subject: Save Money When You Build Your Own Solar Panels [print this page] Save Money When You Build Your Own Solar Panels
Solar power is gaining in popularity among many homeowners these days. You can save a considerable amount on your energy bills because you will be using the sun's energy for many home appliances. Converting your energy usage to solar power can be quite expensive. Most of the cost is in purchasing the panels. You can build your own solar panels and save a lot of money. For this, you will require some basic materials. A typical panel is made of 36 mono-crystalline solar cells that are encased and covered with Plexiglas.
Advantages of Using Your Own Panels
There are several reasons why you should consider building the panels on your own. The most important advantage is saving money. By not using the electricity provided by your utility company you will be saving a huge amount on your electricity bills. Once the panels start functioning properly you can eliminate the electricity usage and even think of selling the surplus energy to the power company.
Another reason is that you will be reducing the amount of carbon footprint. You will be responsible for a greener environment and reducing the pollution of the environment. Since you will be using the sun's energy for powering your home, you will be helping the planet to recover from the strain of greenhouse gas emissions too.
Costs Involved
If you are planning to build your own solar panels you should first have an idea about the cost involved. If you decide to use commercial panels and professional installation the costs could go to several thousand dollars. But if you decide to build them yourself you can make a powerful solar panel for just about $200. For building the panels you have to follow a step-by-step guide. Some guides provide you with appropriate diagrams and even video footage.
After you have built your own solar panels you have to install them in the correct location. The most common place to install them is the roof top. Install them in such a way that they are facing the sun most of the time without any disruption in between. Some people install them in the backyard too. Place the panels facing south so that they can absorb maximum sunlight.
Now that you are familiar with the benefits of using solar panels, you can build your own solar panels at home. Instead of spending huge amounts of money on the commercially available ones, you can easily make them at home for a much cheaper price. These days you can also find ready made kits available on the market. All you have to do is purchase the kit and start building the panels. Follow the instructions carefully and build the panels for your home.
