DIY Solar+Wind House

Human Dependence on Electricity

Electricity is one of the most important need of the 21st Century. Most human beings are dependent on electricity for their daily needs such as Charging their Smart Phones, Powering their houses or even their cars, etc. Most of the electricity we use in our houses are consumed by Air Conditioners, Lighting, Water Heating, etc. According to a study conducted by the World FactBook, the world consumes 19,320,360,620 MWh/yr. China, U.S., E.U*, India, Russia are some top consumers of electricity. A majority of the top consuming countries are developing economies like India, Brazil, Taiwan, etc. Coal is one of the main resources of producing electricity. But due to its high demand, shortages it increases the cost of producing electricity. Around 18% of the electricity produced by the world is consumed by the Residential Sector.

Solar & Wind Energy

One of the simplest solutions of reducing the dependence of Human beings directly on Electricity and Indirectly on Non-Renewable sources of energy is to switch too Renewable resources of Energy. The most viable and easily available Renewable sources of energy are Solar & Wind energy. Solar & Wind energy can be easily harnessed with the help of Solar Panels and Windmills.

The Solar + Wind Powered House

The Solar + Wind powered house is a simple and aesthetically good looking design for Houses or homes that wish to run on Renewable Energy.

The Solar + Wind powered house that I had built was set up in a rural agriculture dependent part of India.

This house served two purposes:
• It provided a cost effective solution to my housing and electricity needs by consuming renewable resources of energy.
• The Solar and Wind energy was also used for the purpose of Irrigation.


The surplus energy produced by this house is perfect for applications like irrigation in Electricity Deficient countries like India. This system completely isolates and safeguards its user from Poor service, Power fluctuations ( which can cause damage to appliances), High prices, Blackouts etc.

The applications and benefits of this house are not only limited too Rural or Energy Deficient countries. This house can also be constructed in those countries which are not energy deficient for the purpose of a Green and a Sustainable way of Living.

• This Instructable teaches you how to Build and Construct a Solar+Wind Powered House.
• It also will help those who have an existing house or structure to setup a Solar or Wind powered House.

The Windmill Design

The windmill used in this house is not your typical windmill. Generally windmills have just one set of blades. In this windmill there are 2 sets of blades. The technology is called Front-set Double Flying Birds. the first set of blades consists of 3 larger(in length) blades. While the second set consists of 9 smaller size blades. The smaller set of blades start producing electricity at a wind speed of only 1.8m/s(Highly efficient). It also starts to rotate the larger set of blades which then gain momentum. In this way the windmill or wind turbine used is capable of producing electricity even at low wind speeds.

Kitchen

The kitchen stove isn't a typical gas cooktop. It actually is an Induction stove which means that it doesn't run on gas (propane,LPG). Instead it runs on electricity which is harvested from the Sun by the solar panels. This helps in regions where price of piped gas or cylinders required for cooking is expensive.

All the material may differ from country to country with respect too Available size, quantity, volume, capacity, etc. Hence for some material, the exact specifications have not been given.

Materials

• Paint.
• Primer.
• Anti-Corrosion Paint.
• 14 X 14ft I- beams with base plates.

• 4 X 18ft C-Channels.

• 18 X 23ft C-Channels.

• 4 X 36ft C-Channels.

• Plywood sheets.

• 1 X Windmill/ Windturbine.

• 4 X Solar Panels.

• 4 X Lead Acid Batteries.

• Wire.

• 1 X Inverter.

• 1 X Charge Controller.

• 1 X Hybrid Controller.

• Circuit Breakers.

• Bathroom Sink.

• Kitchen Sink.

• Windows.

• Sliding Doors.

• Wooden Door and Door Frame.

• Toilet.

• Shower Head.

• Water Tank.

• Geyser.

Skills Required

• Welding.
• Soldering.
• Basic Electrical Understanding.
• Basic Plumbing Understanding.
• Basic Carpentry and Woodworking Understanding.

Keep in mind that the homebuilding process may vary from region to region and builder to builder, especially if you’re building a custom home like this one.

Using a backhoe and a bulldozer, clear the site of rocks, debris and trees for the house and, if applicable, the septic system. Level the site and digs the holes and trenches for the foundation and the septic tanks.

The Foundation of this structure was built using a method called 'Plum Concreting'. Plum Concreting also known as Cyclopean Concreting, this is a variety of Concreting consisting of large sized stones(Plums) with interstices filled with concrete. This method of Concreting provides a Stable foundation. This method of concreting is also used while laying foundations upon uneven surfaces. Plum concreting helps in reducing the cost of the overall construction.

