Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 5: Using solar panels
• Part 2 of 5: Using alternative systems
• Part 3 of 5: Getting the right equipment
• Part 4 of 5: Preparing for the worst
• Part 5 of 5: Using and choosing batteries
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

If you don't want to be dependent on regular energy suppliers, it is a good idea to generate your own electricity. With the generated electricity you can open a gate or a garage door, install light and electricity in a shed, earn money by supplying electricity to the grid, charge your car or even live completely disconnected from the regular electricity grid. Read on to get ideas on how to do that.

To step

Part 1 of 5: Using solar panels

1. Research solar panels. Solar panels are a common solution and have many advantages. They work well in the Netherlands and Belgium, it is a solution that can be expanded if you need more power and there are many well-tested products available.
   • South-southwest (between 40 degrees SW and 30 degrees SE) is recommended as the best orientation for solar panels in the Netherlands and Belgium. They still supply electricity even in cloudy weather.
   • Solar panels with fixed mounting can easily be placed on an existing roof. They are easy to assemble and maintain and have no moving parts. Solar tracking systems follow the sun and are therefore more efficient, but usually also more expensive than adding extra solar panels to a fixed system. In addition, with sun tracking systems there are more parts that can break, especially in extreme weather.
   • Don't assume that a panel will deliver 100 watts just because that's the specification. The yield depends on the method of confirmation, the weather and the seasons.
2. Start small if necessary. For example, start with one or two panels. It is possible to build it up in stages so that you don't lose all the money in one fell swoop. Many grid-connected roof systems can be expanded - it is always good to check this before you buy something. Buy a system that can grow with your needs.
3. Learn how to maintain the system. If you do not maintain the system it will not continue to work. Determine the desired lifespan in advance. Saving a little money now can cost a lot later. Invest in taking care of your system, then the system will take care of you for longer.
   • Find out what the costs will be for long-term maintenance. Avoid running out of money for maintenance halfway through.
4. Decide whether you want an independent or a grid-connected system. An independent system is the highest achievable in the field of sustainability; but you have to be able to figure out the source of each watt used. A grid-connected solution provides stability and offers the possibility to sell power back to the energy company. If you are connected to the power grid and at the same time manage your power consumption as if you were not connected, you can even generate extra income.
   • Contact your energy company and ask them about grid-connected systems. They can provide an incentive and tell you which companies can help you install.

Part 2 of 5: Using alternative systems

1. Research windmills. Wind turbines are doing well in the Netherlands and Belgium and can be a cheaper solution than solar panels.
   • You can make a windmill yourself from an old dynamo from a car, there is a lot of information about this on the internet. Not very suitable for beginners, but you can get good results with it. There are also many relatively inexpensive ready-to-use windmills for sale.
   • There are some drawbacks with regard to wind power. Often the windmills have to be placed very high in order to function effectively, which can be difficult with a view to permits. Birds often don't see the windmills ... until it's too late.
   • For wind power you need somewhat constant wind. In open, remote areas, wind force works best because you simply have the fewest blockages. Wind power is often used to supplement solar energy.
     
     
2. Research mini hydropower plants. For example, you can use the hydropower of the water in your downspout to generate electricity.
3. Use a combined system. A combination can ensure that you can generate your own electricity all year round.
4. Think about an aggregate. If you are not connected to the mains, or if you want a backup system, a generator may be necessary. They are available in different fuel variants and sizes.
   • Many generators respond slowly to changes in power demand (for example, it may happen that the generator stops working when you switch on a device that suddenly requires a lot of power.
     • Small generators are only suitable for emergencies. They are not made to provide long-term power.
   • Large aggregates are very expensive. They can run on gasoline, diesel or LPG, they can switch on automatically if the power goes out. Always have a generator installed by a qualified electrician.
5. Research micro-fiber power coupling. Micro heat and power generation (micro CHP), also called HRe, is the term for electricity generation by means of combined heat and power (CHP) in households, usually with a Stirling engine or fuel cell up to a capacity of 20 kilowatts. The CHP installation replaces the central heating boiler and the boiler or geyser. Larger applications, for use in non-residential construction, are called mini-CHP.

Part 3 of 5: Getting the right equipment

1. Take a good look around first. Nowadays there are many providers in the field of systems with which you can generate electricity yourself. Some solutions will suit your needs better than others.
2. Do preliminary research. If you are interested in a specific product it is good to compare prices on the internet before talking to the seller.
3. Call in expert advisers. Find someone you trust to help you make the choices. Some salespeople want the best for you, others don't.
4. Check whether you are eligible for subsidies, both from your municipality and the government.
5. Only work with certified companies. Do not hire any contractor or handyman to install the system. Work with experienced salespeople and installers who have the necessary qualifications to perform this specialized work.

