Reducing the carbon footprint is fast becoming the goal of many households across the nation. The use of solar panels can reduce energy consumption by using the clean, renewable resource of the sun to generate electricity. If done properly, this technol
Solar panels harness the power of sunlight to generate electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells. If money is no object, a contractor can be hired to obtain and install a solar system for you. For those of us in the “other” category, there are other less expensive options. These include purchasing solar panel kits, refurbishing used solar panels, and the ultimate DIY of making panels from component parts. Solar panels can create a more self-sufficient household in which they meet your all or most of household electrical energy needs. The ideal scenario would have the electricity generated will exceed the needs permitting electricity to be sold back to the Grid.
Although the there are other component required for more complex systems, the basic elements of a homemade solar panel system include four items: Solar panel(s); Charge controller; Battery; and Inverter.
The solar panel: Solar panel When we think of a solar system, we see a solar panel, the total voltage is the sum of the voltage of all the photovoltaic cells in the system. To determine how many panels are needed we need to look at and average out the energy usage that appears on our bills.
Charge controller or regulator: Maintaining control of the energy flow prevents overcharging the batter and is the job of the Charge Controller. This unit also maximizes the efficiency and life of the system by monitoring the discharge status both in the daytime and evening.
Battery: The electricity not immediately used is stored by a battery or series of batteries. Deep-cycle or marine batteries are preferable to automobile batteries because they are capable of storing all or virtually all of the electricity generated by the solar panels, thus minimizing waste.
The inverter: When we insert a plug into the wall to power our toaster or TV, what comes out is AC or Alternating Current. Unfortunately, the electricity generated by the solar panels and stored in the battery is DC or Direct Current. It is the job of the inverter to convert DC electricity into AC power.
If a solar panel system is designed with the intent of generating enough electricity to “sell back” to the Grid, then the components will include the AC Breaker Panel, and the Kilowatt-per-Hour Indicator are required. The KW per Hour indicator, for example is necessary to track how much current is provided to and from the grid to determine the charge or credit that appears on your monthly electric bill.
As we plan to implement energy conservation tips such as homemade solar panels, we should not forget the less expensive but equally important options such as Energy-saver fluorescent bulbs or things as simple as turning off lights in unoccupied rooms.
Our plan to implement energy conservation tips can include the use of homemade solar panels. Money can be saved through making solar panels from kits or assembling them from individual components.
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The green movement has come on strong recently. Although solar has been around for a while, personal solar power for the home is fast becoming affordable. Couple that with tax credits coming and it is a great solution especially for the south west USA
Well, that certainly simplifies things…here I was thinking that the big "going green" steps like solar panels were beyond the DIY scope. Too bad I don't have my own house to alter right now…but I'll keep this in mind when I finally do.
This is a great eco-friendly idea
With the rising cost of electricity and commodities, people should take a look at the use of solar energy. Your tips help in encouraging people in making use of the solar energy and how to conserve energy.
The idea of homemade Solar panels to implement Energy conservation tips is really money saving and helpful.
Home made solar panels is a bit beyond my DIY capabilities, but we do use portable hot water solar bags on the occasional hot days. The kids love it as it's a bit like camping. The water gets very hot and because the nozzle is small, you use very little water. Also, we have built a worm farm. the by-product of their waste is amazing on our vege garden and means less land fill. Fleur
I was at a cocktail party about a month ago, a couple and I entered a conversation about energy conversation methods. In fact, ten or so years ago, they said they invested in solar panels because of great tax incentives from not only the government but the company as well. I asked them how long it took them to break even on the investment, they said about ten years. I think in the short run, it may not be worth it for a family, but in the long run, it is definitely something worth thinking about for all families!
I've always loved the Idea of powering my home with solar panels both for electricity and for hot water. the break even time can be a little long but I think if you start with taking all the conservation measures you can you can cut down the payback time because you won't need as panels to supply your needs.
I've always loved the Idea of powering my home with solar panels both for electricity and for hot water. the break even time can be a little long but I think if you start with taking all the conservation measures you can you can cut down the payback time because you won't need as panels to supply your needs.
think
compact fluorescent bulbs
insulating pipes and hot water heaters
turn out the lights when you leave the room
eliminating phantom loads( like wall warts)
invest in sweaters and turn down the thermostat in the winter and raise the thermostat on your ac in the summer( fans a re cheaper to run)
I wonder who actually uses this kind of technology here in the Philippines… That's still too expensive in here.
