Building Your Own Pond

A Landscape Masterpiece

A backyard pond is the kind of structure that can turn
your average backyard into a landscape masterpiece.
The pond is sometimes considered to be the centerpiece
of a yard. As the variety of inexpensive kits
increases in the gardening market, backyard ponds have
become popular to the public. Backyard ponds were a
luxury for only those who could afford it in the past.
However, with the current facilities available and
some effort from the home owners, building that
perfect backyard pond has become a luxury for all.

Unfortunately, in the rush of home owners to integrate
ponds into their home landscaping, several do-it
yourselfers have made mistakes. Building a pond is not
as easy as the market has made it to be. There are
several important factors to take into account before
and during the construction of the pond. The following
are some guidelines on how to build that perfect the
smart way. Remembering these key points will help in
reducing those mistakes that do-it yourselfers usually
make.

Tips and Tricks

First, let your backyard decide. The first question
that comes to mind is where to make the pond? In most
cases, home owners just find an open spot in their
yard and immediately start working. The result? Still
your own plain backyard with a pond. Home owners have
to integrate the pond into their existing landscape.
The pond will fail to compliment the overall design
and feel of the property. In situations like these,
the presence of a pond can actually diminish the
beauty of a home landscape

When considering in constructing a pond, take the time
to pick out a design and suitable spot that will
flatter the over all design of the yard. Don’t just
simply grab that shovel and dig on the first spot you
can find. Do a little research and if you still feel
that your own judgment and unique design is not
enough, ask some friends or your family members to
help you out. Remember two heads are better than one.

Second, consider the elements of your backyard. If you
are considering on breeding fishes, you may want to
rethink about placing that pond in a shaded area.
Warmth is an important element in maintaining fish
population. If the pond is placed near a tree, you may
find yourself in a position where you are constantly
cleaning leaves off the pond. The environment
surrounding your backyard will have a great impact on
the appearance and maintenance of the pond.

Lastly, size does matter. You need to make sure that
the size of the pond will meet your goals. Some may
build a small pond and place a variety of aquatic
plants and animals only to find out that the pond
cannot satisfy the necessities of the plants and
fishes. Another thing to consider carefully is the
depth of the pond. This is especially true for
landscapes in colder climates and ponds containing
fish. If the pond is built too shallow, it could
freeze completely. Proper depth should also be
considered when talking about size.

Building a backyard pond in you home can definitely
make it more attractive. It is a great way of making
out door living more colorful and enjoyable. If built
correctly, it can add a certain luster to the beauty
of a property and can raise the property’s value.
However, if done poorly, your backyard pond can be
incredibly stressful.

How to Landscape with Solar Lighting

 

Steps

1. Decide on the area of your yard that receives plenty of sunlight during the day. Taking note that the position of the sun changes from season to season. Areas that are shaded in the summer may receive sun in the winter etc.Example: Solar lights can light a walkway to the front steps to your home or maybe you would prefer to focus your lights on a single bush or tree that is special in some way or to shine on a flag.
   
2. If you need solar lights for a shaded area, you can install a solar panel on your roof or other spot, which receives a lot of sunlight. This is a bit more expensive than regular solar path lights or solar spotlights and you will need to run a wire from the solar panel to the lights.
   
3. Decide on the style of fixture you want to use.
   
4. Styles:
   
   • Solar spotlights - can accent intense light on a specific object.
     
   • Low fixture lights - Contains the light close to the ground, perfect for landscape borders and driveways.
     
   • Taller fixtures - Spreads the light over larger areas and used in gardens, patios, or walkways.
     
   • Tier lights - Direct light downward on the ground and minimize glare, making them ideal for lighting walks and steps.
     
   • Motion Sensor lights - Lights an area for a few minutes whenever it detects motion.
     
   • Patio lights - Permanently installed light on a deck or patio.
     
   • Hanging lights – wall mounted lights for entranceways.
     
   • Decorative lights – comes in many styles from solar frogs to solar statues, they can add a personal touch to your garden décor.
     
5. Select the finishes for fixtures. Finishes are copper, stainless steel, verdigris, and plastic. Choose the fixtures that will blend into your landscape or garden.
   
6. Position the lights in a line, or a circle by placing them closer together instead of further apart to create a more effective lighting system.
   
7. Regular solar garden lights are easy to install. Simply push them into the ground or attach them to your patio or wall.
   

