One of the best ways to get power to remote, off-grid locations, whether in developed or developing countries, is through the use of solar electric systems. This practical guide describes how to plan, design and install solar electric systems in a manner that is hands-on, graphic and technically complete. Highly illustrated chapters cover:

• solar energy basics
• components of solar electric systems (modules, batteries, regulators, inverters and appliances)
• installation practice
• on planning and servicing systems
• water pumping
• refrigeration
• village electrification.

This is the must-have guide for electric technicians and designers, development workers, and anyone who wants to install their own off-grid system.

Packed with over 200 shortcuts and tricks, this might just be the most helpful book you will ever own.

When Sidney Raz hit 30, he realised there was so much advice no-one had ever bothered to tell him. So Sid went on a mission to make his life as easy as humanly possible. He began posting his discoveries online and quickly built a following of millions, all eager for his next hacks. This book is a culmination of that work, presenting Sid's greatest tips, tricks and life hacks to make cooking, chores, and life in general far more efficient. It's all stuff you wish someone had already told you, and now they have. Share them with everyone you know!

Hacks that take you one step closer to domestic god status include:

• Placing a wet paper towel by an onion will stop your eyes from watering
• Putting plastic wrap in the freezer makes it easier to use
• The shoulder strap on a leather jacket will stop the strap on your bag slipping off

One of the best ways to get power to remote, off-grid locations, whether in developed or developing countries, is through the use of solar electric systems. This practical guide describes how to plan, design and install solar electric systems in a manner that is hands-on, graphic and technically complete. Highly illustrated chapters cover: solar energy basics components of solar electric systems (modules, batteries, regulators, inverters and appliances) installation practice on planning and servicing systems water pumping refrigeration village electrification. This is the must-have guide for electric technicians and designers, development workers, and anyone who wants to install their own off-grid system.

Readers with a hunger for knowledge and an interest in the myriad ways people have taught themselves to make, grow, and build will discover the ins and outs of how to do everything they've ever wondered about in this colourful, inviting volume. With dozens of useful and intriguing visual tutorials that cover how to carve a turkey, capture a swarm of bees, predict the weather by the clouds, darn socks, create a butterfly garden, set up a dog agility course, keep a nature sketchbook, navigate by the stars, and more, this rich compendium will educate, fascinate, spark conversation, and inspire new hobbies and experiences.

Illustrated with full-color photographs accompanying easy-to-follow instructions, this unique collection utilizes the best that the online community has to offer, a mammoth database churning out ideas to make life better, easier, and, in this case, greener. Here are fun, useful projects designed to get you thinking creatively about going green. Let the Instructables team illustrate just how simple it can be to make your own backyard chicken coop or turn a wine barrel into a rainwater collector. Here, you will learn to: Clip a chicken's wings Power your lawn mower with solar power Create a chicken tractor for the city Water your garden with solar power Build a thermoelectric lamp Create an algae bioreactor from water bottles And much more! Get started today-making your life greener. Get off the grid!

'Helps motivate you even after reading one page' Reader Review, Welcome to The Easy Life, where your kitchen always sparkles, your closet is organised and your to-do list has an end. It sounds almost too good to be true, but TV's Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie - mother of three, pet owner, Instagrammer, This Morning cleaning expert and head of her own cleaning business - has all the tips, tricks and routines you need to create a happy and healthy home environment. In her latest book, Lynsey expands on her eco-friendly, tried-and-tested tips for cleaning, while also providing a series of interactive to-do lists, quick cleaning challenges and hacks to take the stress out of managing your home. Organised by season, the book's bright, colourful design aims to make cleaning quick, easy and fun. Whether you're finding you now have time to finally get to all those deep cleaning tasks or that having all your family at home means you need every trick to keep life organised, Lynsey has you covered. What readers are saying about The Easy Life: 'So bright & cheery, as well as being packed FULL of so many hints & tips! Seasonal cleaning starts here' 'Home, Cleaning and Family Life all rolled into one to help achieve the perfect life balance!' 'Packed with amazing cleaning tips and various To Do lists ... very colourful and very enjoyable to read' 'This book is absolutely brilliant, it has everything to keep your home clean and organised throughout the year' 'I like the fact it goes by season so works all year round and has some amazing tips' 'Amazing book! Not just lists to tick, but structure, tips, hints and recipes'

