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.

Preface Chapter 1: Solar realities Chapter 2: Electrical self-sufficiency Chapter 3: Solar modules Chapter 4: Solar regulators and monitors Chapter 5: Batteries and battery charging (general) Chapter 6: Batteries and battery charging (via alternators) Chapter 7: Generators and fuel-cells Chapter 8: Inverters Chapter 9: Refrigerators Chapter 10: Lighting Chapter 11: Water and pumping Chapter 12: Computers and TV Chapter 13: Communications Chapter 14: Scaling the system Chapter 15: Example systems Chapter 16: Extra-low voltage wiring Chapter 17: Low voltage wiring Chapter 18: Installing batteries Chapter 19: Installing solar modules Chapter 20: Installing the solar regulator Chapter 21: Installing the fridge Chapter 22: Installing an inverter Chapter 23: Installing water systems Chapter 24: Installing a voltage sensing relay Chapter 25: Electrical converters Chapter 26: Compliance issues Chapter 27: Fixing problems Chapter 28: Living with solar Chapter 29: Walking the walk Chapter 30: Electricity - simply explained