Solar

Photovoltaic solar panels are one of the easiest renewable energy sources to use. You can mount them on your rooftop, if your cabin or house predominantly gets sunlight on one side, or you can set up a solar array rack in the yard, to allow you to aim the panels more accurately for maximum solar exposure. You could even set up a portable solar array to use with your RV or tiny house.

Once mounted, you’ll need to wire the solar panel (or array) to a solar charge controller, and then the controller needs to be wired to a battery bank. The basics of the solar power system are that simple. The solar panels produce electricity, and the solar controller charges the battery bank with that power. Your household power needs are drawn off the battery bank, either directly (if you have a DC electrical system), or through a power inverter (if you have a standard 120V AC electrical system).