Issue #042, July 24, 2012

Build a Solar Generator for $300 or Less

The ice on the tree limbs were half an inch thick or more in some places, so it was no surprise to my brother, Rick Green, when a falling branch landed on his power line, cutting him off from power. A call to his local power company confirmed the worst; utility workers were overwhelmed with fallen branches and downed power lines, and it would be an estimated two weeks before he would again have power at his place.

But Rick didn't despair, nor did he move into a motel. My brother has been an electrician for 25 years, and a few years ago he used those skills to build his own solar powered generator, providing him with enough electricity during those two weeks to run a lamp, a television set and the chargers for his cell phone and lap top every evening.

Had he wanted, he could have installed enough solar panels to run all of his appliances and even the well pumping water to his rural home. The sky is virtually the limit when it comes to solar power. A one-time investment of a solar panel, inverter, charge controller and battery will enable you to whittle away at your electric bill for years, saving you enough money over time to invest in more solar panels and eventually go off the grid completely.

But ready-made solar powered generators are costly, often starting at $1,000 or more. Fortunately, with my brother's knowledge, you can easily build a solar powered generator for $300 or less. That's why Rick and I have teamed up to write Build Your Own Solar Powered Generator, a new ebook we have available on Kindle, in pdf form and also available on other reading devices. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to build your own solar powered generator for $300 or less.

So what do you need to build a solar powered generator? Here's the basic equipment you need:

• Solar Panel (available from Amazon and also eBay)
• Inverter and Charge Controller (both available from Amazon and also Wal Mart)
• 14 gauge wire (available from Home Depot or Lowes)
• Hurricane straps (available in many hardware stores)
• Shelf bracket (also available in hardware stores)
• Bolts and washers
• Power Drill
• A few simple tools

With this guide and a few pieces of equipment, you will have peace of mind should the lights go out, and you can even break free from the power grid altogether.

Ready to learn more? Click here.

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And as always, happy homesteading!

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