| Do you have a remote cabin that needs power? | | | | decide you want a water system, I would |
| Don't pay outrageous amounts for a professional | | | | recommend a gravity fed system so you don't |
| solar panel system when you can build your own | | | | need to waste power on a water pump. If you |
| for 10 times cheaper. Follow these basic steps | | | | use your cottage often, you might consider a |
| and learn how to build you own homemade solar | | | | solar powered well pump that would feed to a |
| panels for under $200. | | | | tank in the attic. Solar powered water heaters are |
| 1. The first step is to calculate how much power | | | | a great option to consider as well. |
| your solar power system needs to generate. If | | | | 4. Finally, and most importantly: Don't spend |
| this is a seasonal/weekend cabin, 400-500 watts | | | | thousands on a professional system! You can |
| should be enough. If you don't have enough | | | | learn to build your own solar panels for under |
| upfront cash to get a system this big all at once, | | | | $200. Don't get suckered into spending 10 times |
| don't worry. Once you get the basic infrastructure | | | | that. You may be thinking: "But I don't know how |
| built, you can just add panels to increase your | | | | to build a solar panel. That sounds complicated!" |
| wattage. | | | | It's not as tricky as you might think... |
| 2. Now you will want to decide what major | | | | There are tons of guides and e-books out there |
| appliances you need. Newer appliances are much | | | | that will teach you how to build your own solar |
| more efficient, so if possible use newer models. | | | | panels, but which ones are worth your money? |
| Don't be afraid to scale down, this is a cabin we're | | | | You'll want to get a guide that has detailed |
| talking about here. A brand new mini-fridge is a | | | | step-by-step instructions. The more pictures and |
| much better option than a 30 year old full-size | | | | diagrams the better. Consider a guide that includes |
| fridge. | | | | videos if you're more of a visual learner. |
| 3. Consider if a water system is necessary. If you | | | | |