Tips

• Solar lights give off a faint glow that can light up a little area or large area, or even (in some cases) a medium-sized area.
  
• Solar landscape lights can be great way to light your yard cost efficiently.
  
• Solar landscape lights are a good alternative to electric lighting systems.
  
• Solar Landscape lighting can add beauty and charm to your home when done properly.
  
• There is virtually no maintenance required except for occasional cleaning of the panel surface to keep it free of dust and dirt. Some solar lights do require standard AA or AAA batteries, so keep plenty on hand in case your lights become dim.
  
• Solar landscape lights are available in a variety of styles and colors.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Landscape With Solar Lighting. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Live Sustainably with Solar Energy (Solar Photovoltaic/P.V. Electric Power)

Solar energy is an easy-to-use, generally safe, clean, and renewable resource. Here's how to make the most of it for living off the grid, in a developing country, or even outside.
This article focuses on using solar energy for electricity, which can be used to perform all kinds of work. For heating, including space heating, water heating and cooking, it is generally much simpler and cheaper to collect the sun's heat directly, or, in some cases, overall better to use other energy sources frugally.

Steps

1. Create a Budget. Solar power generally has a high up-front (capital) cost and--if it works--saves money over time (low operating cost). If you estimate that your solar project will cost a large part of your monthly income, or more, make a budget for your overall expenses and project expenses to make sure the project won't cause great financial hardship even if for some unknown reason it turns out to be a total loss.
   
   • Solar energy can save a lot of money compared to crude or inefficiently delivered or used sources of energy such as lamp oil. It can also make you a lot of money by helping you read and learn to be more productive, or work with power tools rather than hand tools. Don't take these savings and additional income into account in deciding whether you can afford solar energy, since something might go wrong. But, once you find you can afford the system, take them into account to decide whether it would be a good idea, bearing in mind they may not turn out exactly as you expected.
     
2. Decide whether you want a solar-powered device, or a system. A stand-alone solar-powered device, such as a solar lantern, rechargeable lamp, or dedicated cell phone charger, is individually cheaper, more portable, does not require skilled installation, and, being self-contained, is less likely to require repair. A system with separate components (which may be bought as a kit chosen to work well together) is cheaper and more effective in the long run because it allows many devices to share a common pool of the expensive solar cells and batteries, and because there are many more suppliers competing on quality and price for ordinary appliances and large solar energy components than on individual stand-alone solar gadgets.
   
   • Some standalone devices incorporate a few functions, such as a lantern, radio, and cell-phone charging outlet.
     
   • If you don't have any experience with solar energy, try a simple, low-powered but good quality standalone device such as a lantern to see how you like it and understand the basic principles of operation.
     
   • If crime is a problem in your area, bear in mind that a stand-alone device--part or all of which must often be at a window or outside to charge--is a more tempting target for a petty thief, but a more-valuable system (or components such as panels) could be vulnerable to organized thieves.
     
3. Understand the basic components of a solar power system.
   
   • Solar cells, organized as and protected in solar panels. These are the flat devices that convert light into electricity. The cells generally produce a constant voltage, but current varying continually with the amount of light; the panels' voltage and wattage (power output, under good conditions) depends on how the cells are arranged in them. This uneven power is not very useful for operating other devices on its own, and could even damage them, so it should be fed to a....
     
   • Charge controller. A charge controller is a system of electronic components that smooths out the flow of electricity from the solar panels to, and regulates the discharge of electricity for use from a...
     
   • Battery. A battery is a set of galvanic cells which stores electricity. (Colloquially, the term can refer to a single cell, such as an AA battery, or a set of many, such as a 9-volt battery or car battery; a solar-power system usually uses multiple cells for increased voltage more practical for the other components to handle.) A solar power system uses rechargeable batteries for a store of energy to avoid interruptions and to provide electricity when sun is not available or a lot of energy, stored over time, is needed for a short time. Power can be drawn directly from the batteries (or, better, through the charge controller, which regulates their discharge to protect them). But it can be converted from usually low-voltage direct current from the batteries into higher-voltage (usually 120 or 240 volt) alternating current suitable for mass-market, typically inexpensive and good, appliances with an...
     
   • Inverter. An "inverter" is a system of electronic components that converts direct current into alternating current, and typically incorporates a system to raise the voltage, too. An inverter may be combined with a charge controller as a single unit. From the inverter (if not directly from the batteries or charge controller), power flows to the...
     