For avid gardeners, the biggest down-side of the hobby is the limited growing season in much of the country. Gardening during the winter is often reduced to tending house-plants and browsing seed catalogues for next summer's tomato choices. Master Gardener and builder Roger Marshall enthusiastically presents his case for home greenhouses with a thorough examination of everything the potential builder needs to know. Marshall's coverage of the subject begins with a careful consideration of the various purposes served by greenhouses. Will the structure be used as a damp, warm hothouse for rare orchids? A tropical paradise for banana and citrus trees? A friendlier environment in which to get a jump on a summer vegetable garden is the goal for many gardeners, while an inviting setting for a year-round hot tub surrounded by lush greenery has an undeniable appeal. What ever its eventual use will be, Marshall helps the reader examine every option and make an informed choice. After determining the type and style of the structure, Marshall progresses, chapter by chapter, through the construction elements of the greenhouse - from choosing a site, to laying the foundation and determining which glazing material will work best. Plumbing, heating, supplemental lighting, misting, and automatic venting systems are also covered for the truly committed reader/gardener. The final section-of the book includes detailed plans for nine actual greenhouses, from a simple cold frame to an elaborately detailed framed, detached structure. Whatever the greenhouse goal, Marshall opens the way to longer growing seasons, abundant organically grown fruits and vegetables, and many more happy months playing in the dirt!

Authors David and Jeannie Stiles give readers all the information they need to build their own cabins -- whether it be as a wilderness retreat or a backyard studio. The authors describe each step in the process from buying land to obtaining services, from finding qualified construction help to deciding on and developing plans for a structure that suits their lifestyle and budget. Cabins is packed with detailed illustrations, plans and common-sense advice.

Chapters include classic construction methods: how to build a log cabin, pole-built and stick-built cabin, post-and-beam, stone, cordwood and kit cabins. Construction methods are clearly illustrated in photographs and drawings and the advantages of each are explained in detail. Foundations, windows, doors, insulation, roofing, installing utilities, water and sanitary systems and heating are all discussed.

Many designs are presented as inspiration and to help readers select the cabin that is perfect for them: homesteader log cabin, writing cabin, guest cabin, Japanese moon-gazing cabin, lakeside retreat, pyramid and A-frame, and hillside Mediterranean cabin. The authors include personal reminiscences from successful builders and cabin owners, and discuss furnishings and accessories that can help readers get the most enjoyment out of their newly built wilderness retreat.

Written in a simple, easy-to-understand language by a skilled programmer with many years of experience teaching CNC machining to industry and in the classroom, this new edition offers a new chapter on feature-based Machining using Siemens, plus a new chapter featuring Fanuc NC guide I programming. It provides full descriptions of many operation and programming functions and illustrates their practical applications through examples. It provides in-depth information on how to program turning and milling machines, which is applicable to almost all control systems. It keeps all theoretical explanations to a minimum throughout so that they do not distort an understanding of the programming. And because of the wide range of information available about the selection of tools, cutting speeds, and the technology of machining, it is sure to benefit engineers, programmers, supervisors, and machine operators who need ready access to information that will solve CNC operation and programming problems. Ken Evans has held a variety of machining and related jobs throughout his career; and is currently a CNC Programmer at a prominent aerospace company. Ken was a Machine Tool Technology instructor for 20 years at Davis Applied Technology College in Kaysville, Utah, where he taught a variety of courses throughout the machining curriculum, including Mastercam CAD/CAM. In addition, he has trained other educators from around the region on how to set-up, program, and operate their CNC machines; and has been a Training & Applications Specialist for a local machine tool distributor. Part 1: CNC Basics Part 2: CNC Machine Operation Part 3: Programming CNC Turning Centers Part 4: Programming CNC Machining Center Part 5: Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing Part 6: Introduction to Featured-Based Machining Part 7: FANUC NC Guide Programming Part 8: Mazatrol Conversational Programming Appendices A1-A12 Answers to Study Questions

