, start researching. Find out what is safe percentage to add as extra to your energy requirement. Consult a professional if need be. Next, decide on the storage requirement. If you area is prone to have a lot of cloudy days then you will need more storage batteries. If you enjoy more sunny days and very few cloudy days then you will need lesser battery storage. Anyway, it is safer to have a 3-4 days power backup which you can fall back upon during storms or rains. Again, research this and consult a professional.

Step 4:

Buy yourself a good DIY step-by-step guide to building your solar panels and solar power plant. Read this through a couple of times to familiarize with all details. If you catch hold of video tutorial nothing better than that. A picture is worth a thousand words. So, it will be nice to know what you are going to build.

Step 5:

Solar panels come in various configurations. You can buy them at your local hardware store of if they won’t stock them order online. With you initial research you will have the knowledge to plan on how many solar panels to install to generate the power you need.

Step 6

Next, select an open area free from obstructions to place your panels. Choose a place that get’s maximum sunlight. This can be your terrace or an open backyard or if you live in a farm the roof of the barn or the open lands are good places.

Step 7:

You can either get a professional to install your solar panels or you can do it yourself. A professional will charge you big money for this. On your own you will be able to do it for a fraction of the cost. So, you will break even sooner.

Step 8:

Get a professional to do the final integration of the solar panel wiring with your mains. This is job for professionals only, so don’t try to do it yourself. You might up end up messing your electrical supply.

Most older homes have wall studs that measure only four inches or less in the walls in depth. In many cases the studs are also two inches thick. New wall studs measure one and five eighths inches wide and three and a half inches deep. These size studs will nicely accommodate three and a half insulation or R13 energy value but R19 or six inch thick insulation is much more desirable and in fact is required by the US energy code today in all new homes.

If you are renovating an older home, future energy costs are of a prime concern. Leaky windows and doors, no insulation in the walls and inefficient furnaces are just a few of the things that need to be upgraded. Insulation can be added on the interior or exterior of the home. If you are re-siding the house, adding a one inch insulation board behind the siding can increase the insulation value of the wall dramatically. If the exterior is stone or brick perhaps, then the insulation must be added to the interior.

There is a way to use six inch insulation but it requires a great deal of extra wood detail work. By adding depth to the studs you can then use six inch insulation batts. Assuming the room has been stripped to the studs, install all your mechanical items such as electric wiring and plumbing. Leave wire drops at each outlet box locations but do not install the boxes as yet. The same with the plumbing rough-ins. Leave extra long nipples at stub outs that will accommodate a six inch thick wall even though it is now only four inches deep.

Next on the list of work is to rip some two inch by two and a half inch wood furring strips in long lengths. If your studs are eight feet high, make the rips eight feet long and so on. Make as many rips as there are studs in the room plus enough extras to ring the room in footage twice. You first install a complete ring of the ripped materials around the room at the floor and ceiling to pack out, or extend, the top and bottom plates two and a half inches. Then using more rips, pack out each stud in the room by nailing on a strip to each stud. Door and window jambs must also be packed out in the same manner using the furring strips. Once done, you now have wall cavities that are six and one half inches deep. Install all your electric boxes setting them to the face of the new wall studs plus the drywall thickness.

Six inch insulation will now fit nicely and leaves a half inch dead air space at the outside wall. Lap the insulation paper onto the stud faces to provide the best vapor barrier you can get. If barrier is missing in some areas use a small piece of plastic sheet as a substitute.

Once your drywall is installed in the conventional manner, You will of course notice that the door and window jambs do not reach flush with the face of the drywall which allows you to install trims. You must at each window, door, sill, apron or other trimmed items, install a jamb filler to extend the jambs out flush with the drywall surface. Using a portable table saw and number two or better pine boards, cut a piece to length and stand it in it’s place. Using a good sharp pencil, scribe a line flush with the drywall along the backside of the pine board. You will find in old homes that the jambs are seldom square and vary from top to bottom in width somewhat.

By scribing the line, your pine extension jamb will be perfectly flush each time. If you pre-measure the extensions before you purchase the pine and find they are in the 2-3 inch wide area, buying wider widths of boards may enable to you to get two extensions out of one piece of wood. Be careful though as wider boards cost a great deal more than narrow ones. A wider number one grade board can be very expensive. By being choosy, when selecting the number two boards, avoid as many knots as possible and it may be cheaper to actually purchase more number two boards than better grade ones.

Install new or replace your finish trims and the only evidence of the thicker walls will be the deeper window wells and door jambs. Most people won’t even notice that the room is five inches smaller. Your pocketbook will notice next winter when your fuel bill is much lower. The added insulation will make the energy consumption for both the heating and cooling systems drop dramatically making your house more “green” and putting some extra dollars in your pocket.

