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Lifestyle
DIY Solar Panels - Save Money Make Your Own Power
By Julian Hooks
D.I.Y solar panels are Do It Yourself and they are cheap and easy to make if you have some spare time and most for under $200.
Items that you will need: solar cells, soldering iron, electric cable, saw, drill, glue, screws, pliers, diodes, connectors, plywood or a flat metal sheet, and wood or metal for the sides of the box. Optional items would be Plexiglas to protect the panel from the weather.


Step 1: Information on Project
You need to make sure you have all the information you need to build it you can find it at your local book store or online.

Step 2: Purchasing the Material
You can find them online it is about.5 volts per cell, so ensure you use the appropriate number of cells for the project at hand. Most batteries need about 13.2 to 14.4 volts so be careful of this when making your panels.
You will also need material to build a frame and materials to wire it together most parts can be purchased at local hardware stores in your area.

Step 3: Building
Follow the measurements that you get from your information on how big your panels are supposed to be so you can make the frame the right size. Once you have the frame built you install the panels and find out where they are suppose to be then lay the soldering wire and solder them in place.

Step 4: Electrical
Before hooking up your cells ensure you have a good understanding of how to use volts, amps, and watts. You will need to know how much your panel is going to put out so you know what you are going to be able to run. Ensure to check your wiring for any mix ups that may have happened before putting it into use.
The standard formula that is used to figure watts is volts times amps equals watts (VxA=W).

Step 5: Set up
When looking for a place to place remember you want as much sunlight as possible the roof is a good place if it's sturdy and gets enough light.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julian_Hooks
How to Create a Backyard Oasis With Shade
By Johney Maron
All too often having a good sized yard means a lot of work, and not a lot of time to enjoy it. During the heat of the summer months, the wide open spaces of a large yard can mean that we wind up as a slave to maintenance and upkeep, then spending the rest of our time indoors to relax, instead of being outside, enjoying the summer day, simply because there isn't a good place to spend leisure time out of the blazing heat of the noonday sun.
This is where being creative with outdoor pagodas, tents, umbrellas and parasols becomes a safe haven away from the heat, becoming a virtual oasis in our own yard.
While a patio can help a little, the area can at times be like sitting on a concrete sidewalk. The heat will get absorbed into the concrete and actually makes it feel hotter.

Having a shaded area on the patio is an improvement, but the full enjoyment of the back yard environment is minimal at best. Although it is better, it wasn't exactly what we thought when we purchased the house with a bigger yard.
A cooler grassy area in the backyard is often preferred. Simply adding a basic umbrella may be effective for one person but is not enough when friends and family come for a gathering.

Simply put, a basic umbrella will not be suitable. There are fortunately lots of options available so that settling for a simple umbrella is not necessary.
A relaxing space of any size can be created simply by taking advantage of pagodas and tents in various sizes. This will allow the homeowner to provide a relaxing area for as many people as they choose. Create groupings or islands with the umbrellas and parasols that can lend to privacy among the larger grouping.
If the desired area is beside a pool or Jacuzzi, the design can truly become an oasis, with shade, lounging and water for whatever suits someone's fancy. The backyard can actually become an extension of the house with areas for backyard cookouts, dinner parties, birthday - whatever kind of entertaining you enjoy.
Creating this oasis in the backyard does not have to be an overwhelming task. With the materials and styles available today, a hot, barren area in a back yard can be converted into a wonderful, peaceful area of shade and serenity.
Taking the time to develop the concepts you have in mind with professionals will enable you to have that safe haven in your yard too, and there's no time like the present to use your yard to its fullest advantage.