DIY Solar Resource Center
DIY RESOURCES
GETTING STARTED
INSTALLATION HELP
TROUBLESHOOTING, MONITORING, AND MAINTENANCE
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED: GENERAL INFO
ALL ABOUT DIY SOLAR
Check out answers to the most frequently asked questions, answer these important questions before you get started.
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FOUR MAIN TYPES OF SOLAR SYSTEMS
An overview of the four most popular system types.
HOW MUCH WILL SOLAR COST?
Use our quick calculator below to get a rough estimate of how much a solar panel system might cost you based on your location and the average electrical consumption in that area.
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HOW CAN I FINANCE MY SOLAR SYSTEM?
Find out what solar financing options are available and how the compare.
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DOES MY SYSTEM QUALIFY FOR THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT?
Learn about the the 30% Federal Tax Credit and see which systems qualify.
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INTRO TO IRONRIDGE GROUND MOUNTING
Learn about IronRidge ground mount and Design Assistant.
ADVANCED IRONRIDGE GROUND MOUNTING
Learn advanced IronRidge ground mount/Design Assistant.
WHICH SOLAR PANELS ARE RIGHT FOR ME?
Learn the basics of solar panels.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLAR MOUNTS AND TRACKERS?
Learn about the different ways to mount your trackers and how to maximize your solar panel exposure throughout the year.
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SOLAR PANEL MOUNTING OPTIONS
Learn about the different ways you can mount your panels.
SOLAR POWER MAP
Where does the sun shine? Explore the amount of usable solar power in different parts of the United States
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ALL ABOUT WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
Learn about wind turbines, turbine accessories, and wind power systems.
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HOW WILL MY SYSTEM GET DELIVERED?
Learn the four steps to ensure a safe and efficient system delivery.
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ELECTRICITY BASICS
Just one page with some simple terms you need to understand when talking about electricity
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ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS AND WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT
What are electrical wiring diagrams? What do they cost and will you need one?.
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ELECTRIC GENERATORS
Learn about portable generators, home standby generators, and home off-grid generators. Get an idea of what generator type and size is best for you.
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HOW MUCH POWER DO MY APPLIANCES USE?
Use this power consumption table to estimate power usage for common household appliances.
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HOW DO I LOWER MY ENERGY USE?
Learn how to save money on your system by evaluating your energy use and using these tips for conserving energy.
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SOLAR SYSTEMS AND EXTREME WEATHER
Here's what you should expect when Mother Nature is at her worst.
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GETTING STARTED: GRID-TIED
SIZING GRID-TIED SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS
Learn the basics of sizing a grid-tied system.
GRID-TIE SOLAR SYSTEM SIZING CALCULATOR
Use this simple tool to size your grid-tied system.
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WHAT IS ANTI-ISLANDING?
Learn about this crucial feature included with every grid-tie inverter we sell.
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GETTING STARTED: OFF-GRID
WHAT'S AN OFF-GRID SOLAR SYSTEM?
Learn about the key components of an off-grid system.
OFF-GRID SOLAR SYSTEM SIZING CALCULATOR
Use our off-grid calculator to assess your future energy use and design an appropriate system.
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OFF-GRID SOLAR COST GUIDE
See the ballpark costs for various off-grid system sizes.
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LOAD EVALUATION WORKSHEET
If you prefer entering information manually, use this helpful worksheet for estimating power consumption of an off-grid home.
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SIMPLIPHI WEBINAR - LITHIUM
Watch webinar on SimpliPhi batteries.
BATTERY GENERAL INFO
Learn the basics of batteries. The key component for off-grid solar.
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WHICH BATTERIES ARE RIGHT FOR ME?
Find out how to choose your batteries.
BATTERY BANK SIZING CALCULATOR
Use our calculator to find out how many batteries you’ll need.
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HOW DO I MAKE MY BATTERIES LAST?
Read these tips for getting the most out of your battery bank. Learn how to keep your batteries alive for years and years.
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WHICH INVERTER DO I NEED?
Find out what to look for when choosing one of the most important and most complex components in your independent energy system.
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WHAT ARE CHARGE CONTROLLERS?
Learn charge controller basics. Find out how they work and why you need one.
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HOW DO MPPT CONTROLLERS WORK?
Find out about Maximum Power Point Tracking.
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SINEWAVE VS MODIFIED SINEWAVE
This is an old, but good, explanation of the differences between sinewave and modified sinewave inverters.
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