Build Guides beginner
How to Size a Solar Battery Bank: LiFePO4 Sizing Guide
Size a LiFePO4 solar battery bank correctly: formula, worked examples for 2, 5, and 20 kWh/day loads, DoD, inverter efficiency, and voltage choice.
Real builds. Real data.
Real solar.
DIY solar guides from someone who powers his home with solar. Honest equipment reviews, free sizing tools, and step-by-step build walkthroughs.
What We Cover
🔧
Build Guides
Step-by-step project walkthroughs with photos from actual builds — van solar, off-grid cabins, DIY powerwalls, and more.
🔬
Reviews & Testing
Honest product reviews backed by real measurement data. Panels, batteries, inverters, and charge controllers tested in the field.
📐
Technical Reference
Wire gauge charts, NEC code requirements, battery configurations, fuse sizing, and other evergreen reference material.
🔍
Troubleshooting
Inverter error codes, diagnostic flowcharts, and fix-it guides for common solar system problems.
Latest Articles
View all → 
Build Guides intermediate
Off-Grid Solar System Sizing: Complete Cabin & Homestead Guide
Size an off-grid cabin or homestead solar system step by step using worst-month sun hours, 3-5 day autonomy, and a real 0.70 derate factor.
Build Guides beginner
How to Size Solar Panels for Your Home: Complete DIY Guide
Size your solar panel array in minutes using the PVWatts 14.08% loss model, peak sun hours, and real 2026 component prices — 3 worked examples.
Technical Reference
Solar Fuses and Breakers: NEC Overcurrent Protection Guide
NEC 690.8/690.9 overcurrent protection explained: the 156% sizing rule, Class T fuses, MRBF, DC breakers, and fuse sizes for every part of a DIY solar system.
Reviews & Testing intermediate
Best All-in-One Solar Inverters 2026: Hybrid Inverter Review
Six hybrid inverters compared: EG4 6000XP at $1,500 beats Sol-Ark 15K and Victron on value for most DIY solar builders in 2026.
Build Guides intermediate
How to Build a DIY LiFePO4 Battery Bank: Complete Guide
Step-by-step guide to building a LiFePO4 battery bank for solar — cell selection, BMS wiring, fusing, and safety. Save 30-50% over pre-built batteries.
Built by a Solar Homeowner
I use solar to power a large part of my home, drive two EVs, and have hands-on experience with panels, batteries, inverters, and system design. Every guide is based on real experience, every review uses real measurements, and every tool is one I'd use myself.
Tested
Real equipment, real measurements, real data.
Practical
Step-by-step builds you can follow this weekend.
Independent
Not funded by manufacturers. We buy what we test.