A Basic Solar Panel System - Setting Up and Installation

With a basic solar panel system, you can save thousands of dollars on energy bills every year. While many folks dream of living in a solar powered home to experience the off-grid lifestyle, not many achieve it. This is because few really know what to do to get there.

masonite siding

There are 2 main ways to setup solar energy panels in your home - by engaging professionals or doing it yourself. If you have cash to spare and do not mind the long payback period of commercial solar energy panels, engaging professionals is the ideal way to go.

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But if you want the most bang for your buck and want your solar panels to pay for itself in a much shorter period, the DIY route serves you well.

Setting up a complete solar power generator at home requires about ,000 to ,000. You only need a fraction of this cost in order to get do-it-yourself solar energy panels pumping electricity for your home. Using less than 0, you can build a photovoltaic panel that can last for more than two decades. This component can be built using simple tools and commonly available materials like wood, glass and masonite boards.

The number of photovoltaic panels you have to build depends on the size of your system. In order to size up your solar power system, you'll have to sum up the total energy consumption of your home. From this estimate, you'll also be able to know the specification of different photovoltaic components you need.

After the solar energy panel setup is completed, it is time to install your solar energy panels. You need a south-facing roof so as to capture the most sunlight throughout the day. You also need to ensure these solar energy panels are not blocked by vegetation. The slightest shade can cause a drastic drop in voltage output.

In order to determine the best position for your photovoltaic panels, you may need a solar pathfinder. This clever tool enables you to read (at one glance) the shading condition at the area of your choice. You'll then know if your intended installation site is suitable for solar electricity generation.

If you want to build your own basic solar power system, a DIY instructional manual can help you get started. You'll be able to learn where to get cheap and good materials, as well as techniques that only professionals know. You'll also learn what to do when you get into a rut.

Alternatively, you can do fine if an expert is willing to teach you. But not too many of us know someone like that. Therefore an instructional manual is one good resource that helps you save thousands on your solar energy panels.

A Basic Solar Panel System - Setting Up and Installation

John Greenspan is an expert in DIY solar panels and has build several solar power generators in his spare time. Are you interested in building DIY Solar panels? Pick up your FREE "How To Build Solar Panels" eBook at http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com

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Do It Yourself Solar Power System

The benefits of PV solar panels are real. According to a study by the California Solar Institute, in cost savings annually, contributes to in increased home value. This means with the cost savings of 1500 dollars, your property value will increase by ,000. Government and state tax credits being passed at the moment also contribute to the reduction in initial costs in solar panel systems.

masonite board

One of the ways that you can get into the clean energy mix is by building your own solar power system. In order to build a do it yourself solar power system, you will need: Plywood, masonite pegboard, plexiglass, monocrystalline solar cells, tabbing wire, flux pen, blocking diode, electrical jack, and a solder.

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Once you have the proper material, we can then start building the solar array.

First, start out by laying the solar panels in rows of six, so you get a clear idea of the size of the solar array once it comes time to build the box. Secondly, solder the solar cells to each other while connecting the tabbing wire at the solder points on the solar cells. Be careful with the cells as they are extremely brittle. You may want to consider purchasing extra cells in case any of them break. Leave enough tabbing wire on the end so that you can connect it to the blocking diode and electrical jack. Test the solar array that you have so far, to make sure that you have the right output. For a 36 solar cell setup, you should get around 18V. Next, dab the backs of the solar cells with the flux pen. The flux pen contains a heat resistant adhesive you will attach to the pegboard. Lay the pegboard over all the solar cells. Give it about a minute and then flip the setup so that the solar cells are facing up. Cut off the excess masonite pegboard.

The next step will be to build the box. The solar panel enclosure keep the solar cells from exposure to extreme weather.

The environmental benefits are also astounding. Over the lifetime of owning a solar power system, you reduce the carbon footprint in using renewable energy equivalent to planting 1,450 trees. Solar panels are an incredibly clean source of energy which does not release carbon into the atmosphere. This means a clean future for everyone and future generations.

Do It Yourself Solar Power System

For More Complete Instructions and Illustrations On How To Build A Solar Panel System HERE

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