   • Appliances, the lights, electronics, tools, gadgets, and so forth you want to run. It gets there through...
     
   • Wiring. Choose a kind appropriate for the voltage and current involved. If you have a simple system with only a few dedicated devices such as low-voltage lights, they may be connected directly to the wires. Otherwise, for a variety of appliances, you'll want...
     
   • Outlets, switches and other miscellaneous electrical components. Your system will be most versatile and inexpensive to expand if the voltage and connector type is that generally used for appliances in your area. The electricity is just electricity, not very different from that made in other ways; common principles of electrical installation and maintenance and installation apply. In case any of this goes wrong, you'll be glad you had...
     
   • Circuit breakers or, less conveniently, fuses and other fail-safe devices such as thermal overload protection in major components such as the charge controller or fusebox. These cut off power or even sacrifice themselves to help prevent electrical problems from escalating into fires. If consumable devices such as fuses are used, make sure spares are on hand and available.
     
4. Decide what attributes are most important to your solar power system. There are trade-offs involved.
   
   • Simplicity. A single unit or all-inclusive kit with detailed instructions would be good if additional components or good technicians are not readily available in your area.
     
   • Service life. Although all quality solar equipment should be fairly long-lived, extra-long-lasting equipment, like simple equipment, is well suited to inaccessible areas where getting things, rather than just their own cost, is a major cost or difficulty. (This problem can be mitigated by keeping a stock of spare parts that do not go bad on their own, such as light bulbs or outlets, but that doesn't work for parts that decay whether or not used, such as batteries.)
     
     • If you are in a relatively inaccessible area, a return policy or warranty is not a great substitute for consistent high quality often indicated by a good reputation, because getting the "free" service or replacement will be difficult.
       
   • Durability. If you don't live in a sturdy, weather-sealed house, or will leave an entire device out to charge, make sure all components are appropriately protected against moisture or exposure to weather with seals and, where appropriate, drain holes. (This is easiest with more-integrated components or standalone devices.) If your area has a crime problem, check that exterior components in particular, including a standalone device itself or its removeable charging panel if considered valuable in your area, can be mounted securely somewhere relatively inaccessible (such as a high roof) and are made of tough, vandal-resistant components (for instance, having extra-strong glass or clear plastic over panels).
     
   • Capacity. Bigger, more expensive system components can make, store and deliver more electricity. Adding more power to a particular task often has diminishing returns: for instance, bigger light bulbs make a more pleasing ambience though they may not make simple tasks much more efficient. But more power also lets one do new and very useful additional kinds of tasks, such as operate a computer, power tools or even a Microwave.
     
   • Efficiency. More efficient appliances do more with a given amount of electricity. Sunlight itself is free, but the solar power equipment with which to process makes each unit of energy cost overall significantly more than that provided by most electric utilities, so efficiency is important.
     
5. Choose system components that meet your current needs and make the best use of each other. The cheaper parts, such as the batteries, should have enough capacity to make full use of the more-expensive parts, such as the solar cells. If you're buying an all-in-one device, check that the compromises its components reflect are reasonable: any missing capabilities or reduced durability should be acceptable and compensated for with a significantly lower price and/or (if convenience is important) weight.
   
   • Avoid vendor lock-in.[1] Make sure major system components follow design and compatibility standards not limited by any particular manufacturer. For instance, they should work at voltages and with connection types many charge controllers and appliances accept.
     
6. Choose solar panels. There are several types of solar cells that vary in efficiency per unit area and tendency to decay over time. But, unless you're buying so many that having enough space for them is a concern, it's generally more important that the assembled panels be durable (since they will be out in the rain), have a good price per watt (rate of electricity production).
   
   • Check that the solar panel on an all-in-one device has sufficient capacity. Because solar panels are expensive manufacturers may skimp on them. A single day's charging should suffice for all you might want to do with the device in a day, such as run a light for four hours and also, if the device has a phone charger attached, charge the phone once.
     
7. Choose an appropriate battery. Their capacity is measured in watt-hours; for instance, a 100 watt-hour battery can accept 5 watts for 20 hours to charge it (or a little more, due to losses) and then release 25 watts for four hours for use. Large systems often use multiple batteries in parallel. There are many different kinds, with markedly different characteristics -- unlike with solar panels, this isn't just a matter of power per unit of size or money. The battery should be at least big enough to hold a full day's charge from the solar panels; more, if you want to be able to miss a sunny day and still use the system or device fully. Batteries should not be charged too fast; check that the batteries over which the energy from your solar panels will be spread can handle their maximum charging rate.
   
