The solar energy conversation is buzzing with the introduction ofTesla’s solar roofing tiles. But you don’t need to buy a $50,000 solar roof to clean up your energy footprint.
There are less expensive ways to dip your toes in the wellspring of solar energy. The answer is a solar station, which also opens the possibility of utilizing your solar capabilities at home and on the road.
What’s A Solar Station?
A solar station is an structure of any shape, size, and functionality that integrates solar panels into its structural design. With a solar station in place you have extra electricity that you can use to power your lights, charge your laptop, or just store for an emergency.
There’s a lot of space for creativity when designing your own solar station—but with options comes inevitable indecisiveness.
We here at Insteading decided to do a little digging and find out what ideas make the most out of this style of solar capture.
Solar Pergolas
A solar pergola is a smart way to provide your backyard with shade while reaping the sun’s energy. Your pergola can be any size—you’re in control of where your solar station will be and how much space it’ll take up. Here are a few examples.
- PV Pergola, design by Mike Taylor, research director for theSolar Electric Power Association.
- Solar Shade Pergola, design by Mark Dickson of solar system installersOasis Montana.
- Solar Pergola, designed byHugh Lofting Timber Framing.
Solar Umbrellas
If you want to go smaller, maybe a solar umbrella? California State University, Long Beach, students can sit and study atoutdoor tables shielded by solar-generating shade panels.
6,000 miles away in Belgrade, Serbia, designer Miloš Milivojevic used the same concept to developsolar shade “trees” in a public park.
Small-Scale Solar Roofs
If you have chickens or want chickens use solar panels for the coop roof,like this homesteader in Alaska.
Or, if you need to replace the roof on your garden shed,use solar panels to help pay for the job.
Building Your Own Solar Station
All these ideas are great and you can design them to your specifications. But if you’re an on-the-go type and want to bring your solar with you, you really need to check outSolarStation.com.
Developed by inventor and designer Ben Peterson, Solar Station integrates optimal solar performance with livability and transport.
你可以把它用作你后院的小棚子,甚至是一间自给自足的办公室。
The Solar Station will not only power all your outdoor appliances, but can tie-in to your grid and supplement energy to your home.
I think one of the greatest uses of theSolar Stationisn’t in the backyard, but out on the road!
太阳能站被设计成安装在一个小拖车上,并可以旅行。通过太阳能为你的房车或露营车提供动力,这就打开了一大堆不提供电力的目的地。
太阳能站非常适合露营,因为你可以在里面储存大量的装备,插上你需要的任何东西,在一天结束的时候睡在里面保暖。
The solar station is also perfect for an extended hunting trip for all the reasons listed above. After a long day hoofing it in the back country, there’s no better feeling than getting into dry clothes and kicking back under a roof.
The Solar Station is also a good option for those with limited building and solar panel installation experience. Go toSolar Station’s webpageand purchase the $25 book. This video shows you the basic process that the book will take you through.
It has all the plans and directions to get you from step 1 to completion. There are also videos to help you with the construction of your Solar Station, so you won’t be building in the dark!
No matter which direction you go, going solar is a step in the right direction. We hope you take the leap and enjoy where you land.
Josef Olson works in Seattle as a carpenter and keeps busy off the clock with an assortment of DIY projects.
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