Are DIY Solar panels legitimate for saving electricity?
I have seen DIY software which explains everything for novices. Specifically, how to build your own solar panels and tie them into your home electrical system for about $100 in parts.
Has anyone tried doing this? Was it easy?
The local codes in most areas in the US won't allow you to install a homemade solar panel on your house, it needs to be UL listed. Don't believe all of those bogus sites that promise you can power your house for $200, you can't. Also, besides the solar panel, you also need an approved inverter to convert the DC power from the solar panels to AC that your appliances need.
Factory built solar panels are generally guarantied for 20 - 25 years, with a life expectancy of twice that. You will never get that life from a homemade panel.
To save money on a solar installation, you may be able to install at least part of it yourself, but the equipment needs to be UL listed or equivalent.
You can see an example of a very small grid-tied electric system here. You can see that the solar panel is just one component. http://www.altestore.com/store/Kits-and-Package-Deals/Grid-Tied-Systems/Alt-E-Designed-Grid-Tie-Packages/AltE-Grid-Tied-Package-Micro1/p5642/ The output of this system will be very small, but it is a staring point.
You should consider solar water heating as a way to save on your energy bills. Heating your water accounts for about 25% of your energy use. If you can cut that by 75%, you will save a lot of money. Depending on where you are and how many are in your household, it may cost about $5000 for a do-it-yourself installation. There are tax incentives available that could potentially pay for as much as half of the system. These systems can pay for them selves in as little as 4 - 5 years.
How to Build Your Own Solar Panel Part 1
[simpleaffiliate source="amazon" results="10"]build your own solar panel[/simpleaffiliate]
[simpleaffiliate source="clickbank" results="5"]build your own solar panel[/simpleaffiliate]
No comments:
Post a Comment