   • Lead-acid batteries are inexpensive for their capacity and durable but not suitable for portable devices because they are filled with dangerous acid. Some need to be "topped off" with water from time to time.
     
   • Don't use ordinary car ("starting") batteries. Deep-cycle batteries, some of which are used for trolling motors and RVs, are the kind of lead-acid battery to use for solar power, since they are built for repeated substantial discharge rather than brief large engine-starting bursts only.
     
   • Sealed lead-acid "gel cell" batteries are sealed, with the acid inside contained within material to reduce hazards even if they do break. They are inexpensive for their capacity, though not quite so inexpensive as regular lead-acid batteries. They are also relatively heavy compared to non-lead-acid batteries.
     
   • Lead-acid batteries can be damaged by excessive discharging, overcharging, or leaving in the discharged state. The charge controller should prevent overcharging and over-deep discharging; portable devices should be recharged promptly after use.
     
     • Most batteries should be recharged promptly after any use. Nickel-cadmium batteries, which are obsolete for most uses, are the kind that was important to discharge before recharging.
       
   • Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries are sealed, durable, and relatively safe generally. They are more expensive and lighter than lead-acid per unit of energy stored, so they are good for portable devices. They are available in standard "AAA", "AA", "C" and "D" sizes, so, if you have a solar power system, you don't need portable solar-powered gadgets too, just a much-cheaper charger and batteries.
     
     • Most NiMH batteries run down on their own within a month even if not used; "low-self-discharge" ones take a year or more to.
       
     • Check that standard-size rechargeable batteries bigger than AA, such as C and D size, have commensurately larger capacity ratings of several thousand mAH or are cheap and sufficient for your needs. Some are AA cells in larger cases.
       
   • Lithium-ion batteries are very light and expensive for their capacity, and mainly suited to expensive portable devices like laptops.
     
8. Choose a charge controller. The charge controller should be compatible with the particular chemistry (lead-acid, gel cell, NiMH, etc.), capacity, and number of batteries you're using. You may want one that is suitable for the batteries you now have, and a few more also, because the charge controller is relatively inexpensive and durable and room to grow is convenient.
   
   • Some important features are protection against overcharging, deep discharge, and excessive rate of charge and discharge.
     
   • It's generally safe to assume that an all-in-one device has an acceptable general type of charge controller and that the other components can't charge or discharge the battery too quickly, but deep discharge protection is important for a device with a lead acid (including gel cell) battery.
     
9. Choose an inverter (for a power system only). Check the wave form type it produces; "true sine wave" (a smooth wave, like a mechanical generator makes) is better for most devices, particularly sensitive electronics, than "modified sine wave", which risks damaging some; no other wave form is appropriate. The capacity should suffice for everything you might want to run from it at once; generous capacity is relatively inexpensive and not harmful.
   
10. Learn a lot about electrical wiring or find a good electrician, preferably familiar with solar power or at least very smart, to install all the parts of a power system for you. Electricity is complicated, so even if you're doing a solar-power project yourself, it's best to run your plans by someone knowledgeable first.
    
11. Choose some appliances.
    
    • Lamps: Fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescents are efficient, inexpensive, long-lived and powerful. LEDs are too, and physically durable but very expensive in high capacity so they are best for flashlights, lanterns and similarly small lights. Make the best use of them with reflectors and prismatic diffusers, not shades.
      
    • Computer: A laptop is generally best because it and its screen consumes very little power. An old, cheap one can is not very expensive, and can run basic software just fine. (Its own battery may go bad with age, but that doesn't matter if it's just being left plugged in.)
      
      • Laptops are not very well cooled -- clean the vents regularly.
        
      • If computers and Internet connections are uncommon in your area, you could Set up an Internet Cafe.
        
    • Power tools: rechargeable ones (charge their batteries from your power system) use little power and their charging process does not draw power very fast, making them particularly good for a small solar power system.
      
    • TV: If you must have one, get an LCD TV for low power consumption.
      

Tips

• Follow applicable electrical codes (or, if you don't have any, accepted best practices) when installing wiring.
  
