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Joining a solar power forum is free, although you may have to register to use it for asking questions and contributing information. You will find them online in a variety of languages. Those who are eager to learn about this free and earth friendly power can find a treasure trove of facts, and many exploded fictions, online.

Joining a solar power forum is free, although you may have to register to use it for asking questions and contributing information. You will find them online in a variety of languages. Those who are eager to learn about this free and earth friendly power can find a treasure trove of facts, and many exploded fictions, online.

Some of the forums are hosted by manufacturers, and even these have a lot of free information that homeowners can use to build their own systems. This is not as foolish as it may seem, because the process of DIY is time-consuming and requires a fair amount of technical skill. Also, factory made parts have some advantages over ones that are scrounged, and the manufacturers sell these parts.

The forums range from beginner to technical, with sections for those who want to stay on grid (connected to the main utility source of power), get totally off grid, or set up a small installation just for a water pump, for instance, or for a RV or camper. Even the beginner information shows how carefully the process of building a solar panel must be done, and the method becomes definitely complicated when wiring is addressed.

There are great tips to be found on these sites, like old window glass is free but tempered glass is stronger, while solar glass is both tempered and coated to be non-reflective. It is necessary to wear gloves while handling the cells and the glass, to avoid leaving oils that will interfere with the sun's penetration. The foam insulation and anti-leak compounds used will break down in sunlight over time unless shielded or UV treated.

People who post information on the sites or who answer questions are truly helpful, often responding several times before they have enough information to really answer the inquiry. They are also eager to help beginners avoid the traps of 'easy and cheap' solar kits and MLM schemes that promise more than they deliver.

Reading a few of the sites will let you decide if you have the skills needed to handle solar power, or if you are dedicated enough to acquire new knowledge. There is a reason people stay on grid - perhaps laziness, or they find it easier to earn the money to buy electricity, or they simply find it all too complicated and give up on DIY solar before they start.

Sometimes you need to register to freely participate in a solar power forum, but often that is just to post to the site. Reading the posts is often open to all.

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