While carrying out the process of Plum Concreting it is important too ensure that concrete is thoroughly mixed and that their are no air pockets created in the foundation.

Once the process of laying the foundation is complete, the concrete will need time to cure. During this period, there will be no activity on the construction site.

I have constructed the foundation of the house so that the top most point of the foundation is approximately 6-10ft above ground level. This increases the overall height of the house. This increase in height could lead to higher wind speeds at the higher levels of the house which would increase the windmill/turbine speed.

Base Specification: 36ft X 23ft = 828sq.ft.

CAUTION: For people that live in a temperate zone (i.e., subject to frost and freezing), you must ensure that the foundation of the house extends below the frost depth. This should prevent the damage caused to the structure by frost heaving. Also make sure that the water pipes are buried below the frost line, or insulated to prevent them from freezing.

The Metal Framework of the house is what holds the house together. It consists of a number of I- beams, C- channels, Base plates etc. These parts are either wielded or bolted together. Together these parts form the essential skeleton of the house. Since these parts are generally made out of metal (generally iron), they do get affected by moisture and hence get corroded. Hence it is essential to protect these parts by painting an anti-corrosion paint on them.

The foundation, floors, walls, roof, etc are all held together by the metal framework. Hence it is necessary to construct the metal framework accurately so that it can bear the load of the house properly.

Layout

I have also attached a whole lot of images of the entire structure. These image layout plans were designed too depict the construction in a more 3D based method. This is the first time I have used such a type of program (Google Sketchup) to generate house plans. Because of my lack of experience using this software, there may be some design faults. However the plan images are pretty accurate and well detailed. In case you want access the 3D plan I have attached the file below.

First we start by with the laying of the 4 I- Beams. Each of these 4 I-beams are placed at each of the 4 corners of the base (top of the foundation). I-beam Length= 14ft.

1. Start by bolting the base plate of the I-beams to the 4 corners of the base. The base plates have been pre welded to each of the I-beams.
2. Make sure that the I-beams are perpendicular to the base with the help of a Spirit Level bottle.
3. Once this is done bolt another I-beam to the top base plate of the lower I-beam. Do this for all four lower I-beams. This will take the total height to 28ft from the base.
4. Make sure the top I-beams are perpendicular to the base and that the base plates are properly bolted together.

In the second image there are two 5000Lt water storage tanks placed on top of the base. As the purpose of building this house was also for agriculture, the tanks have been installed. These tanks store the water used for the irrigation of the agricultural plantations.

This step involves the laying of an I-beam at the centre of the Lengths of the base.

1. Measure and mark half the distance of the lengths of the base. i.e.: 1/2 X 36ft =18ft.
2. At 18ft of one end, bolt the I-beam to the base.
3. Do this for the other length of the rectangular base.
4. Make sure the top I-beams are perpendicular to the base with the help of a Spirit Level bottle and that the base plates are properly bolted together.
5. Once this is done bolt another I-beam to the top base plate of the lower I-beam. Do this for both the lower I-beams. This will take the total height to 28ft from the base.
6. Make sure the top I-beams are perpendicular to the base and that the base plates are properly bolted together.

In this step we add the horizontal C-Channels. There are a total 12 C-Channels used in this step. C-Channels provide rigidity to the structure. They also maintain the distance between the I-beams.

There are two levels at which the C-Channels must be installed. One being the height at which both the I-beams meet together and the other being the top of the higher I-beam.

Each Level has 4 X 18ft C-Channels and 2 X 23ft C-Channel.

1. Start by tying(with rope) the 23ft C-Channel between the two I-beams followed by the 4 18ft I-beam and then the second 23ft I-beam on the lower level.
2. Do the same for the upper level.
3. Make sure that all the C-Channels are parallel to the base with the help of a Spirit Level bottle.

Welding is the process of fusing together two or more metal objects.

1. Once all the C-Channels are accurately parallel to the ground, start welding them to the I-beams at the joints.
2. Do this for all the C-Channels.

Anti-Corrosion Paint should be painted on to the entire metal structure at this point inorder to prevent rusting of the structure.

This step involves installing the C-Channel for the Floor of the 1st Floor.

There are 8 C-Channels used in this step.

1. Start by Measuring sections of 3.5ft along both the 36ft Lengths of the Lower Level.
2. Then tie the C-Channel together as shown in the Layout images with a 3.5ft distance between each C-Channel.
3. Make sure that they are parallel to the base of the structure.
4. After it is ensured that the C-Channels are parallel to the base, weld them at the joints.
5. Paint all the C-Channels with Anti-Corrosion Paint.