Pete Ackerson
Your Friendly Building Inspector
http://www.Wagsys.com

Homemade solar electrical power devices are not dependable but are extremely reasonably priced as properly. You are not necessary to invest big volume of dollars for paying out electric power expenses on regular monthly foundation as all you necessary is to shell out dollars for the set up of this photo voltaic program. As soon as the photo voltaic process is installed at your property then you are not supposed to shell out large volume of income for getting electrical power. If you have sufficient sum of electric power then you can sell it to other people today as well. The major advantage of utilizing photo voltaic programs for the production of electricity is that you can effortlessly keep power in batteries so that when sunlight is not readily available then you can use that power. Regular energy can’t e stored for long term use but with the enable of photo voltaic ability technique, you can very easily retailer vitality and can use it in potential for the production of electric power. You can generate as considerably sum of energy as considerably you can till the sunlight is offered.

As soon as the sunlight is gone then all your electrical appliances will run on batteries that are applied to keep energy so that it can be applied every time sunlight is not available. For the installation of photo voltaic ability programs, you are needed to opt for that location in which you can get sunlight for greatest time interval. You are necessary to set up photo voltaic panels at your chosen place and as a result as very long as sunlight is offered, you can easily produce electrical power. Photo voltaic panels play an essential part in the manufacturing of electricity as the more substantial the measurement of the panel the much more quantity of electrical power will be developed by that panel. The dimensions of panel depends on your utilization like majority of households call for medium sized panels so that all their appliances can effortlessly operate on solar power systems. But some people want to develop far more energy as they may possibly have other function as effectively so for such kind of people, massive solar panels are encouraged. For this reason it depends on personal selection that which varieties of panels are being needed by you for the manufacturing of energy.

While setting up the photo voltaic power programs into your residence, area of set up is being picked incredibly very carefully. The set up experts try to give optimum exposure to the photo voltaic panels by creating diverse angles as per the area of the residence. To get greatest total of electrical energy it is vital that panels get optimum sun publicity. There are panels that can absorb indirect photo voltaic vitality as properly so if you are suing these panels then you can spot photo voltaic panels wherever in the sunlight as they can soak up sunlight from indirect angles as nicely. If you want to stay in the constrained price range then you need to keep away from from these kinds of panels as they are bit costly as when compared to other panels that require direct sunlight. Numerous folks anxious about the reality that if sunlight gets unavailable for longer period then what will transpire? In this situation, you will use your batteries as lengthy as you can use them.

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I be capable to publish about solar power and have a net web page that addresses substantially much additional on this matter right here: http://www.spheralsolar.com

Did you know you can practice energy conservation in the home? By following these 7 energy conservation tips in your home you could effectively reduce your monthly gas and electric bills while reducing environmental emissions at the same time! Practicing energy conservation in the home has never been so easy.

1. Have your heating and cooling systems serviced by a professional every single year. This will ensure that your systems are running efficiently and safely. Also, make sure to clean or replace filters on furnaces on a regular basis.

2. Install individual room thermostats to control when to heat and cool rooms when they are occupied. Also, make sure to close the doors to unoccupied rooms.

3. Set your thermostat one degree higher or lower (depending on what season it is). Just one degree can save 3 percent on the day’s heating or cooling costs! Consistently stay in that range and you will save 3% on your heating or cooling costs all year!

4. Use ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers either early in the morning or late at night when it is cooler outside. Off-peak hours are usually after 6:30 pm and before 9:30 am. Also, make sure that you always fill washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers with a full load!

5. Make sure to save electricity by turning off lights and unplugging electronics that are not in use. Some electronics actually use 40% of their energy in the off position!

6. Block heat by closing windows, blinds, and curtains during the day to prevent the sun from heating your home, this is especially important on south facing windows. Block the cold by closing drapes at night to help reduce heat loss. During the cold season leave south facing window coverings open to let the sun naturally warm your home.

7. Select energy-efficient products when you buy new appliances. Take the whole house approach and try to make all your appliances, heating, and cooling systems Energy Star Models. Don’t forget to compare yellow Energy Guide labels to make sure you are getting the most energy efficient unit possible. Remember, that the more energy efficient appliances you own, the bigger impact you are going to have on your energy bills. A certified Green Plumber can do an energy assessment in your home and recommend a plan for you to help start reducing environmental emissions while reducing your monthly electricity bills at the same time. It’s a win win situation for the environment and your bank account.

If you would like to consult with a Green Plumber and live in the Marin County, CA please check out the links below:

Looking for a certified Green Plumber who is an expert in energy efficient appliances in the Marin County, CA Area? Check out Gene Burch Plumbing Heating & Air a plumbing marin company. Please check out this video of a plumber marin company.

Today, solar energy is an ideal power source for both business owners and home owners. It is clean, safe and economical. As we all know, global warming is getting worse and solar energy can be the best alternative for fossil fuel. One way of utilizing solar energy is by using solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. Now, you can learn how to make a solar panel for your home.

To cut your electricity bill, you can install a solar power generator on your home. This power system is an excellent and safe power source. But before building one, it is essential for you to learn how to make a solar panel. Below are the steps for assembling your own panel:

1. You can begin by gathering the tools and materials that you need. Some tools that you will need include saw, paint brush, wire cutter, screwdriver, soldering iron/gun, caulking gun, volt meter, rosin flux pen, and plexiglass cutter drill. Meanwhile, you will also need materials like plywood sheeting, soldering filler, solar cells, tin wire, UV-ray protective varnish, silicon caulk, and plexiglass. You can purchase them from a home improvement store near your home or order them online.

