SolarInfoSource.com

Solar Power Generation

SolarInfo — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:27:02 +0000

Jarrod Brake asked:

Energy prices are increasing and a great way to reduce your energy costs is to use solar power generation. Unlike most forms of energy you don't have to pay for the suns energy. Electricity and other forms of power come from oil, coal, natural gas etc. All of these energy sources cost money but solar energy does not cost anything. You can collect the suns rays for free. Solar power has been used for centuries in various ways. Solar energy has mainly been used for heat and there are specific branches of architecture deigned to utilize this to heat your home, just think of any south facing windows.

A popular form of collecting solar power is to use solar panels. Solar panels can be placed to collect the power that can then be converted into usable energy like electricity. Solar energy from solar panels can be integrated into supplying your houses power. You can completely run your house off of this power during the day and then use batteries for the night, these batteries will be charged by the sun during the day. You can collect so much solar energy that you can actually supply energy back into the power grid.

Other applications of this that can be used to concentrate minerals like sea salt, disinfections, pasteurization, cooking, drying and more. You can also concentrate the energy to power plants. Solar energy is typically used to heat water and swimming pools, particularly in countries close to the equator. It can be used to power batteries that can be used to run any number pf appliances and electronics. The main costs associated with solar power generation are installation and maintenance making it a great environmental energy option. Maintenance is usually performed every 10 years or so as your panels will need to be replaced due to scratching and from rain, wind and snow

Digital Camera

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger

Sale Price: $29.99

Coghlan's 8794 Film Can Shaker Lids - Pack of 2

List Price: ~~$1.34~~
Sale Price: $0.99
You save: $0.35 (26%)

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light

List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $29.99
You save: $40.00 (57%)

Solar Panels - How To Build Your Own Solar Panel

Sale Price: $7.99

Solar Sex Panel

Sale Price: $8.29

D.I.V.I.N.E.

List Price: ~~$9.49~~
Sale Price: $6.87
You save: $2.62 (28%)

P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

List Price: ~~$29.99~~
Sale Price: $12.99
You save: $17.00 (57%)

HYBRID SOLAR POWERED FLASHLIGHT WITH EMERGENCY BATTERY BACKUP BLACK (*2-pack*)

List Price: ~~$48.99~~
Sale Price: $24.98
You save: $24.01 (49%)

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems

Sale Price: $55.00

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun

List Price: ~~$9.70~~
Sale Price: $9.66
You save: $0.04 (%)

Solar Power For the Home – What You Will Need

SolarInfo — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:59:54 +0000

Jonathan Souza asked:

First it is important to check that your home has a roof that is right for solar panels.? If the solar panels on your roof will not be moving with the sun, then you want to find the right angle where they will get the most sun all through-out the year.? Even with a solar power kit, having the wrong angle of your home solar power panels can make your solar power system inefficient.? If your home is in the northern hemisphere you will want the solar panels to face south.? And you do not want the panels in any shade, as that will dramatically decrease the energy you will get from your solar energy system.?? If even part of your solar panel is in the shade it can cut it's efficiency in half.

If you want your how to do it yourself solar power for your home to work right, you will also need to look at the average amount of days you will have rain cloud cover in your region, and prepare your solar power system for the worst months, so you will have enough solar panels to supply the energy you need all year long.

One of the most crucial elements of your homemade solar power is the batteries.? Without them you would only have power when the sun was shining, but batteries allow you to have continuous running power during the night and even days of cloudiness.? One way around having to use costly batteries is to connect your system to the power grid, but this can be both complicated and frustrating.? Batteries will have to be replaced after years of usage, but the kind you want to look for are called deep-cycle batteries.? These will ensure little energy loss in your solar power system and maximum efficiency.

Another vital part to your homemade solar power system is a charge controller.? A charge controller regulates and monitors the amount of electricity flowing into and out of the system which will preserve your batteries lifespan and not allow them to be fully drained.

And lastly, in order for your DIY solar power system to work you will need a way to convert the DC (direct current) into the form of electricity your home uses which is AC (alternating current).? For this task you will have to have an inverter.? Some inverter systems have very simple wiring that can be configured by a novice without any electrical experience, but a little electric knowledge will help.? I highly recommend having a professional electrician help hook everything up for you and making sure it is all up to code.

