Electricity is scary. Electricity can kill you – either directly or by causing a fire. So, let’s start by saying that what you are about to read should be approached cautiously. Make sure, before applying any of these ideas that you consider the risk and proceed with caution.
What you are about to read is designed to help you get started in exploring using solar power in your life. My goal is to try to begin at the beginning; not quite at “Let there be light” but it might feel like that.
HOPEfully this will get your mind going – to get you analyzing in the way I wish I had. And I am hoping that with each step you are a bit more motivated to step into the “light.”
It is an amazing feeling to harness the energy of the sun. From the time I was a grade-school kid trying to burn leaves (or ants) using a magnifying glass I have been interested in what I could do to capture the power of that bright yellow sphere in ways that were repeatable and actually useful. But what would I do with it? How could I really use it in ways that were practical? I mean a fire-starting tool in my pocket or camping kit, seems reasonable, but that’s not really enough to justify further discussion (or your further reading). Wait, that is kinda tempting!
For the record, I’ve figured out a few uses (we’ll talk about that in other articles). But this is not about me here. Let’s talk about you. Let’s talk about why YOU might want to use solar energy besides for burning ants.
As we dive in, let’s start with the premise that you’ve been intrigued by the idea of using solar as an energy source, you are curious enough to move forward and you are not sure what to do next. If that’s you, you’re not alone.
Since I have been dabbling in this universe, several people I know have expressed their own curiosity about setting up a way to use solar power. A few have seemed to suggest that they lacked confidence to approach the concept. I totally understand that. Don’t you worry. We’ll have you thinking “Look what I can do!” in no time.
Hope This Werks is about showing you that things like solar power are more approachable than you might think. If an idiot like me can kinda make this stuff work, you can too. Sure, I had a good education – but it was in a completely different field.
There are other alternative energy sources you could consider – wind, water, biofuel, hamsters . . . we aren’t planning to cover these here, at least not as I am running around on this wheel-shaped thingy and typing this.
Philosophy of Use
Think about pocket knives for a second. People carry them to open boxes, always be prepared, for self-defense, etc. Why we do something might be based on completely different foundations. I’ve seen some people do the same thing for conservative reasons where others are doing it for liberal reasons.
Solar power draws people to it, but for several different reasons. What motivates you? What is your philosophy for why you would use solar?
To some it is the prospect of being off-grid – either at a remote location or just detached from something someone else provides (and for which they are happy to provide a periodic bill).
For some, it is a curiosity thing. Those folks are thinking “can I do it?” and “is it worth it?”
Many people love the idea of being ready for the apocalypse. To them it’s about having a self-renewing power source should zombies take over the world or . . . more simply . . . if the power goes out.
Today, a large group of people look to solar power as a way to lower their impact on the environment. That may be exciting to you.
To others, maybe just the lack of grid service (meaning utility company power) may drive the need. For instance, if you are traveling in an RV or you have a hunting camp with no available service.
The point here is not to advocate for any of these motivating concepts. Instead, I want to get you to think about what your solar-philosophy is. Before you start, determine what your end goal is. How do you picture solar power benefitting you or meeting your needs or personal goals?
Understanding your overall philosophy is going to help you right size in this next step. If you don’t know where to put yourself, that’s fine, but that’s kinda like doing a puzzle without finding all the edge pieces first – it’s possible, but . . . you crazy!
Here’s the next phase: Determining SPECIFICALLY what it is you want to do once you figure out how to hold a sunbeam in your hand.
For example, you like the idea of using solar power to survive a short grid power outage. Great idea! What does “survive” in this context mean to you? Powering a light bulb? Running your furnace, curling irons, hair dryers and televisions?
So, let’s make this a bit more practical. If you want to survive a power outage you really need to ask yourself at least two questions: (1) What do I want to power in this situation and (2) how long do I think this might last?
These questions can’t really be answered well if you have not dealt with your philosophy for using solar power.
Admittedly, there is another question you’ll need to confront: How much do you want to spend? You could argue you need to address this now and I would disagree. We’re talking about getting you excited by seeing what might be achievable.
You need to determine what your big picture idea is, move to consideration of your specific detailed goals with the two questions I have listed and then, later, modify those specifics based on what you end up seeing when we get to the cost considerations.
Further, with the declining cost of many key components for a solar set-up (I can’t say “solar system” because it makes me laugh) you may find that simply prioritizing your specific goals helps you get to your desired end-state over time. For example, you might want to build a system (tee hee) that allows for expansion – adding more batteries or panels as you can afford them.
If you are lost on this step, let’s try a few examples. You are passionate about the environment and you want to power your whole house and put some solar power back to the grid. For you, this means you are going to have to consider all the elements in your home that will need power. Your answer to the second idea of “how long” is pretty easy: the same amount of time you use the grid power every day and night.
Here’s another example. Say you are looking to mess around a little with solar. You’re keeping it simple, with a goal to power a set of security cameras around your house. But, you want to run them all the time. That’s OK. We’re just trying to get a base line for you.
Last example here: you have a camper for which you want to use solar power. You’ll need to figure out what pieces you might want to run while you are using the batteries that are charged by the solar panel. Are you running an air conditioner and a microwave? Or are you powering a fan, a few lights, maybe a charger for a laptop?
For now, don’t worry about whether your answers seem crazy. Just answer. You can always reset.
So, if it was not clear from the outset, we’re going to go slow. What is above, should be a very digestible set of initial steps for you to take. So far, you haven’t spent a dime.
In review, before I give you more to chew on, I want you to do these things:
So, think on these things. In the meantime, I’d love it if you let me know what you’re considering. Send me a comment about what you are hoping to accomplish and why.
You might even want to read about other views on getting started in solar. Try a book. I have heard Dan Chiras speak and have one of his books. Check them out on Amazon: CLICK HERE. (That is an affiliate link – so I may earn commissions but the price should be the same for you.)
We are Winnie and Duke … two “normal” people with a bunch of hobbies. If we can do it, then you can too! Let’s DIY together.
2 responses to “Getting Started In Solar – Ep. 0”
What a fun read! Thank you for sharing! Cannot wait to read more about solar!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the read! Solar is definitely a fun topic to dive into, so stay tuned – more to come soon!