This step involves installing the C-Channel for the Horizontal roof of the 1st Floor.

There are 8 C-Channels used in this step.

1. Start by Measuring sections of 3.5ft along both the 36ft Lengths of the Higher Level.
2. Then tie the C-Channel together as shown in the Layout images with a 3.5ft distance between each C-Channel.
3. Make sure that they are parallel to the base of the structure.
4. After it is ensured that the C-Channels are parallel to the base, weld them at the joints.
5. Paint all the C-Channels with Anti-Corrosion Paint.

This step involves the installation of the Central I-beams of the Structure. The Central I-beams are placed at the centre of the base and support the windmill.

There are 2 X 14ft I-beams used in this step. Total Height= 28ft.

1. Start by Marking the centre of the base i.e. The intersection of the two diagonals of the rectangular base.
2. Start by bolting the base plate of the one 14ft I-beam to the Centre of the base. The base plates have been pre welded to each of the I-beams.
3. Make sure that the I-beam is perpendicular to the base with the help of a Spirit Level bottle.
4. Once this is done bolt another I-beam to the top base plate of the lower I-beam.This will take the total height to 28ft from the base.
5. Make sure the top I-beam is perpendicular to the base and that the base plates are properly bolted together.
6. Make sure that their is a Base plate welded at the top of the higher central I-beam.
7. Paint both the I-beams with Anti-Corrosion Paint.

This step involves the installation of 2 Central C-Channels on the Higher Level. These are used to provide stability to the Central I-beams and also connect the central I-beam to the entire metal framework

There are 2 X 36ft C-Channels used in this step.

1. Start by placing one C-Channel on the two higher C-Channels on the two Breadths of the Higher Rectangle as shown in the Layout Image.
2. Ensure that the C-Channel is touching one of the faces of the Central I-beam.
3. The C-Channel must be perpendicular to the breadth of the rectangle and parallel to the base.
4. Do the above steps for the other C-Channel on the other side of the Central I-beam.
5. Weld the C-Channels to the Joints and the base plate of the Top Central I-beam.

This step involves the installation of 2 Central C-Channels on the Lower Level. These are used to provide stability to the Central I-beams and also connect the central I-beam to the entire metal framework

There are 2 X 36ft C-Channels used in this step.

1. Start by placing one C-Channel on the two lower C-Channels on the two Breadths of the Lower Rectangle as shown in the Layout Image.
2. Ensure that the C-Channel is touching one of the faces of the Central I-beam.
3. The C-Channel must be perpendicular to the breadth of the rectangle and parallel to the base.
4. Do the above steps for the other C-Channel on the other side of the Central I-beam.
5. Weld the C-Channels to the Joints and the faces of the joints between the two Central I-beams.

This step of assembling the windmill varies from windmill to windmill.

1. Assemble the windmill into separate sections.
2. This will make it easier to lift the separated sections of the windmill to the top of the metal framework.
3. This can be done along with the Laying of the Flooring as shown in the images.

Note: The images of the layouts in the next couple of steps do not include the windmill. This is because designing the structure on the software along-with the windmill was difficult.

This step will vary from person to person. The sizes of plywood available in different countries varies from country to country hence providing one with accurate dimensions cannot be done.

Bolt the Plywood sections in place with the C-Channels.

You can install the horizontal roofing depending on your choice.

I have not installed the Horizontal roofing.

The sizing of the Plywood Sections cannot be specified as it could defer from person to person due to the size limits available in various countries.

Bolt the exterior walls and partition walls to the I-beams and C-Channels.

The partition wall will separate the bathroom from the other room and kitchen.

At this point one can start with the temporary plumbing and electrical work.

Pipes can be laid from the water storage tanks to the bathroom and kitchen.

Sewage pipes can also be fixed at this point.

Electrical wiring can also be started at this point.

The Installation of the Interiors, Windows and Roofing Framework can all be done alongside each other.

Painting the Interior and Exterior of the House can also be carried out at this point.

The door can also be installed at this moment.

The sliding doors can also be installed at this point.

Sinks, Toilets, Beds etc can all be added at this point.

The staircase can also be added at this point.

The Staircase can be added at this point as stated earlier.

Either you can buy a ready made staircase or assemble one yourself.

Make sure the staircase is aligned properly and also well painted.

The roof framework is the skeleton that holds the Inclined roof together with the entire metal framework.

