Build a Solar Power System for Your Home
Are you considering a DIY solar power system for your home? More and more home owners
are as energy costs increase and solar energy systems cost are reducing. Imagine
converting freely available solar power into electricity that can be used to power
your home. The amount of electricity that will be generated depends on the number
and wattage of the solar panels and the number of direct sun light the solar panels
receive.
The technology required commonly known as solar panel are a collection of solar
cells called photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells come in a different sizes and
produced different voltages but the standard output is 12V.
If the solar panels are producing more electricity than is needed to run your home,
the excess solar power can be sold to the electric company. Solar panels produced
the most power during the day when you’re at work and not using much electricity
but don’t worry, it won’t be wasted. It can be sold to the electric company or stored
in batteries to be used later.
In order to recoup the initial investment you need to determine how long it will
take. You don’t want to move out of the house before having recouped your investment.
Do you have a large enough space on your roof where the solar panels can be installed
on that receives at least six hours of direct sun light each day? Solar cells work
best in direct sunlight. If most of the south facing roof space is covered by trees
a photovoltaic system is not going to produce much electricity.
Pitch of your roof. Are you comfortable walking on your roof? Is it too steep for
you? When installing a do it yourself solar power system you will be spending some
time on the roof installing the solar panels and wiring them together. If you are
not comfortable working on the roof for a day or two you might want to consider
hiring someone to install the solar panels for you.
You will also need to run cables from the solar panels, into your house to be connected
to the electric circuit. You will need a qualified electrician to make the final
connection to your electric system but you can do the majority of the work yourself.
To find solar resources you can either use the internet or yellow pages. Another
option is to search for solar retailer sites with the search phrase DIY solar power
system. Check out the result sites. Be sure to verify that the site is reputable
and secure.
Before purchasing a do it yourself solar power system from a retailer be they local
or online there are a few questions you should ask them. Will they help you determine
the load of your home and size the solar power system to your home's electrical
needs?
Will they allow you to review the installation instructions before purchasing the
solar power system?
Do they offer telephone technical support?
How long is the warranty on the equipment?
Who do you contact for warranty work?
Look for forums on the internet. They are excellent resources for help and advice.
You are now ready to find the right retail outlet that will provide you with the
best do it yourself solar power system and great customer service. Even if you decide
not to install a solar power system yourself, consider hiring a local company that
specializes in installing solar power systems in homes. It will be more expensive,
but in the long run the cost savings will be well worth it.