Welcome to the Ben's Off-Grid Podcast Episode #1
Today our hosts Ray Wattson and Sunny Joules review the book Off-Grid Solar Power for Beginners by Tashi Tsenkyap. The book has been out for a few years but it's still a 100% relevant to learning about the basic components, basic computations and how the components work together. Visit the DIY Solar Power page while you listen to see the components that are being discussed or click on the links in the transcript below. The links will open in a new window so you won't lose your place. Thanks for listening!
Transcript:
Huge thanks to BensDeals.com for sponsoring this deep dive.
They're awesome.
If you're like even a little bit curious
about off-grid living, you've got to check them out.
They're all about helping people power,
well, anything off-grid, like think fridges, water pumps,
even medical devices.
They can help you power it all with solar.
So visit BensDeals.com or call 1-800-771-7702.
We'll put the link in the description too.
So today we're diving deep
into off-grid solar power for beginners.
We'll be using the complete off-grid solar power
for beginners by Tashi Tsenkyap as our guide.
We're basically exploring, you know,
generating your own electricity,
becoming less reliant on the grid,
maybe even making your home more sustainable.
What are your initial thoughts on this?
The book really focuses on the why behind off-grid living.
It goes beyond just the practical steps.
It's more about a whole new way of thinking about energy.
Yeah, that's a great point.
It does seem like there's a real mindset shift
when you start generating your own power,
but let's check the practical side.
Why would someone choose this lifestyle?
What are the benefits?
Well, the book frames solar power as a solid investment,
especially with energy costs rising.
Plus going solar can actually increase your home value.
So you could cut your energy bills
and increase your property value.
It's a win-win.
Yeah, that's a pretty compelling argument.
I've definitely noticed those rising energy bills.
Yeah.
But besides the financial aspect,
is there also a sense of freedom
that comes with being off-grid?
Definitely.
No more power outages or price hikes.
You're in control.
You're generating clean energy
and minimizing your environmental impact.
And the book emphasizes that you can scale these systems too.
You can power one device or multiple buildings.
So whether you're thinking tiny house or a full-on homestead,
off-grid solar could work, but let's break it down.
How do these systems actually work?
The book breaks down the system into key components,
starting with the solar panels.
And you even have the option of building your own.
Building your own solar panels,
how realistic is that for a beginner?
It's definitely doable and the book walks you through it.
Of course, you can also buy pre-made panels if you prefer.
Then you have the solar array disconnect.
It's basically a safety switch to cut off power.
That's important.
Safety is key, especially when dealing with electricity.
So we've got the panels generating power,
but then what happens?
How do you store the energy?
Right, so that's where
the battery charge controller comes in.
It manages the flow of electricity to deep cycle batteries
and it makes sure they charge safely and efficiently.
The book even has tips
on finding these batteries affordably.
You don't necessarily have to buy new.
I like cost-effective solutions.
So we have panels and batteries, what else?
You'll also need a system power meter
that monitors your energy production
and a solar power inverter to change the DC power
from the panels into usable AC power
and backup power sources,
like a generator or wind turbine for emergencies.
So it's a multi-layered system, but it seems manageable.
I imagine your location plays a big role
in how effective it is, right?
Like what if you don't get a lot of sun?
You're absolutely right.
The book dedicates a whole section
to evaluating your solar potential.
It depends on your location and climate.
Sunlight hours are key, of course,
but there's more to it.
Snowfall, cloud cover,
even smog and air density play a role.
Wow, I wouldn't have thought about some of those things.
So how do you even assess all of that?
Well, the book teaches you how to create sun charts
to track sunlight patterns.
It even suggests using tools like the solar pathfinder
and explains how to optimize panel placement
based on things like sunlight intensity
and collector cross-sections.
Okay, collector cross-section.
That sounds pretty technical. What is that?
Imagine holding up a piece of paper to the sun.
The angle of the sun and how much of the paper is lit up
determines how much energy you capture.
That's basically a collector cross-section.
You want to position the panels for maximum exposure.
So the angle and position
are super important for efficiency.
Exactly.
It's like finding the sweet spot to soak up that energy.
