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If you want to introduce alternative power supplies around the home and garden or even live totally off-grid in your boat, caravan or yurt and need a practical introduction to solar power and 12-volt supplies, here is an essential guide to the subject. Not only will it save you money, it will show you how to run your lights, laptop, DVDs and music, and even your tools and household products, from a simple 12-volt system. Be in control of more of your home's own energy supply, develop a low-impact way of living and be prepared for power cuts and for power-down situations in the future! Do It Yourself 12 Volt Solar Power begins with a lesson on how electricity works and the main components of a DIY solar system. The author uses clear diagrams and terms. There is, of course, more technical information as the book progresses, but don't worry, this no-nonsense guide provides a useful, back-to-basics approach for the layperson. This is a reference book that will help you troubleshoot and get the best value for money from what you can find hidden in the back of the garage. Quirky and humorous, it also shows you how to make a sun-following system using just a bicycle wheel, a pallet and the motor from a CD player.
Michel Daniek was born in 1964 in Germany. On reaching 30 he found himself totally dissatisfied with the German way of life. He bought himself a truck and left in search of other ways to live. During his travels, Michel experimented with a small solar system in his truck and ever since has used solar energy in his day-to-day life. In 1997 he finally settled in a new home in an alternative village in the sunny south of Spain. He is now married and has two daughters, and works in many different ecological and sustainable projects all around Orgiva.
This book is unique. As far as I know no-one else has collected together a full range of the techniques you can use to live happily off the grid with solar electricity. At present it's mostly relevant to travellers and people living beyond the reach of the mains, but the day when it becomes important for all of us may be nearer than we think. Patrick Whitefield, author of the Earth Care Manual
