With high energy costs and a warming planet that needs cleaner fuel sources, the time has never been better to get involved with solar energy. And you don't need to spend $50,000 to coat your house with an array of panels to participate. This book includes projects that you can make and install to begin creating your own solar lifestyle. From a simple solar oven that can cook a roast in a couple of hours to a standalone solar water heater, this book provides instructions for sun-powered equipment you can make and install on your own. You'll see how to mount small photovoltaic panels on a roof, bring power to lights in a remote shed or garage, and create a solar still that purifies water without consuming power. A wood kiln, a battery charging station, and supplementary heat sources for your home are just a few of the other projects in this book.

Introduction. A look into the future -- Solar electricity. The solar-powered home -- Assembling a solar electric system -- Mounting solar panels -- Stand alone solar light system -- Solar-powered security light -- Solar heat. Collecting the heat of the sun -- Solar oven -- Solar water heaters -- Solar hot air collector, window mount -- Hot air collector, roof mount -- Solar still -- Solar lumber kiln.