All of this makes me think about my own house and yard.
It's a lot to consider, but it's also really fascinating.
That's the cool thing about this book.
It breaks these complex ideas down into manageable pieces
and it also dives into the financial side.
Let's talk money then.
Is going solar really financially beneficial?
I know it can lower energy bills,
but what about the upfront cost of setting up the system?
It's a good question.
The book makes a good case for the financial benefits.
Saving on utility bills is a big one, of course,
but there's also the possibility
of selling excess energy back to the grid
through net metering.
Imagine getting paid by the power company.
Wait, you can get paid by the power company?
I had no idea.
Yeah, it's becoming more common.
Plus there are tax deductions and incentives
for going solar,
which can really offset those initial costs.
The book even gives a real world example
of a family that installed a solar hot water system
and got a substantial tax refund the first year.
Wow, that's incredible.
So you can potentially save money, make money,
and reduce your impact.
That sounds like a pretty great deal.
It does, right.
And we haven't even touched on the self-sufficiency
and control over your energy that comes with it.
This is starting to sound really appealing,
but I'm curious about the design process.
How do you figure out what size system you need
and what parts to choose?
Is it complicated?
The book actually outlines three different approaches
to system design.
Each one caters to different experience levels.
There's the quick method.
It's a rule of thumb approach, ideal for beginners.
Then there's the lazy method,
where you choose from pre-calculated systems
based on your needs.
It's almost like a plug and play option.
And finally, the traditional method.
Okay, those sound interesting.
What's involved in the traditional method?
Is that the most accurate one?
It's considered the most accurate
because you manually calculate every aspect
of the system size,
but it is also the most involved.
So it's like choosing your own adventure
based on how deep you want to dive.
Tell me more about this traditional method.
What are the main steps involved?
Well, it comes down to a few key calculations.
First, you need to determine your daily load,
which is basically how much electricity you use per day.
This involves looking at all the devices
and appliances you use.
So you're adding up all the energy demands in your house.
That sounds pretty straightforward.
It is.
Then, based on your daily load,
you calculate the size of your battery bank.
You need enough capacity to power everything,
even when the sun isn't shining.
Of course you have to plan for those cloudy days and nights.
What's next?
Next, you figure out how many solar panels you need.
To charge those batteries effectively,
it's all about finding the right balance
between energy generation and storage.
It sounds like a delicate balancing act,
but also a really empowering one.
You're basically creating your own power plant.
Exactly.
And finally, you size the solar charge controller
based on the size of your solar array,
making sure all the components work together.
So it's like a puzzle, but a really cool puzzle.
That can power your whole life.
I like that analogy.
And the book provides clear guidance,
even if you're not a math whiz.
This is making off-grid solar power
seem a lot more doable than I thought.
It's starting to feel like something I could actually do.
That's the spirit.
And that's one of the best things about this book.
It empowers readers with the knowledge to explore this path.
Honestly, the idea of selling energy
back to the grid blew my mind.
I'm really intrigued by that.
But before we get into that,
let's look at an example of a load calculation from the book,
just to give our listeners a real-world sense
of how this works.
What do you think?
Sounds good.
Let's take a look at the example of a small cabin
with modest energy needs.
Okay, so the cabin uses a 60 watt LED light strip
for four hours a day.
So that's 240 watt hours total.
Then there's a 70 watt refrigerator.
It runs for about four hours a day,
even though it's plugged in all the time.
So it's another 280 watt hours.
And finally, a 300 watt laptop for three hours a day
adds up to 900 watt hours.
So to get the total daily energy use,
you just add all those watt hours together.
It seems almost too easy.
It really is that simple in this case.
The total daily consumption for this cabin
is 1,420 watt hours.
Got it.
That makes sense.
But what if an appliance doesn't list the wattage?
How do you include that in the calculation?
That's where it gets a little trickier.
The book suggests some workarounds.
If you can find the amperage and voltage,
you can multiply those to find the wattage.
Remember amps times volts equals watts.
Oh, right.
I remember that from earlier.
So even if the appliance doesn't say the wattage,
you can usually figure it out.
