This is one of the first books on solar that I personally read and it has become required reading for our employees
Off Grid Solar is a pocket guide and quick reference for anyone looking to build an electrical energy system with the free sunshine available to us all.
“The limitations to widespread solar are not centered on the cost, the efficiency, or the need for advancements in technology. The limitations are solely due to the lack of widespread knowledge on the subject.”
With that philosophy at heart, solar and battery expert Joseph P. O’Connor draws from his years of experience to craft a how-to guide needed by everyone around the world. Founder of OCON Energy Consulting, O’Connor has conducted and taught the installation/maintenance of Off Grid solar projects to people and communities as far away as the central African rainforest and right in his own backyard of Oakland, California. For anyone interested in harvesting their own solar energy completely detached from the grid, this is the book for you.
Thanks to straightforward explanations for readers of all levels, this book establishes a familiarity with the basic low cost components alongside the most innovative technologies. With this knowledge the reader can make better decisions based on their technology needs, rather than simply trusting the recommendations from others.
Need to keep costs down? How many solar panels are needed to refill the batteries? What is the best way to angle your solar panels? On projects both big and small, Joe’s got you covered.
Jim I Hart –
If you are thinking about building an off grid solar system, you are going to find this book very useful. The book is short and that’s a good thing. It clearly shows decisiveness on part of the author to include just enough material to design and build your system. Author’s real life experience can be seen in the writing. Academic books explain the physics and chemistry of batteries and solar cells. You don’t need to know how the sausage is made to enjoy the sausage.
Jim I Hart –
John B Theisen –
I especially learned a lot about lithium ion batteries, in addition to the basics required for setting up an off grid solar system. The author has a very simple writing style that makes complex technical information easy to understand. This is a useful handbook for people who are already a bit handy and understand how to build things, but who also want to be self-empowered to build their own off grid solar systems independently and need to gain clarity and understanding about all the variables on how to build such a system. If you’re looking to build your own off grid solar system, I highly recommend this book! This book gives a really helpful and easy-to-understand overview of off grid solar.
John B Theisen –
Michael G Ferguson –
This is very informative for someone like who has no knowledge of solar. I recommend this book to anyone who is really interested to know about Off Grid Solar, Photovoltaics (PV), Lead-Acid, Lithium-Ion batteries
Michael G Ferguson –
Albert S Helland –
This book describes how solar works and is really easy to understand. It is a must have if you are considering your own DIY solar project. Also, a great reference for components of solar technology.
Albert S Helland –
Richard G Lapan –
Well thought out and easy to read and understand. The author has a unique skill set and draws from some outstanding experiences. I would highly recommend.
Richard G Lapan –
Robert G Hale –
I’d recommend this book to anyone willing to get a solid understanding on designing and installing solar energy systems, good DIY guide.
Robert G Hale –
Joseph J Hilt –
Very educative book. Lots of details and examples and suggestions are given in this book, which helps a lot to understand the things. Really a good book !
Joseph J Hilt –
Walter H Ramey –
I have a PV solar system. I don’t know to how to maintain it also don’t know details about this solar panel. But This book helped me to understand what I need to know to build and maintain a healthy PV solar system. Really very this book helped me a lot !
Walter H Ramey –
Michael D Young –
A small book that will introduce you to everything you need to know for small scale. Could have had a bit more on safety, accessories and mounting but overall worth the price.
Michael D Young –
Roy B Mauk –
I’m planning on putting solar panels on top of my van before I drive across the country. I didn’t really know where to start. But this book didn’t tell what to buy, but it helped me understand why I needed the equipment. How the equipment needs to connect. Really helped me a lot ! Thanks.
Roy B Mauk –
Harvey K Arizmendi –
This is a perfect and complete Basic to advanced level book. This book looks very small but it got all the details what will you need when you’re working with solar panel & batteries. Also, those people can but it who are planning to buy solar panels. Cause it got all the important information that you will need to know before buying !
Harvey K Arizmendi –