Part 4 of 5: Preparing for the worst

1. Check what is and what is not covered by the insurance. Damage that is not reimbursed can be very annoying.
2. Make sure you build a good relationship with the company that maintains your system. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you can't figure it out yourself.
3. Draw up a backup plan. You can't always rely on the elements. The sun won't always shine, the wind won't always blow, water won't always flow.
   • A grid-connected system is the least expensive solution for most people. If not enough power is generated by your own system, you can supplement it with the power grid; if you generate too much power, you can sell it back to your energy supplier. With a large system you can continuously run the meter backwards.
   • In a place where there is no connection to the grid, it can be cheaper to generate electricity yourself than to have a grid connection installed.
4. Research energy storage. A common solution for power storage in independent systems is the semi-traction (deep-cycle) lead / sulfuric acid battery. These should not be placed in a house. The charging cycle differs per battery type, so make sure everything is properly adjusted.

Part 5 of 5: Using and choosing batteries

1. Use batteries of the same type. Batteries cannot be used interchangeably and new batteries of the same type often do not mix well with the older ones.
2. Calculate how many batteries you will need. Storage is shown in amp hours. To convert that to kilowatt hours, multiply the amp hours by the voltage (12 or 24), then divide by 1000. To calculate amp hours from kilowatt hours, multiply by 1000 and divide by 12 or 24. If you daily use will be 1 KWH you will need 83 ampere hours on 12 volts. But you have to multiply that by 5, because you never want to have less than 20% charge. Then you arrive at approximately 400 ampere hours.
3. Select the appropriate battery type. There are many types of batteries on the market, it is important to research which type is suitable for you. A good understanding of what works and what doesn't can make all the difference in building a good system in the right way.
   • Wet cell batteries are the most common. They must be well maintained (the top can be removed so that you can add distilled water). Some quality batteries have independent 2.2 volt cells that can be replaced if they are no longer good. Maintenance-free batteries slowly lose water, the cells will eventually dry out.
   • Gel batteries are maintenance-free, but not very forgiving if charged incorrectly. If one cell is overcharged, the entire battery can no longer be used. It could work as part of a small system, but it is not suitable for a large system.
   • AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are more expensive than other types, but they are maintenance-free. As long as they are properly charged and not drained too much, they will last a long time, and leaks are ruled out - even if you were to hammer the battery (though this probably isn't a good idea). However, gas can escape if they are severely overcharged.
   • Car batteries are not suitable for use for power storage at home.
   • Boat batteries are usually hybrid batteries: a combination of semi-traction and starter batteries. These batteries are also not suitable for power storage in your home system.
4. Use batteries even with a generator. Even in the case of a generator, you need batteries in a system that is not connected to the grid. Charging batteries requires a considerable charge from a generator, so it works efficiently in relation to the fuel used. Only running light requires very little from an aggregate, so that is comparatively much less efficient.
5. Maintain and inspect your batteries. Batteries and wiring must be inspected regularly (including "maintenance-free" batteries). You can have this done by an expert, but you can also learn how to do it yourself.

Tips

• In a place where there is no connection to the grid, it can be cheaper to generate electricity yourself than to have a grid connection installed.
• Traction batteries don't like to have less than 20% charge. If you often sit under this, the batteries will not last long. Make sure you drain them only a little and sometimes completely. Then they last the longest.
• Look carefully for any subsidies and tax breaks that may apply to you.
• It is possible to work together with the neighbors and jointly install solar panels on the communal roof, for example. Consult well in advance and also think about what will happen if someone moves. If necessary, arrange it with an entire VVE.
• There are many articles on the internet with good information, but most websites are meant to sell you something.
• If it doesn't make money, it might have one of the following benefits:
  • Need (no grid connection)?
  • Peace of mind?
  • Can brag?
• If you have access to running water, hydropower may be a better idea than solar or wind power.
• If you know about electrical circuits, building your own system does not have to be difficult.

Warnings

• First check what the insurance reimburses. Don't base your knowledge on assumptions.
• Have the system installed by an expert. If you do try it yourself, take a good look at this list of things that can go wrong.
  • You can damage your house (roof leak, or fire can start)
  • You can injure yourself or even die (electrocution, falling from the roof, incorrectly attached material falling on other people)
  • Shorted or improperly ventilated batteries can explode.
  • Battery acid can burn or blind you forever.
  • If you feed power back to the power grid, clear warnings must be present.
  • A windmill or solar panel may seem harmless, but incorrect use or incorrect installation is life-threatening.
• Take a good look at which permits are required.
  • Some people think solar panels are "ugly"
  • Some people find windmills "noisy" and "ugly"
• Combined systems exist, but they are usually small, too expensive, or both.

Necessities

• Inverter
• Semi-traction batteries
• Power source
  • Solar panels
  • Windmill
  • Motor