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.
Build Guides
Step-by-step project walkthroughs with photos from actual builds — van solar, off-grid cabins, DIY powerwalls, and more.
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.
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.
Build Guides beginner
Getting Started with DIY Solar: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know before building your first DIY solar system — from panel selection to battery sizing. Save $5,000+ vs. professional install.
Build Guides advanced
Grid-Tied Solar with Battery Backup: What You Need to Know
How hybrid solar systems work, what they cost, and where DIY ends and an electrician begins. Real costs from a running system in Rhode Island.
Build Guides intermediate
How to Size and Install an MPPT Charge Controller
Step-by-step guide to sizing, installing, and programming an MPPT charge controller — cold-weather Voc math and LiFePO4 settings included.
Build Guides intermediate
DIY Solar for Your RV or Van: A Complete Build Guide
Plan and install a mobile solar system for your van or RV — panel selection, battery sizing, wiring, and shore power integration. Full Transit build example.
Build Guides beginner
Solar Panel Wiring: Series vs Parallel vs Series-Parallel Explained
When to wire solar panels in series, parallel, or series-parallel — with real voltage/current math and shade impact analysis for MPPT systems.