Exactly.
And for things you don't use as often,
like maybe a blender or a vacuum,
the book says to estimate how long you use them
and add that to your calculations.
It's all about getting a realistic picture
of how much energy you're actually using.
Yeah, it sounds like there's a bit of an art to it,
even though you're using formulas.
But the book seems to give you the tools
for a solid estimate.
Definitely.
And once you've got your daily load figured out,
you can move on to the battery bank size.
That's a core part of your off-grid system.
Okay, let's get into batteries then.
The book mentions deep cycle batteries.
What makes those different from normal car batteries?
Can't you just use those?
That's an important question.
Deep cycle batteries are made for frequent draining
and recharging.
Think of it this way.
A car battery is like a sprinter.
It gives a short burst of energy to start the engine.
But a deep cycle battery is like a marathon runner,
providing steady power over a longer time.
Okay, I get it now.
Deep cycle batteries can handle being drained
and recharged over and over,
which is exactly what you need with solar.
Exactly.
And the book actually goes into detail
about the different types,
lead acid, AGM, and lithium ion.
They each have their pros and cons.
So many options.
What should people consider
when choosing batteries for their system?
Well, it depends on their individual needs
and their budget.
Lead acid is the cheapest.
But it needs more maintenance and doesn't last as long.
Compared to AGM or lithium ion,
AGM batteries are maintenance-free and tougher,
but they cost more.
So it's the classic trade-off of cost versus performance.
Yeah, exactly.
And then you have lithium ion.
It offers the best performance overall,
like efficiency, lifespan, and weight.
But it's the priciest option.
It's a bit like choosing a car.
Do you want the basic model, a reliable sedan,
or a high-performance sports car?
I like that analogy.
Figuring out your driving style's key,
or in this case, your energy needs and habits.
It goes back to that initial load calculation.
Absolutely.
The book actually has formulas
to help you calculate the battery bank size,
you look at your daily load,
and also how many days of autonomy you want,
meaning how many days you want the system to run
without any sunlight.
Days of autonomy.
That's a good point.
Gotta plan for those cloudy stretches.
Exactly.
You need enough battery storage
to cover those days when the sun isn't cooperating.
So we've talked about panels collecting energy
and batteries storing it,
but how do we actually use that power
to run our appliances and devices?
That's where the solar charge controller comes in.
Think of it like the brain of your off-grid system.
It manages everything between the panels and the batteries,
making sure the charging process is smooth and safe.
So it prevents the batteries from getting overloaded,
kind of like a safety valve.
Yeah, exactly.
Overcharging can really damage your batteries
and shorten their lifespan.
The charge controller basically protects your investment.
And I bet it optimizes the charging process too
to get the most out of your panels.
You got it.
It's all about efficiency.
The book actually talks about two main types
of solar charge controllers, PWM and MPPT.
I remember seeing those terms.
What's the difference between them?
Is one better than the other?
Well, PWM stands for pulse width modulation.
It's like a simple on and off switch.
MPPT2 or maximum PowerPoint tracking is more sophisticated.
It continuously adjusts to pull the most power
from your panels.
Think of it as a fine tuned instrument.
It's getting every bit of energy it can from those photons.
MPPT sounds way more efficient,
but I'm guessing it's also more expensive.
It is, you're right.
MPPT controllers are pricier than PWM,
but they often make up for it with better performance,
especially if you live somewhere
that doesn't get perfect sunshine all the time.
So if you're serious about off-grid solar,
an MPPT controller is probably worth the extra cost.
I'd say so, it's a good long-term investment.
Okay, so we have our panels, batteries and charge controller.
What's the missing piece?
How do we actually use this solar power
to run our everyday stuff?
That's where the inverter comes in.
It converts the DC electricity from your batteries
into AC electricity,
which is what most household appliances run on.
Ah, so it's like the translator
between the solar system and our gadgets.
Precisely.
And there are a couple of things to think about
when choosing an inverter.
First, the wattage.
It needs to handle the total power draw
of everything you might use at the same time.
So if I'm running the blender
and the washing machine at the same time,
I'd need a pretty powerful inverter.
