subject: Steps to Making Your Own Home Solar System [print this page] Using home solar power is a great way to go green while saving money on electric bills. Even though home solar systems definitely pay off by utilizing the sun's free energy, most people aren't able to make the initial costly investment to set up solar panels. Prices for solar systems can be up to $20,000 which is why many people are so surprised that you can easily make DIY solar systems for about $200.
Before making you DIY solar power system, you will have to research the essentials of home electricity. The electricity in your home is distributed by an electrical panel and a utility box and grid control the flow. With home solar power, solar cells first collect the sun's energy and an inverter converts it into electricity that can be used by your existing electrical setup.
Most of the supplies needed for home solar power can be found at your local hardware store. You will need to make a box or panel onto which you'll mount the solar cells, electrical wiring, a soldering gun, caulk, a voltmeter, and some other basic tools. Solar cells can be found at a discounted price if they are chipped. While these still work, keep in mind that they will capture less energy than full solar cells.
After making your solar panels, you will need to install your DIY solar system. This is actually quite easy- even for people with absolutely no experience with electrical wiring. Alternatively, you can find a professional electrician who will do this last step for you. Of course, this will add cost to your DIY solar power but the overall price will still be much less.
Those who don't have a lot of space or direct sunlight at home can still make DIY solar heaters. DIY water heaters are very easy to make and set up and they have all the benefits of home solar systems. All you basically need is a water storage container, such as an old boiler, and to reroute some piping.
More and more people are setting up home solar systems for the eco and financial benefits. That means that there is a lot of information out there about DIY solar power. You might want to start small and build solar water heaters. Once you see how easy this is, you can then create a home solar power system for just around $200.