2. Determine the amount of power that you expect from each solar panel. If you live in an area that does not get enough sunlight, you surely need to put more solar cells. Then, you have to prepare the panels. Cut the plywood to fit the solar cells that you are going to place on each panel.

3. Next, apply the UV-ray protective varnish using a paintbrush. The varnish needs some time to dry and you can work on the solar cells while you are waiting for it to dry.

4. Apply the flux to the bus strips on the solar cells using the rosin flux pen. You need to do this to ensure that your tab ribbons on the solar cells will adhere well and the wiring will be connected properly. After that, you can connect the solar cells to each other.

5. Now, you can add silicon caulk to the plywood panels. Two unattached wires will be hung from the connected solar cells and you need to drill two holes in the plywood. Feed the wires through the holes.

6. Create a frame for each panel since you need to cover your solar cells using plexiglass. You can attach the frame to the plywood using silicon caulk and screws. After that, secure the plexiglass to the frame.

7. After completing the assembly, check your solar panels for gaps. Gaps will cause moisture to penetrate and you should seal them with the silicon. To avoid moisture accumulation, drill a small hole near the bottom of the panel, away from the wiring.

Learning how to make a solar panel is interesting and fun. With enough tools and materials as well as basic carpentry skills, you can easily build your own solar power system.

Explore more useful information on How To Make a Solar Panel and get to know the uses and, benefits and many other informative features of this amazing energy system. Learn how to make a solar panel today; master the knowledge of generating electricity at home.

If you’re thinking supplementing your home power needs by using the natural winds to generate the electricity you need, learning how to choose domestic wind turbines for your particular situation is a must. While you don’t have to become an expert in the field of alternate energy generation, there are some important things you must know before you purchase your domestic windmill.

Research The Subject Thoroughly

Research may be the single most important step that a homeowner must do before making a major purchase, such as a home windmill. While manufacturer literature can be a great source of information, I usually look for as many independent reviews that I can find.

One of the best sources of independent reviews can be internet forums on the subject of home wind power, or similar. Spend a few hours reading what others who have gone before you have experienced. Positives, negatives and everything else in between can give you priceless insight into your DIY home turbine project. Look for those who are not selling – pay special attention to those who have completed a successful installation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions yourself.

Analyze your Weather Conditions

Remember, a windmill will only generate electricity when there is wind. I was recently on a trip through the Midwestern United States, and while I saw plenty of windmills along the highways, but they were completely still on calm days. Calm days mean no electricity generation.

Another step in your research should be determining the wind quality of your geographic area. What is the average wind speed, how many days does it blow a certain velocity are some of the important questions you need answered. Windmills always need a certain velocity to make electricity. If your conditions are such that a minimum wind velocity is difficult to meet, then you may not be able to make a turbine work for you. Do this research.

Determine How much Electricity You Need To Generate

There’s a huge variety of windmills on the market today – every shape and size for all applications. In order for you to make a good decision as to which one will be best for you, you need to determine how much electricity you want to generate.

First, you’ll need to read your current electricity bill and find out how much electricity you buy each month. Thin figure will give you a basis to be able to choose the size and output of your windmill. You may want to attempt to generate 100% of your electrical needs through this way – it will require a large and expensive setup, including large power inverters and battery storage capability. Or, you may decide to merely supplement your peak power needs. At least you’ll be able to make an informed decision, and will know in advance how your turbine will perform for you.

DIY Project Or Hire A Contractor

This is a major decision. If you are a handy person who likes major home projects, then a DIY windmill may be right for you. On the other hand, there are many good alternate energy contractors who specialize in domestic wind turbines who can help turn your project into a success – and get it completed. Specialized knowledge is definitely required, although not necessarily hard to come by.

Cost is also a factor here – labor to install, either on the ground or a rooftop can easily make up 60% of the total project cost. Then again, hiring a contractor may help you avoid costly pitfalls, possibly saving money in the long run.

Don’t forget about the Federal Tax Credit for a home windmill installation. This tax credit can be up to $4,000 of your total project cost.

Buy Quality

Whichever direction you decide to take – small system or large, DIY or contractor installed – don’t make lowest cost your main objective. While a high quality system may cost a bit more initially, the long-term paybacks can be huge. Minimal maintenance on a wind turbine that’s 30 feet off the ground can be a real plus over the life of the system. Proper electrical components that last years instead of months will save thousands, and make your domestic wind turbine safe for your home.

Domestic Wind Turbines Only A Partial Solution

Just because you’ve installed a quality windmill that is sized correctly for your application, don’t expect that wind power can now provide all of the energy you need, 100% of the time. In reality, wind power is a partial solution to your home energy needs, and should be used in addition to electricity  from your current utility company.

For a really complete alternative energy system, solar power really should be part of the plan.

If you’ve done your research, purchased the proper sized system for your requirements, and have realistic expectations for your home alternate energy choices, then a domestic wind turbine may suite you and your family quite well.

Claim your $4000 tax credit for building your own windmill! Click HERE to join the bold new world of alternative energy generation. The technology is sound, and homeowners all across the country are learning that wind energy is real and can shrink your overall energy costs!