Saturday, April 28, 2012

Earth4Energy Review

Earth4Energy is a complete training package for planning, constructing, and installing solar energy systems. Overall, the instruction provided is clear and comprehensive. If you follow the instructions, you will have a fully functional solar energy system for a fraction of the cost of a professionally installed system.
Earth4Energy is a top DIY solar training on the market. It was the first comprehensive DIY solar product and consists of a mature set of training materials well worth the $49 price tag.  The videos alone are worth the full price, as they clearly demonstrate the step-by-step building of the system.

The components of the training kit include:

  • 8 How-to videos covering:
    • Electrical fundamentals
    • Solar power systems, comprehensive overview
    • Tools required for building the panel
    • How to build it
    • Sizing a solar power system
    • Connecting a solar panel system to the grid
  • 1 manual to accompany the videos
  • 1 US Dept of Energy Consumer’s Guide to Solar Energy
  • 1 sample guidelines for residential/commercial solar energy system installation
  • 1 compiled manual containing detailed electrical info relevant to solar power systems

Cons:

  • Structural approach is less durable than GreenDIYEnergy’s.
  • Videos are professionally produced, but with voiceover that comes off as artificial.
  • No energy audit system is provided.
  • No mention of limitations of the homemade system versus manufactured system.
  • Manual is poorly illustrated.
  • High stress environments are not addressed.

Pros:

  • Video demonstrating each step is quite detailed and worth the full price alone.
  • Manuals are clear, complete, and more than enough to help you properly size, install, and handle regulatory issues
  • Instruction provides training that will enable the user to not only build the solar energy system, but also repair it should any part become damaged.






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