The book is done. Many separate edit passes, including trying to get the (many!) photographs to stay the hell where they belong, all complete. Exported to .pdf before the document changed its mind. Doesn’t look bad, if I do say so myself.
Knowing his dysfunctional friend Joel as he does, Ian has volunteered to do the additions to the blog before I get intimidated and procrastinate for another six months or so. So the book(let) should be available within the next few days or a week.
The book contains:
Basic introduction to solar power systems, with what’s required
Description of the Lair’s first and very ugly power system
Run-down on the numerous reasons it failed to satisfy
Discussion of whether solar is even a good option, where and why
Description of the Lair’s current power system, with components, where and how I got them, and a few pics of the installation
“Doing it right” sections on certain technical aspects that can be done better if you aren’t me
Basic information on wiring different battery combinations together, a matter I found confusing
A warning on hiring professionals, complete with horror story
Description of a really cool specialty application
Descriptions of four local solar power systems, on a larger (i.e. more normal) scale. Regular TUAK readers will recognize these people. This section threatened to take over the book, because everybody wanted to be in it
Conclusion: If I can do it, you certainly can.
The book is brief, only 40 pages. It is not, repeat not, a technical manual. It will not walk you through all the steps for specing and installing a solar power system. It’s just the illustrated story, written in my usual manner, of how a crazy old guy with no money or knowledge tried to build his own off-grid solar power system, and finally succeeded.
About Joel
You shouldn't ask these questions of a paranoid recluse, you know.
Cool!
May have mentioned your book on another site , for people with an urge to build a small solar system , hope you get some sales . Might have also said read the archives . Your a damn good writer and I’m in envy of your lifestyle . Wish I could do it .
Yep, definitely have to get it. I’ve been interested in solar-assist for some time. I figure if you can build & maintain it with one original-issue & one store-bought leg, I ought to be able to do it with a leg held together with plates & screws. It might help that I’ve got a (long-unused) electronics degree & experience: just have to remember all the things I think I’ve forgotten, but are probably still there. Bravo Zulu, Joel!