Exactly, you don't wanna overload it.
The other important factor
is the waveform the inverter makes.
There's modified sine wave and pure sine wave.
Wave forms, things are getting technical now.
Ha ha, think of it as the shape of the electricity.
Modified sine wave is cheaper,
but it's not the best for sensitive electronics,
like computers or medical equipment.
So you'd need a pure sine wave inverter for those.
Is that the best kind?
It is, it's the gold standard.
Pure sine wave makes electricity.
That's almost identical to what comes from the grid,
so it's safe even for your most delicate devices.
Okay, that makes sense.
So pure sine wave for sensitive things,
but modified sine wave might be fine for other appliances.
Exactly, and the book actually goes into detail
about both types.
So you can make the right choice for your setup.
This is a lot of information to digest,
but it's really exciting stuff.
We've covered panels, batteries,
charge controllers, and inverters.
Is there anything else we need to know
before we actually start setting up a system?
Well, those are the main parts,
but the book does dive deeper into details
like sizing your cables, choosing the right fuses,
and grounding.
Those are all important for safety
and for the system to work right.
You're right, safety is paramount.
Absolutely, and the book gives you
step-by-step instructions to help you create a system
that's safe and reliable.
This book really sounds comprehensive.
I'm impressed with how detailed it is.
It's a great resource for anyone interested
in off-grid solar.
I agree, it's a great resource.
I think the key takeaway is that off-grid solar power
is achievable.
It's a path towards energy independence
and a more sustainable way of life.
You know, that's a good point.
And it's not just for survivalists or tech experts.
With the right information, it can be an option for anyone.
Speaking of other options,
the book also talks about additional power sources
you can add to an off-grid system, right?
What are those?
Yeah, that's right.
It covers things like wind turbines and generators,
even shore power, so you can charge your batteries
from a grid connection if you need to.
It's all about having options and backup plans.
You don't have to completely disconnect from the grid
if you don't want to.
I see, so it's about having a backup for your backup.
What stood out to you about these additional power sources?
What I find fascinating is how they can work together.
You can mix solar and wind power
or have a generator as a backup.
For those times when the sun isn't shining
and the wind isn't blowing,
it's a really robust way
to make sure you always have power.
It's like designing your own little energy ecosystem.
Exactly, you can tailor the system
to your exact needs and location.
That's really cool.
And the book gives you advice on how to pick
and set up these extra power sources.
It does, it walks you through it step by step.
You know, this is making me wonder,
could you theoretically power a whole house off-grid
using a combination of these renewable sources?
Is that even possible?
That's a great question, and it definitely is possible.
It takes careful planning and calculations,
but it can be done.
That's amazing.
It sounds like there's so many possibilities.
We've only just scratched the surface
of everything in this book.
It covers everything from designing and choosing parts
to installation and maintenance.
It really is a roadmap to energy independence
filled with practical advice and inspiring examples.
Before we wrap up this part of our deep dive,
let's give another shout out to our sponsor,
BensDeals.com.
They are an amazing resource for all things off-grid.
Absolutely, whether you're just getting started with solar
or you're already a pro,
BensDeals.com has got you covered.
They're passionate about off-grid living,
and they want to help people achieve their energy goals.
I definitely encourage everyone listening
to check out their website,
or give them a call at 1-800-771-7702.
We'll also put a link in the description.
They have everything from individual parts
to complete systems,
and they can help you find the perfect setup for your needs.
All right, so we've talked about the reasons
for going off-grid.
We've explored the essential parts of a solar power system,
learned how to evaluate your solar potential,
and even touched on the financial benefits.
What's next on our solar adventure?
Let's move on to the exciting part, installation.
The book goes into a lot of detail
about the hands-on process of putting it all together.
All right, things are about to get real.
I'm ready to roll up my sleeves.
That's the spirit.
The book walks you through each step,
from mounting the panels to wiring everything up
so you can have a safe and successful installation.
Sounds like a great chance
to put all this knowledge into action.
It is, and if you're feeling really ambitious,
the book even has a chapter on DIY solar power setups
with tips and tricks for building your own panels
and systems from scratch.
