Free Resources and Downloads
Downloadable Content
Baby Mobile Solar Cell Phone Charger - Plan Set
By using readily available parts with simple design, he Baby Mobile is a great introduction to off-grid solar. Learn about the principles involved in off-grid solar design, while charging up your cell phone. Why buy a more expensive solar charger when you can get your hands dirty and really grasp what a solar system really is? Start incorporating off-grid solar into your daily routine today!
*Please note, the Baby Mobile is a PDF file and will require Adobe Acrobat Reader or Similar to open.
PV Watts Guide
The first step in planning any photovoltaic (PV) array is to determine the right size of array. Thanks to NREL and their program "PV Watts" this is simple and free to do! This guide will take you through the basic steps of PV array sizing and energy production estimation. Use this guide to save your time and money.
*Please note, the Baby Mobile is a PDF file and will require Adobe Acrobat Reader or Similar to open.
Links to Resources on Other Websites
1. http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php
PV Watts estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems throughout the world. It allows homeowners, small building owners, installers and manufacturers to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations.
DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
3. http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/installing-and-maintaining-home-solar-electric-system
This link will take you to an article about installing and maintaining a photovoltaic (PV) array for your home. Provided by Energy.gov, this article has lots of good information as well as other resources for you to go through.
4. http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/estimating-appliance-and-home-electronic-energy-use
This is another article provided by Energy.gov about electronics and appliance energy consumption. Learn how much energy your appliances are really consume and how you can possible reduce that consumption.
5. https://solaractionalliance.org/
Solar Action Alliance is a group of environmentalist who want to spread the word about the most clean, reliable, and abundant source of renewable energy: the Sun. To learn more about solar, please visit https://solaractionalliance.org/