Thanks for this post about solar panels. I have always thought it would be great to have my house run off of solar panels but have never had the money or courage to get it done. A lot of houses here in Laos have the water heated by solar panels but very few use it for electricity. Thanks again!
This is a great post. The biggest problem with solar panels has always been the prohibitive price. Its nice that this is changing and that now we can build our own.
Do you see the cost of solar panels coming down anytime soon? Their high cost really makes them too expensive for the average household..
I saw a bit on discovery channel where a guy had this solar powered electric bike. There are probably lots of good ideas for solar but is the technology ready to be mass produced for the consumers?
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Is there a certain weight limit that your roof has to be able to hold in order to install a solar panel? I hear they're pretty heavy. Also, do most municipalities require special permits to use solar energy to power your house? What about building plans, as opposed to other types of construction? I'd love to have a more efficient home; mine was built in the 1960's and is mostly natural gas with electric A/C.
Great post. Let us see how this technology will be useful to us.
The more people get into solar panel technology, the better. Change is only possible through action. If we want to live a sustainable lifestyle, we must take action to use sustainable technology. I'm glad solar technology is already relatively acceptible.
Correct we have abundant solar light to make use of it. Solar energy is inevitable source of energy. And so we can save money making more use of it.
Nice post
It will help you slash your electricity bill by 80% or even eliminate it completely!
Get instructions to make solar power and wind power at home. Use this guide to make a power producing solar panels and reduce your electricity bill
Very good article. I would like to add that the selection of the components is very crucial for efficiency of the investment. Prices now days has fallen a lot but are fluctuating as well from the one wholesaler to another. In europe if someone is carefull you can buy small quantity of panels at a price of 3,5$/W. An intensive market research can save you a lot of money.
With all the rebates and consessions available atm in au, it's poslbise to install a heat pump for basically no cost.
It is indeed amazing that we can make use of the sun's heat. To have energy for our homes and appliances and of course, to save!
Solar energy panels really helped many people. It is very useful and reasonable in saving money.
It is all natural and a green nature friendly.
what an excellent way to conserve energy and at the same time using the natural energy from the sun. The solar energy panel can be a big technological breakthrough. It saves your money and also it is an environment friendly kit.
Second that on the solar thing. Another thing that is green is money, and you can earn a lot of that using the Google Money System lol.
Great information on solar. I believe we will see prices continue to drop. Please dont overlook the benefits of Wind Power. The US is now the largest producer of wind energy in the World.
This is a great way to save power at home! Some more food for thought is how about making your own wind power, hydro power and even biofuels at home? Also using passive solar design is another great way to save power.
Did you realize that by simply installing wind turbines on your roof that you can reduce AC bills, prolong the life of your roof, and increase the life of your AC unit.
Alternative energy is the answer to meeting energy demand
Very informative post, I had visited Watkins hire recently they had provided portable cooling , air conditioners, high capacity air conditioners, split air conditioners and space cooling products for instant cooling and not much damage of your bills.
Great post – thanks a ton!
I have been looking for ways to cut back on using excessive amounts of power at home and have always loved the idea of solar panels. Either that or wind – they both could cut back on my spend of electricity now.
Crazy that the US is the largest producer of wind energy – wow!
This is really a great thing knowing this information about solar. The increasing value of electricity in our homes will truly make a hit on this. These solar products bring us the benefit of trying what is best for us.
Amazing site- will come back soon:)
I recently spalshed out a new solar panel for the roof of my house and use it to heat water during the day for washing dishes up etc. I've already seen savings of a few hundred in heating costs. Definately a great investment for me.
verry good post, thank you for those explanation. more poeple will get into the solar panel and more energy will be saved, we really should rtake care of this!
Great post – I'm lucky enough to have been able to get a contractor in – but I wish I read around a bit first, I could have saved a lot of money!
thanks for the post..
This is a great tip on how to conserve energy at home. But if you want your solar panels to be installed and set up effectively you may contact the solar companies near you. It can be costly at first but it can bring you lots of benefits in the long run.
Great article! I hope more people switch to solar and it becomes cheaper and much more efficient in the future.
Solar Panels are a great solution for energy conservation, and home made is actually very easy. Solar Panels are improving more and more and it's very easy to made it by yourself!