• In some areas electric utilities will, by means of additional equipment, buy surplus solar power you generate. But a modern utility can generate electricity very inexpensively and fairly efficiently (in terms not only of the power-generating fuel itself, but of labor, installation and maintenance, and related energy use) that if grid electricity is available it's normally better to just use that, but conserve it, and choose to have your utility have your share of electricity generated from renewable sources (which might cost a little extra).
  
• Use the Internet for informal reviews and formal tests of solar equipment, general views on suppliers' reputations, to ask manufacturers, resellers and others about devices' capabilities and uses, and to find suppliers of components and complete systems (often made by small companies which may not have established distribution chains but may be flexible and creative with retail or small wholesale orders).
  
• If you are in a poor country a charitable or government development organization might help you pay for and/or install a solar power system.
  

Warnings

• Master Do It Yourself Electrical Safety. Electricity can be dangerous, even, under some circumstances, at voltages much lower than the 120 or 240 volts common for grid-delivered electricity. Some components of an overall low-voltage can create, use, and store high voltage.
  
• Work Safely With Chemicals. Batteries, especially lead-acid ones, can contain dangerous chemicals.
  
• Some batteries produce hydrogen gas when charging, and should be kept in a well-ventilated area.
  
• Dispose of Hazardous Waste, in particular nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries properly, preferably by recycling. A recycler may even pay for them.
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Live Sustainably With Solar Energy (Solar Photovoltaic / P.V. Electric Power). All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Build a Solar Panel

Are you struggling to budget your money due to tons of payment obligations? Undeniably, this is not an easy task to do considering the fact that you really need buy your basic necessities like food, water, clothing, and much more. Conversely, you also need to save for future needs such as emergency health problems, repair of damaged household amenities, electrical and water bills, and much more. This money matter is quite tricky to unravel. However, just bear in mind that, “If there is a problem, there will always be a solution.”
One way of obtaining a practical financial budget, while catering to all primary and secondary needs, is by exerting extra manual effort and modifying. For instance, you can create homemade solar panels using inexpensive materials. In addition, a solar panel is a device that is used to collect energy from the sun. This device is usually placed in roof tops and windows. This converts sun rays into electricity. Through this, you can save home energy, thus saving your money through lower electricity bills.
Moreover, by learning how to DIY, you will be able to save a good portion of the money needed for your complete homemade solar power system. In creating homemade solar panels, you do not need a hand from a professional installer since the procedures are very simple to follow. Listed below are the 10 easy steps in making homemade solar panels:

Steps

1. Prepare all the materials needed to have a smooth working process. The things that should be gathered are listed below in the "Things You'll Need" section.
   
2. Draw a grid onto the plywood to determine the placements and measurements of the solar cells. In every panel, each solar cell differs from the other in terms of its size and number.
   
3. For the panel base, cut the plywood according to the grid sizes using a circular saw.
   
4. For the panel frame, cut the 1 x 1-inch wood according to appropriate lengths. Then, attach the edges of the wood to the plywood using screws and caulk.
   
5. Paint the finished wooden structure using outdoor paint to shield it from the elements.
   
6. Form a series of solar cells by soldering the tabs. Tabs from the back of one go into the back of the next in line. Remember to be cautious when doing this step since the tabs are easily breakable.
   
7. Attach the solar cells onto the panel base basing on the previously-made grid pattern using glue.
   
8. Put together the copper wire to be run to the electrical system and the blocking diode inline. The diode will prevent the batteries from discharging back out through the cells.
   
9. Secure the plexiglass over the top of the panel.
   
10. Seal the plexigass in place sing a caulk.
    
11. There it is: the completed homemade solar panel!
    

Tips

• Solar energy is a renewable source of energy. You should take advantage of this benefit not only for yourself but for the environment as well. *Through your efforts of making homemade solar panels, you are able to help in preventing environmental pollution by reducing fossil fuel usage.
  
• So what are you waiting for? Go to your backyard and grab your ruler and pencil to start the work. Making homemade solar panels are surely exciting and fun to do!
  
• 
  

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
  
• Pencil
  
• Circular Saw
  
• Silicone Caulk
  
• Drill
  
• Screwdriver
  
• Sheet of 3/8-inch Plywood
  
• 1 x 1-inch Wood
  
• Outdoor Paint
  
• Solar Cells
  
• Soldering Gun
  
• Solder
  
• Glue
  
• Copper Wire
  
• Blocking Diode
  
• Plexiglass
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Build a Solar Panel. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.