Not exactly the same
Their are two fundamental types of solar panels:
- Solar Water Heaters
- Solar Electricity Producers
I am confining the topic here to Solar Electricity Producers and I will be addressing Solar Water Heaters in an upcoming blog post.
The typical costs currently associated with a professionally installed solar power system assembled for an average 2,000 square foot home begins close to $3000. The cost can increase from there and may exceed the ability to recover their costs in a reasonable amount of time. When someone wants to reduce this costs, it is worth exploring the costs involved in installing DIY solar panels. Aren’t you interested in installing your own hand fabricated solar panels?
If so, you probably have the same basic questions l asked:
* – CAN I BUILD SOLAR PANELS LIKE THOSE THAT A SPECIALIST INSTALLS?
Yes – as long I have the correct information and a functional handyman skills.
* – CAN I BUILD A SOLAR POWER SYSTEM IN MY GARAGE OR POSSIBLY IN MY BASEMENT?
Yes – Solar panels can be put together in a small location. As long as I have as much space as a one-car garage, I will be fine.
* – WOULD IT BE LESS EXPENSIVE TO HAVE MY SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED?
No – Because of the costs of labor, it will always be less costly to build my own solar panels.
* – WILL A SINGLE DIY SOLAR PANEL PRODUCE ADEQUATE ENERGY FOR MY HOME?
One solar panel for a home? Not a chance. I will need to examine my energy consumption over the past twelve months to work out how many home solar panels I’ll need to equal my present as well as my estimated future power usage.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR PANELS?
* – Lowering or perhaps elimination of my power company bill
* – In many cities I can sell unneeded electricity to the area utility company
* – Improvement in the value of my home
* – Tax breaks for utilization of solar power
* – Electrical power failures will no longer affect me
* – Solar panel systems generate zero green house gases
* – Being less dependent on the electrical power grid
ADVANTAGES OF CONSTRUCTING MY OWN SOLAR PANELS.
* – Expense: Over half of the contractor’s installation expenses are time and labor. By providing these, I drastically reduce my out-of-pocket expenses for my residential solar power generator.
* – Time: I will assemble my own solar panels in phases and install my DIY solar panels at my pace, generating energy as I have time.
* – Learning: By creating a solid home solar power platform, I am learning how solar systems functions. This will let me maintain and add improvements while I save some cash.
WHERE AM I GOING TO BUY THE BASICS MATERIALS TO BUILD MY OWN DIY SOLAR PANELS?
Just about all materials I may need to build my personal DIY solar power panel (copper wire, plywood, glass-panes, silicone, etc.) can be obtained from my nearby hardware store (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace) or electronic shop (Radio Shack). It’s the same with the tools and test equipment I will be using to build my solar panels. The single exception to this is the photo-voltaic solar cells that I will be needing to construct my solar power panels. Unless you have a solar technology store close to your home, it is easy to buy solar cells online. Plus they’re amazingly affordable.
WHERE CAN I MOUNT MY DIY SOLAR PANELS?
The normal location to set up solar panels is on the roof of your house and the 2nd most popular spot is in your backyard.
WHY THE ROOF IS THE STANDARD INSTALLATION AREA
* – Solar energy panels have a need for direct sun light. Trees, architectural structures, and all types of obstructions obscuring the sun’s rays make your solar panels useless. The best way to resolve this is to elevate the solar power panels over all of the obstructions.
* – Solar energy panels require a lot of space and you will need more than one. While they are incredibly durable, solar electric panels are more prone to be damaged when they are installed on the ground. However, ground-mounted solar panel systems have one huge advantage – ease of access.
WHICH DIRECTION IS BEST TO POINT YOUR DIY SOLAR PANELS?
The best option is to try to mount solar panels parallel to the earth or flat. When they’re installed using this method; regardless of the time of the entire year or the time of day; sunlight will still be shining on them. As you are well aware, residence roofs tend to incline, so to position solar panels flat would make installation tricky. For this reason, you will install your solar panels on the south-facing section of the roof so they are able collect the maximum level of direct sun light. If this is not an option appropriate for you, ground mounting is your next best option.
HOW DO I CONSTRUCT SOLAR PANELS?
The response to this goes beyond the breadth of this document, however what I will point anyone interested in a trusted website. The simplest thing to do is to find step-by-step DVD’s or CD’s that includes a detailed instruction manual. The DVD or CD instructions need to show accurate graphic examples that follow the instruction manual. A human being must be available to answer questions whenever you do not understand the written instructions or the DVD.
You cannot assume all web sites or instruction manuals designed for DIY solar power systems are equal, the one I recommend satisfies my own rigorous criteria, features a very good return policy, a excellent history, along with a variety of customer reviews that I found inspiring. If you wish, I can also suggest installation professionals who have a good reputation-backed guarantee. Just leave a comment on this blog and I’ll get back to you privately.