Hold on, we can build our own solar panels.
It's incredible.
It's true.
The book has detailed instructions and diagrams,
so it's a pretty manageable project
if you're comfortable with a bit of DIY.
I'm definitely interested in that.
It's like taking energy independence to the next level.
Exactly, plus you can save a lot of money
compared to buying a pre-made system.
I can see why they call it
the complete off-grid solar power for beginners.
It seems like it covers absolutely everything,
from the basics to advanced DIY projects.
It does.
It gives readers the knowledge and skills
to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.
This deep dive has been really eye-opening.
I bet our listeners are excited
to hear more about installation.
Me too.
Let's jump into those details
and empower our listeners to take that next step
towards energy independence.
It feels like we're on the cusp of something big,
with off-grid living and solar power becoming more popular.
Yeah, it's exciting.
It's amazing to see how accessible and affordable
this technology is becoming.
It's not just a new thing anymore.
It's a genuine solution for people
who want to save money on their energy bills
and reduce their impact on the environment
and just have more control over their lives.
Exactly, and this book,
The Complete Off-Grid Solar Power for Beginners,
really is the perfect guide
for anyone who wants to get started.
It's empowering to know that we can all learn
how to use the sun's energy.
It really does make it all seem less mysterious.
It takes you through it step by step,
from the basic concepts to actually setting up
and maintaining your own system.
And speaking of setting it all up,
what does the book say about the installation process?
Is it something most people can do themselves
or do you need special skills?
It does a great job of breaking it down
into manageable steps.
It covers everything from mounting the panels
to wiring the system safely,
and it even has clear diagrams and illustrations.
So you can be sure you're doing it right.
So it's like having a teacher right there with you.
Exactly, and what's really cool is that
there's a whole chapter on DIY solar setups.
It goes into detail about building your own panels
and systems from scratch.
You're kidding.
You mean you can actually build your own solar panels?
That sounds so complicated.
It is a bit more advanced,
but the book makes it surprisingly doable.
It has step-by-step instructions and diagrams,
and it really stresses safety throughout.
It even tells you where to get the materials and tools.
Wow, that's incredible.
It's like the ultimate level of energy independence.
You're not just using solar, you're making it yourself.
Exactly, it's a really empowering feeling,
and it can save you a lot of money
compared to buying a pre-made system.
Right, that makes sense.
But even if you're not ready to build it all yourself,
the book still has everything you need to choose
and install the pre-built system.
Absolutely, it guides you through
the different types of systems, the parts you'll need,
and all the things to think about
when you're choosing the right setup
for your situation and your budget.
It's amazing how much information
is packed into this book.
It's like a complete guide to off-grid solar power.
It is, and I think the most important message it sends
is that off-grid living is a real possibility.
It's not just a dream,
it's something you can actually achieve
with the right information and the right motivation.
I agree, and it's not even just about saving money
or helping the environment, it's about freedom.
It's about self-reliance and being prepared for anything.
It's about taking charge of your own energy.
That's a great way to put it.
It's about building a more sustainable
and fulfilling way of life.
Well said.
Before we wrap up our deep dive today,
I wanna thank our sponsor one more time, BensDeals.com.
They are an amazing resource for all your off-grid needs,
and they are truly dedicated
to helping people switch to solar power.
Definitely.
Be sure to visit their website
or give them a call at 1-800-771-7702.
They have everything you need
to start your own off-grid journey.
And as we close out this episode,
we wanna leave you with something to think about.
Could using the power of the fun
be your path to a brighter future,
a future where you're more independent and more in control?
Keep exploring, keep learning, and let's all shine bright.
That's a great note to end on.
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive
into off-grid solar power.
We hope you found it informative and inspiring,
and we hope you'll join us again next time
for another deep dive into a fascinating topic.
Until then, keep those solar panels shining.
Here's a link to download the book discussed in today's podcast: https://oceanofpdf.com/authors/tashi-tsenkyap/pdf-epub-the-complete-off-grid-solar-power-beginners-download/
Leave a comment (all fields required)