Power generation, Solar Power Projects
Generating Springtime Solar Power for the Cabin
Generating Springtime Solar Power (2013) The solar panels were collecting just a bit of electricity from the sun on the Easter Weekend. The sun is still low in the sky and in the tree line. I’m running a 12 volt system with four 6 volt deep cycle batteries. So, with my rig, the amount of sun and […]
12 volt, alternative energy, cedar workshop blog, charge controller, deep cycle, easter, making power, mppt, solar panel. solar, solar power, upgrade
Other, Power generation, Solar Power Projects
Do-It-Yourself Solar Panels
This an updated video about a series of DIY solar panels made 3 years ago. It consists of a material list, still images and a few short videos. It’s more of a rough guide. In total, I have completed four DIY solar panels for an off grid system. The main reason was I couldn’t afford a new […]
DIY solar panels, make solar panels, solar energy, solar panels
Power generation, Wind Turbine Projects
Build a Wind Turbine from a Cordless Drill/Driver
The goal was to build a wind powered generator from a cordless drill. It could be used to charge up a battery. The battery could then be hooked up to a light bulb from a car or a string of LED lights. Handy for a shed, outbuilding, pump house, boat, small room or workshop. The video […]
charge battery, cordless drill, cordless drill wind turbine, live off grid
Power generation, Wind Turbine Projects
VAWT Made From Wood Siding
This video and blog post is about a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) made from mostly a wood called Western Red Cedar. It has contains images from the first attempt 2 years ago and video update of of the second attempt with modified blades/airfoils. It’s a fun project to work on, especially when it’s in your living […]
make a wind turbine, vawt, vertical axis wind turbine, wood siding
Power generation, Wind Turbine Projects
Garage Door Motor Converted to Produce Electricity
Due to chilly weather, there’s been a gap since the last video. So, I decided to answer a viewers question and do a step-by-step about converting a regular AC motor to a generator. The motor in this video was from a 1/3 HP garage door opener. Someone left it next to a municipal garbage can, expecting […]
door, drill press, garage, garage door motor, gears, magnets, N 42 rare earth, plastic worm drive, rare earth magnets, recycle, shaft, stator
Power generation, Solar Power Projects
EVA or or Sylgard 184 for DIY Solar Panels Encapsulation
The following article was based on my experience and may not have the same results on your location. Two Coats of Sylgard 184 Sylgard 184 used for a 80-watt panel. See how transparent it is. Only a few air bubbles. I’ve used EVA film and Sylgard 184 encapsulate for DIY Solar Panels EVA– $20/yard For a 24″ x 48″ […]
60-watt, 8o-watt, diy, encapsulation, how to, solar, solar panels, Sylgard, Sylgard 184
Power generation, Solar Power Projects, Woodworking
Roof Top Solar Panel Mount Made from Scrap Cedar Lumber
After finishing the four DIY solar panels, I wanted a quick mount for the the top of the cabin roof. The idea location was to mount it to the water barrels on the roof. The plan was to aim the panels to the south (and through a gap in the trees). As usual, my choice […]