Solar That Really Works - By Collyn Rivers

Solar That Really Works fills a previously all but unexplored need.

In one tightly written book, Collyn covers all that is needed to design and install solar electrical systems in anything from a tiny caravan or campervan to a large fishing camp. It includes the specialised needs of big converted coaches and the increasingly accepted fifth-wheeler caravans. Solar That Really Works covers just what can and cannot realistically be run from a typical solar installation. It shows how to calculate the energy required, shows simple ways of finding out the most probable solar energy available anywhere and anytime in Australia and New Zealand. It shows just how much solar panels really do produce (it’s a lot less than that apparently claimed). The third edition of Solar that Really Works covers every aspect of the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans, motor homes and small homes.

Solar is a subject that increasingly interests, yet one about which competent independent advice is difficult to obtain. Collyn Rivers totally revised new edition of his earlier and separate caravan and motorhome editions of Solar That Really Works fills a previously all but unexplored need. In one tightly written book, Collyn covers all that is needed to design and install solar electrical systems in anything from a tiny caravan or campervan to a large fishing lodge. Along the way it takes in the specialised needs of big converted coaches and the increasingly accepted fifth-wheeler caravans.

Solar That Really Works covers just what can and cannot realistically be run from a typical solar installation. It shows how to calculate the energy required, shows simple ways of finding out the most probable solar energy available anywhere and anytime in Australia and New Zealand. It shows also how much solar panels really do produce. The book also includes full and often illustrated instructions on how to install systems and their various components. As with Collyn’s books generally, the writer leaves nothing that the reader is expected to take on trust. He not only explains, in simple English, the ‘how’ of things, he also explains the ‘whys’. Here, for the first time for many people (including equipment vendors) is why a solar panel typically produces only 70% of what it says on the box. And why this one especially catches out even science teachers.

Solar That Really Works also introduces the author’s totally new approach to choosing the correct cable size without the need for often misleading and complex wire tables.