Labor and related costs account for more than half of the price of the average home solar installation. But homeowners can save thousands of dollars with this user-friendly manual, which follows the same process professional contractors use. Through detailed directions and step-by-step photos, veteran solar installer Joseph Burdick and seasoned builder Philip Schmidt teach you how to determine the size, placement, and type of installation you'll need.

This comprehensive DIY guide covers everything from assembling rooftop racking or building a ground-mount structure to setting up the electrical connections and making a battery bank for off-grid systems.

Become more reliant on yourself and your land with the Mother Earth News Premium Issue: Self-Sufficient Living.

Learn how to hatch your flock of chickens, grow food in less space, find your perfect country property, and get your no-mortgage natural cottage. Get the best tips for keeping livestock, harnessing natural energy from a DIY wind generator, and making your own medicine.

Save money and live healthily with all the best tips for living self-reliantly. Feel a true sense of accomplishment with the help of all the tips from Self-Sufficient Living.