With the skyrocketing costs of electricity these days, many people are looking for ways to save on their utility bills. Solar and wind energy seems like a feasible option, but the preliminary costs can be staggering.

One resolution that’s becoming more trendy is to build it yourself. There are numerous books that claim to teach you how to do this, but how good are they?

Earth4Energy is one of the most popular DIY residential solar power and wind power books offered and as it turns out, with good reason.

Earth4Energy promises to teach you how to build your own wind generator or solar panel for under $200 and does precisely that. But we found the best part to be the instructional videos. Everything is easier when you truly see someone do it.

It also contains a few of what they call “free chapters” that teach you how to lessen your oil dependency and how to use ethanol as a viable energy source.

There is one concern you need to be conscious of, though. While it’s possible to build a wind generator or solar panel for under $200, this isn’t going to replace your utility bill. It will take much more than one solar panel or wind generator to make a significant impact on your utility bill.

What we didn’t like: Earth4Energy gives you all it promises, but little else. There are no bonuses and little insight beyond the obvious. But if all you desire is to build your own wind generator or solar panels, you can’t go wrong. And as we stated earlier, the instructional videos make it very easy.

If nothing else, if you like to build things, this could be a fun project. Having the ability to power even a small device from only the sun or wind can give you a sense of triumph.

Important note! Don’t purchase Earth4Energy from the primary sales link! At the time of this review, we realized that if you try to leave the page or close “Suzy”, their spokeswoman (which we found a bit irritating), a fake chat box pops up and offers a $10 discount. We highly recommend that if you plan to buy, to take take them up on this offer.

Usually, although they tell you it’s a limited time offer, they never go away. BUT … you never know. If you plan to buy, we suggest taking advantage of this special right away.

Bottom line: if you fancy yourself a handyman or woman and have been thinking about this, Earth4Energy gives you everything you need to know. For product comparisons, visit DIY Residential Solar Power and Windmill Power Reviews for more details.

BatteryMINDer Solar Charging System - 12 Volt, 15 Watt Panel, Model# SCC-015
 

BatteryMINDer Solar Charging System – 12 Volt, 15 Watt Panel, Model# SCC-015

$159.99

The BatteryMINDer Solar Charging System is an ideal choice for 12 Volt battery operations. This complete system is specifically designed for charging and maintaining up to four 12V batteries of any size/type/brand. Extends performance and life of 12V lead-acid, maintenance-free, marine deep cycle and sealed AGM batteries. Fully automatic desulfator dissolves life-shortening sulfate using safe low voltage high frequency pulses. Charges: Yes, Maintains: Yes, Desulfates: Yes, Conditioner: Yes, Works With: 12V lead-acid batteries, Amps: 1.25, Trickle Charge Amps: Regulated up to 1.25A, Charges Multiple Batteries (qty.): 4, Overcharge Protection: Yes, Polarity Reversal Protection: Yes, Power Source: Solar panel, Power Cord (ft.): 20in. from panel to controller Built-in automatic desulfator Not for use with aircraft batteries

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System - 2.88kW, 12-Panel Array, Model# Power 2.8
 

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System – 2.88kW, 12-Panel Array, Model# Power 2.8

$11,999.99

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for free online evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 2.88, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 12, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System - 2.18kW, 9-Panel Array, Model# Power 2.1
 

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System – 2.18kW, 9-Panel Array, Model# Power 2.1

$8,999.99

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for a free online site evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 2.18, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 9, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System - 7.92kW, 33-Panel Array, Model# Power 7.9
 

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System – 7.92kW, 33-Panel Array, Model# Power 7.9

$28,999.99

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for free online evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 7.92, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 33, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System - 5.76kW, 24-Panel Array, Model# Power 5.7
 

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System – 5.76kW, 24-Panel Array, Model# Power 5.7

$21,499.99

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for free online evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 5.76, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 24, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility

VDC Electronics BatteryMINDer 12 Volt Solar Charging System with 5 Watt Panel and Desulfator, Model# SCC005
 

VDC Electronics BatteryMINDer 12 Volt Solar Charging System with 5 Watt Panel and Desulfator, Model# SCC005

$99.98

Optimizes all solar panels charge rates. Prevents over/under charging. Full time desulphation pulses safely extends life and performance of all batteries. Features exclusive U.S. Patented PulseMode desulphation circuitry, designed to safely remove sulphation. Charges: Yes, Maintains: Yes, Desulfates: Yes, Conditioner: Yes, Works With: All batteries / 12V lead-acid, Amps: .45, Trickle Charge Amps: Regulated up to 0.45 as needed, Charges Multiple Batteries (qty.): 1, Overcharge Protection: Yes, Polarity Reversal Protection: Yes, Power Source: Solar panel, Power Cord (ft.): 20 Not for use with aircraft batteries

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