1. Start by Cutting out 4 X 3ft Sections of C-Channel.
2. Place two vertically on each side of the house as shown in the layout.
3. Each piece must be perpendicular to the base and parallel with the windmill.
4. Arrange them so that they are at the side of the windmill as shown in the layout image.
5. Weld them to the C-Channels.
6. Next cut 2 X 36ft C-Channel and connect them horizontally to the 3ft vertical sections as shown in the Layout images.
7. Weld the joints together.

At this step you can choose whether you want to add more inclined C-Channels as I have done when I built the house.

For those of You who do not want to do so, I have not shown the inclined C-Channels in the image Layouts.

Since the available plywood sheet sizes vary from country to country I haven't specified the Dimensions of the Plywood required for the roof.

1. Start by cutting sections of the plywood depending on the Size of the plywood sheet available.
2. Next bolt the sheets onto the C-Channels as shown in the images.

It is optional if you want to install aluminium roofing sheets on top of the Inclined roof. All you need to do is just bolt them to the roof.

For those of you who do not wish too add these sheets I have not included them in the image layout.

You can choose to mount the Solar panels directly onto the roof. This reduces the cost of building an additional stand for it.

I chose to build another stand for this purpose and also added an additional staircase that extends to the top of the roof. This too is optional.

For those of you who do not wish to build an additional stand, I haven't included the stand in the image Layout.

This step includes just a basic understanding of the Solar and Wind Electrical connections.

The sizing of the hybrid system is given in the next step.

For a more detailed and a step by step guide on installing a Solar System you can check out this instructable that I have made especially for this purpose : Apartment Solar System . It will also show you how to assemble, size and calculate individual solar systems.

1. Follow the block diagram while making the connections.
2. The Red wires are Positive, Black are Negative. The Red wire between the Inverter-CB-Power Consumption Meter-Load is Live, Black is Neutral and Green is Ground or Earthing.
3. Be Careful while making connections.
4. Do not switch anything ON while connecting all the parts and components.
5. Do not interchange the polarity and stick to the colour coding of the wires- Red, Black & Green.
6. Cut all the wires to length using the wire cutter and strip the PVC covering of the ends of the wire using the wire stripper.
7. Start by connecting the output terminals of the windmill to the input terminals of the Circuit Breaker (CB).
8. The output terminals of that CB must be connected to the 'Wind Input' terminals of the Hybrid Controller.
9. Next connect the output terminals of the Solar Panel Array to the input terminals of another CB.
10. Connect the output terminals of that CB to the input terminals of the Charge Controller (CC).
11. Connect the output terminals of the CC to the 'Solar Input' terminals of the Hybrid Controller.
12. The connect the output terminals of the Hybrid Controller to the terminals Battery Array.
13. Also Connect the the same terminals of the Battery Array to the input terminals of yet another CB.
14. Connect the output of that CB to the input DC terminals of the Inverter.
15. Connect the output terminals of the Inverter to the input terminals of yet another CB.
16. Connect the output terminals of that CB to the input terminals Power Consumption Meter (KWh Meter).
17. Connect the output terminals of the Power Consumption meter to the Load.

Windmill

The Windmill is a device that converts Wind energy into Electricity. The blades of the windmill turn by the force of the wind. This then turns the shaft of the generator. Due to magnetic induction created in the generator part of the windmill electricity is produced.

Solar Panel Array

The Solar Panel is the device which converts the light emitted by the Sun into electrical energy. When the suns rays fall onto the solar cells, the electrons in the solar cells get excited and begin to flow, thus producing electrical energy.

The diodes in the Solar Panel Connection Box are used to maintain the polarity of the solar panel. If the positive wire is connected in the middle terminal, the voltage is halved.

Circuit Breaker (CB)

The Circuit Breaker is a kind of Switch which switches OFF/shuts down/shuts OFF when a certain amount of current passes through it. It will shut OFF only when the current exceeds the given specified amount. E.g: 15A etc. It also shuts OFF when theres a short circuit. The reason one MUST connect the Circuit Breaker between different parts/appliances is to prevent the damage caused by lightning strikes, short circuits,etc. Lightning can cause the battery to explode and also damage the entire system. The Circuit Breaker immediately shuts OFF when lightning strikes the Solar Panel or Windmill.

Charge Controller (CC)

The Charge Controller is a device that regulates the voltage and current of the solar array. It gives a steady output which used by the hybrid controller.

Hybrid Controller

The hybrid controller electronically combines and controls the Voltage and Current supplied by the Solar Panel Array and the Windmill. It regulates the voltage and makes suitable for charging the battery array.