Handmade Tile is a contemporary guide for ceramic artists and anyone interested in custom tile installations-from making, designing, and decorating to designing your space and installation. No matter how many years of experience you have as a ceramic artist or how many home-improvement projects you've tackled, nothing prepares you for the unique world of ceramic tile. From concept and design, through firing and installation, ceramic tiling is one of the few places in a home where art is permanently installed as a feature of a room. In Handmade Tile, Forrest Lesch-Middelton shares everything he's learned as the founder and owner of the custom tile business FLM Ceramics and Tile. From his years as a one-man operation to his current production facility, Forrest has seen it all and helps you every step of the way. Whether you want to make your own tile, or want to use artistic and custom-made tile in your home, this book has everything you need. Key features of the book include: Making Tile: key tools, rolling, cutting, extruding Decorating: glazes, image transfer, cuerda seca, underglaze, slip Designing Your Space: tile in context, choosing your tile, codes and standards Installation: removing old tile, backing, preparing surfaces, setting, grouting Galleries and interviews with today's top workings artists in tile round out the package. Featured artists include Allison Bloom, Boris Aldridge, Disc Interiors, PV Tile, and more.

Chris Mitchell and Pilar Guzman are design obsessives who both want the same thing: rooms that are spare yet warm, layered yet clean, current yet timeless. Rooms that never forget the real humans - with all their needs, hopes, emotions, aspirations, and even spills - who live in these spaces. Over the course of six ever more ambitious home renovations, they've cracked the code on how to achieve this. It's a simple formula, one that lies in mixing modern design with timeworn materials - in particular, white oak, brass, and bridle leather, all three of which become richer, mellower, and burnished with patina as they age. Add a few essential lessons (Decorating by Mood, Borrowing from the Best) and a nine-point manifesto that covers everything from lighting (rooms should feel like lanterns at night), to the use of black as an accent, to the intention that every space should serve multiple purposes, and the result is Patina Modern, a uniquely inspiring and practical design guide. The book leads by example, as the authors reveal in room-by-room detail the full evolution of their homes, including a Brooklyn brownstone and two classic Hamptons "cottages." Along the way, we come to not only understand just how they see and think but also learn what they've learned, getting an education in colour, proportion, paint, and the world of modern furniture design, for which the authors have a special passion. Tools, principles, and the power of designing around the things you love - this is the gift of Patina Modern, showing just how to put it all together to create your own beautiful spaces.

Jimmy DiResta has made a name for himself with his inventiveness and workshop skills, creating dozens of projects for YouTube videos and television shows such as Hammered and Against the Grain on the DIY network. In Make: Workshop Mastery With Jimmy DiResta, Jimmy and co-author John Baichtal teach readers essential workshop skills with over a dozen projects that explore everything from mold-making to CNC routing on to metalsmithing. Projects in this book include: Tool-drawer cabinet A chess set One-sheet metal stool A machete Crowbar-hammer mashup An electric guitar with a carved body Your own sign A leather backpack

In this book, the natural beauty and texture of sticks, wood, stones and pebbles are celebrated in inspirational and practical designs. 25 original projects include a wall-hanging cabinet made from driftwood; a beautiful twig candelabra; door-stops made from stone; and pebble-mosaic slabs for a garden path or patio. It offers exciting projects from today's leading craft artists. It is a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about materials, equipment and techniques. It offers clear step-by-step instructions with over 300 specially commissioned photographs. It presents a contemporary approach to working with timeless, natural materials. The use of stone and wood for decorative and symbolic purposes is as ancient as the materials themselves: from basket-making to a Roman pebble mosaic; from African statuettes to the mysterious circle at Stonehenge, the use of the earth's simplest materials is still effective today. This is a unique collection of 25 practical ideas for decorating your home, created by a professional artisan. Every project is self-contained, and step-by-step photographs guide the reader through each stage. The introductory section covers some of the basic skills and equipment required, while exploring the different materials involved. For inspiration, there is a gallery of original pieces from contemporary artists. With its inventive designs, this is the first practical craft book to explore the beautiful potential of these natural materials.

This completely revised and updated edition of the bestselling Bathroom Idea Book features inspirational and practical design solutions for the number one choice for a remodel indoors. A virtual designer's notebook of ideas, inspiration and information, without the high designer price tag, this will be a homeowner's first step in turning a dream bath into a real one, whether it's new construction or a remodel.

The interest in sheds has grown over recent years, with 'man caves' and 'she sheds' becoming part of the garden landscape - either for hobby or office use, a summer house or a place to escape. Television shows, such as George Clarke's Amazing Spaces, along with the Shed of the Year competition have contributed to this rise in popularity. However, many of the shed books on the market have just been picture books, showing the wide variety and themes of sheds around the country/world. The Haynes Shed Manual is a practical, step-by-step guide with wide-covering advice on all aspects of planning and building sheds. Written by two shed experts, it will appeal to the enthusiastic DIYer.

