Analysis On Home Solar Power Systems - DIY Solar Panel

July 26, 2009 - PRLog -- Are you aware that there is a limitless free source of electricity readily available to every one of us? It belongs to no-one and anyone can take as much of it as they want. It's called the sun.

It's a huge and limitless source of energy and yet for the most part we don't bother to use it. The more you think about it the crazier it seems. We are paying out so much money each month for power and using up the earth's finite resources instead of using the alternative which is staring us in the face.   The simplest way for the ordinary householder to tap into this free energy source is with solar energy panels - also known as photovoltaic panels.

Solar panel installation is becoming increasing popular and for very good reason. Once installed, they require little maintenance and, as they are usually out of the way up on your roof, they are really very unobtrusive. They just sit there, collecting the sunlight, making electricity and saving you lots of money. Plus they add value to your home and are a good selling point.

So If You Want To Look Into Solar Panel Installation What Are Your Options?

First, there is no shortage of solar power manufacturers who will supply and install them for you. This is a growing industry and naturally supply is increasing to meet the demand. You will be able to find a list of installers in your local telephone or business directory. You may want to check the reliability of the company with the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any complaints filed against them.

The main stumbling block for many people is the costs of solar panels, which is usually quite expensive. You have to spend a lot of money before you start to save any.   There is far cheaper alternative and that is to build and install the solar panel system on your own. This might sound a bit daunting - but it is actually becoming a very popular DIY home improvement project. It saves a great deal of money compared with getting someone to do the installation for you and all you actually need is basic DIY skills and some of your own time and effort. Then you can enjoy the benefits of free electricity for years to come.  

What you will need of course is a decent manual to follow. Again because this is a growing market a number of manuals have now been written to guide you through the process of making and installing your solar energy panels. It is best to go for one which includes videos which demonstrate what you need to do so that you can follow the process more easily.

Once you’ve gotten your guide, the next step is to prepare the necessary materials to get yourself started:

• Solar Cells
• Wire crimping tool
• Wire cutters
• A sheet of plywood
• Copper wires
• Screwdriver
• Cobalt steel jobbers' twist drill bit, heavy duty, wire gauge size 26, 3" L, 1c" L flute
• Machine screw size high-speed steel hand tap taper, 10-24, H3 pitch diameter, 4 flute
• 7/32 drill bit
• Plastic sheet cutter
• Reamer
• Pliers
• Hacksaw
• Solder, 60/40 or silver
• Soldering iron, or soldering station
• Sheets of glass
• Drill

Solar power for homes is both economically and ecologically sound. So, if you want to stop paying those ever increasing electricity bills, solar panel installation may be well worth looking into. Just think what you could do with all that spare money!

If you are interested to learn how to build a solar panel, visit:
http://www.greenearth4energy.com

You may also want to get your solar installation guide here:
http://www.earthenergyguide.com

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Andy O Silliven is an engineer and author in the fields of electrical engineering. He enjoys writing about the topic and keeping up with current events and research in the area of renewable energy sources. Recommends: http://www.greenearth4energy.com