DIY Solar Electricity

  A DIY SOLAR TORCH/CHARGER

  The photo opposite shows a small simple solar unit which

  can be made by anyone using parts we send out across

  the world. If mounted on ply you have a simple torch!

 

  It costs about $5 (ignoring postage) and will power

  a small radio as well as the WLED.

  A similar pv panel can charge a mobile phone.

 

  THE DIY SOLAR TECHNIQUE

  By showing people how to make simple small pv panels

  that they can use to power radios and charge rechargeable

  cells thus avoiding the need for expensive control devices

  as well as minimising the cost.

  Our efforts are aimed at helping the poor in developing countries, the many millions without

  any electricity.

 

 

 

  We are now supplying mini polycrystalline modules which are very useful for many types of

  project such as charging car batteries for powering lights etc.

  The main advantage over solar plate is that postage costs are quite small in comparison with

  solar 'glass' which is both heavier and more fragile. See Best DIY Solar Technique page.

 

  We also now supply Li-ion batteries instead of NiCd/MH for most applications as they have

  several advantages.

 

 

SMALL ENTERPRISES

  This pv technique allows individuals, NGOs and those starting a small business to make and use small

  pv panels and is often ideal for income-creation.

 

  Other pv solar projects are run by the NGO Solar Aid using the DIY Solar technique.

  Visit www.solar-aid.org where you can find an excellent video showing the pv technique in use in Africa.

  A series of US professional videos of simple PV training is found at

   http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/ssh.html

  SUPPLIES

  We supply small amounts of pv plate and components from the UK but for large projects we offer to

  arrange the supply pv modules or 10+ watt plates from pv plate factories found in only a few

  countries.

  More details of pv projects are found in the PV Projects pages.

  If you hope to start a DIY Solar project in a country not listed, we can probably send you a list

  of contacts in that country!

 

  SPECIAL PROJECTS

  We also provide information about DIY solar cookers and indoor mosquito control.

  Nous fournissons des renseigements en francais sur la technique DIY Solar quand on

  nous contacte à biodes@bigfoot.com

  Voir webpage 'en francais' et Project Kinshasa.

   

  Updated May 2008