This book was written for people who have never used a 3D carving machine. It teaches the basics of designing and making things with Inventables' software (Easel) and 3D carving machines (X-Carve and Carvey). We'll take you step-by-step through five projects you can build yourself as a beginner: an inspiration tile, kitchen cutting board, custom block stamp, fidget spinner, and balsa wood glider. The book also features aspirational projects from makers in the community, like an electric guitar, to show what is possible through 3D carving. The design files and instructions for projects - ranging from beginner to expert - can be found on the Inventables website.

In today's home decor, matched furniture is out and individuality is king. Whether these pieces are coming from a flea market, vintage fair, attic, or thrift shop, transforming them into one-of-a-kind home accents takes only a little DIY creativity and attitude. In Junk Beautiful: Furniture ReFreshed, author and Queen of Junk Sue Whitney provides inspiration for reimagining and refashioning vintage pieces into truly unique furniture and accessories. 30 projects presented here include clear, concise step-by-step instruction and photographs Requiring little to no skill to create and capable of being completed in a weekend or less, the projects are arranged based on where they will appear in the home An introductory section on techniques, tools, and supplies lays the groundwork for the woodworking, painting, staining, and crafting that will transform these items A shopper's guide presents tips and advice for selecting and collecting items to incorporate into your home.

Upcycling refers to the process of converting old or discarded materials into something useful and beautiful. This 224-page book shows you just that - how to transform trash into treasures. At the hand of Misi Overturf, well-known creative consultant, no less than 50 exciting projects are undertaken ranging from easy to the more advanced. Clear step-by-step instructions and beautiful pictures ensure that the techniques are mastered. The projects cover the whole home and even include the garden.

A handy, practical resource that makes it easy to keep track of your essential homeowner information for future reference As a home buyers, you have a million things to deal with. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to overlook some. By prompting you with the right questions, providing fill-in-the-blank spots, and addressing everything from foundation to roof, this helpful journal takes the hassle out of organizing your house files. It offers a single, go-to source for recording everything. From up in the attic to down in the basement, this book highlights more than 25 different areas, making it easy to record information about any size or type of home. Each chapter focuses on a separate room and includes prompts like model number and warranty info on appliances, type and color code of paint, and year and make of roofing materials. Also included are handy sidebars with tips, tricks, and reminders for keeping information up to date and performing regular maintenance. Perfect as a housewarming gift or just as a way to stay organized, New Home Journal is a valuable resource for homeowners who want to take care of their home for years to come.

This book is a clear, lively and fun introduction to sculpting in wire. Very much aimed at beginners, there are 6 projects of increasing difficulty, aiming to teach the beginner how to sculpt in wire from the most basic starting point up through to soldering. The projects start off by learning about wire and using simply pliers, and then how to incorporate other materials such as tin, feathers and material. Finally the last project includes the use of some simple silver soldering. Clear step-by-step images show the processes involved in every project. Images of fantastic sculptures in wire by contemporary artists are scattered throughout, showing everything from hats and shoes, to life-size figures, sheep and even elephants.

The question of reparation remains. As South Africa prepares to enter its second decade of democracy, there are no easy answers about how to best repair the damage inflicted by the past. The wounds are deep and they haunt. If left unresolved, apartheid's legacy of inequality may come to thwart ongoing efforts to build a culture of human rights, nurture democratic politics, and move forward with the project of reconciliation. A difficult concept and an even more difficult process, reparation in South Africa appears to require a sustained combination of resources, will power and committed dialogue. Beginning with a detailed analysis of the TRC's recommendations for reparation and the ensuing public debate over their implementation, To Repair the Irreparable features over twenty essays from leading commentators about the past, present, and future of reparation in South Africa. What are the benefits and limits of current reparation policy? How can South Africa best balance the demands of reparation, democracy-building and justice? How does the South African experience contribute to international debates over reparation? What is the best way to resolve ongoing debates over land redistribution, the reconstruction of civil society, the promise of restorative justice, and the legal disputes that surround calls for reparation? These problems are urgent. For both citizen and scholar, this book makes an important case for why reparation matters and offers a timely discussion of how South Africa can best continue the work of reconstruction.