Battery Array

The Battery is a device which stores the electrical energy in the form of chemical energy. A Lead Acid battery contains lead acid in it. As the battery is used it releases hydrogen gas.

Inverter/ UPS

The Inverter/UPS is an electronic device which converts a low voltage DC input into a high voltage AC output. E.g: An inverter can convert 12VDC (from battery) into 220VAC (to appliance). An inverter is necessary if your appliances run on 220V AC.

Power Consumption Meter

The power consumption meter measure the running total of the amount of power-hours that have been consumed by the appliances. It is measured in Kilo Watt Hours (KWh).

The sizing of the Solar Panels, Windmill, Batteries, Charge and Hybrid controllers all depend on the desired load.

The charge controller, hybrid controller, batteries should all be compatible and also fit their respective parameters.

A detailed guide to the Sizing of the Solar Panels: Apartment Solar System.

The windmill/ Wind turbine can also add the additional power required to the system.

Both together should be enough to charge the batteries and should not exceed the maximum input values of the Hybrid Control System.

The inverter should also be compatible with the output of the battery array. The battery array can also be calculated from the above link.

Specification of this Hybrid System

• 4 X 80W, 12V Solar Panels connected in series = 48V, 320W.
• 4 X 180Ah Lead acid Batteries connected in Series.
• Windmill/ Windturbine: 48V, 2kW.
• Inverter/UPS: 48V, 3kVA.
• Hybrid Controller: Solar Input- 48V, 320W, Wind Input- 48V, 2kW, Output- 48V.

The plumbing block diagram will help you with the basic understanding of the plumbing work of the house.

Its basically depicts all the essential connections between the pump, tank, geyser, Kitchen and Bathroom.

The sizing of the pipes, fittings, taps, tank, pumps and geysers vary from country to country depending on their availability. Hence dimensions cannot be specified for these parts.

In the block diagram, the 'blue' pipes indicate the 'cold' (room temperature) water supply while the 'red' pipes indicate the 'hot' water supply.

Safety:

1. While soldering do not touch the tip of the soldering iron.
2. Wear Dark Glasses while installing the Solar Panel.
3. Do not look Directly at the Sun.
4. Wear Safety gear while working and welding.

Caution:

1. Keep the battery away from sparks, cigarettes, open flames, etc. These can result ion explosions.
2. Do not throw water near the battery or inverter.
3. Avoid metallic contact between the terminals of the battery, as this can cause short circuiting.
4. Lead Acid batteries generate Hydrogen Gas.
5. Do not hit, hammer or damage the battery, it contains lead acid and can leak.Make sure the output of the inverter is grounded/earthed.
6. Do not block the vents of the cooling fan in order to prevent over heating of the inverter.
7. Do not interchange the polarity of any of the connections.
8. Do not weld joints without proper safety gear and guards.
9. Hire a Certified Electrician or Plumber if you cannot perform certain tasks.
10. Do not directly touch the welding machine.
11. While cutting wood make sure you are wearing safety glasses.
12. The chemical solvents used to join pipes should be used with caution.
13. Used filtered water only to the Kitchen and Bathroom.

Things to Remember:

1. Do not forget to install the Circuit Breakers.
2. Do not switch the system on until all the connections have been made.
3. The distilled water in the battery must be replaced at least once a year.
4. Do not switch on the inverter if the charge controller is displaying the 'Overload' signal.
5. Always use low consumption appliances such as CFL or LED bulbs and appliances.

After Use of Battery:

1. This battery contains lead acid and sulphuric acid.
2. Do not just through it in the garbage as it is hazardous to the environment.
3. At the end of the battery life, return the battery to the authorised dealer for disposal.

Congratulations you have reached the final step. If you make the house or even make an individual system. i.e. Only solar or Only wind, attach a photo of it in the comments section by clicking the "I Made It' button at the top of the page.

If you have any questions, suggestions or doubts pertaining to this instructable do leave it in the comments section below or below the step wherein you have a particular doubt.

Observations:

1. Thankfully Rain does not pour through the roof!
2. The windmill just needs regular oiling.
3. Rust can be a problem in certain areas if not painted well

Conclusion:

I had a lot of fun showcasing this instructable. I hoped you enjoyed it. If you did feel free to favourite it.

App:

I'm planning on developing an app for smartphones and tablets specifically for this instructable. The app will help you to calculate the sizing of solar panels, battery array, wind turbine, load, etc and also a whole lot of other electronics calculators. If you are interested leave a comment below.