Once all of the above has been completed you will have free, clean electricity for more than 20 years, and then some maintenance will probably be required.? But those years will be spent saving a lot of money.? Even when your neighbors loose electricity because of a storm or accident, you will still have the sun, giving you lasting energy for years to come.?

solar power

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger

Sale Price: $29.99

Coghlan's 8794 Film Can Shaker Lids - Pack of 2

List Price: ~~$1.34~~
Sale Price: $0.99
You save: $0.35 (26%)

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light

List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $29.99
You save: $40.00 (57%)

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems

Sale Price: $55.00

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun

List Price: ~~$9.70~~
Sale Price: $9.66
You save: $0.04 (%)

A Stranger Among Us

Sale Price: $1.99

UPG UB645 Sealed Lead Acid Batteries

List Price: ~~$10.95~~
Sale Price: $5.06
You save: $5.89 (54%)

Tanita HS302 White Solar Powered Digital Bathroom Scale

Sale Price: $68.99

Camco 41313 RV 12V-15W Fluorescent Light Bulb

List Price: ~~$10.26~~
Sale Price: $6.60
You save: $3.66 (36%)

P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

List Price: ~~$29.99~~
Sale Price: $12.99
You save: $17.00 (57%)

How to Make Residential Solar Power Generators

SolarInfo — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:27:18 +0000

Darrel Case asked:

It's a shame that the world is not into renewable energy in a bigger way than it is when the situation is so obvious, what with the energy prices and state of the environment. The push for it of late is at best only so-so because the truth of the matter is there's much more to be reaped. After all, established and recognized forms of renewable energy have long been around and hydro, wind and solar power were once mainstay energy sources.

Solar energy has come a long way in technology in recent years. The modern panels are efficient and affordable, come with good aesthetics and are available in all shapes and sizes. They can also be easily custom designed and made if need be. No maintenance is required and they last for over thirty years making them very conducive for residential installation. In contemplating green homes, along with power savings, solar power would be an automatic shortlist.

As households get more hi-tech, they become less tolerant to power outages. One of the best contingencies to supply grid failures is residential solar power. On top of being self-reliant in powering the home, energy bills are reduced or totally done with. Some even get paid for the excess power that's fed onto the grid instead of drawing from it. To top it off, solar energy is emission-free and sunlight is unlimited and free-of-charge.

Residential solar power generators are the most common way to take advantage of solar energy. A key reason for their popularity is the flexibility in capacity. From portable units to full-scale systems, there's one that can cater to any individual preference. The theory is simple: sunlight is harnessed through the solar panels and transformed into electrical power by the generator sets and output onto the mains for consumption, backup batteries for storage and possibly the power grid for sale or credit.

Residential solar power is feasible even for urban or sub-urban homes. You can make solar power of your own at your home as long as sufficient sunlight can be captured and there's no violation of any local or neighborhood codes on its permissibility such as appearance and other safety concerns. In fact, residential solar power generators are eligible for tax incentives which are widely extended across the states and net metering is also common nowadays.

Residential solar power can be a savvy and noble way of freeing yourself from the hassles of conventional energy sources. For those who are more averse to risk-taking, it's very easy and friendly to start out small. Plenty of information on the subject is accessible on the internet. Building one from scratch is a good way to get familiarized and DIY guides are readily available, again online. It can be really rewarding for both the spirit and the pocket.

Home Alarm

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger

Sale Price: $29.99

Coghlan's 8794 Film Can Shaker Lids - Pack of 2

List Price: ~~$1.34~~
Sale Price: $0.99
You save: $0.35 (26%)

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light

List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $29.99
You save: $40.00 (57%)

Solar Panels - How To Build Your Own Solar Panel

Sale Price: $7.99

Solar Sex Panel

Sale Price: $8.29

D.I.V.I.N.E.

List Price: ~~$9.49~~
Sale Price: $6.87
You save: $2.62 (28%)

P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

List Price: ~~$29.99~~
Sale Price: $12.99
You save: $17.00 (57%)

HYBRID SOLAR POWERED FLASHLIGHT WITH EMERGENCY BATTERY BACKUP BLACK (*2-pack*)

List Price: ~~$48.99~~
Sale Price: $24.98
You save: $24.01 (49%)

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems

Sale Price: $55.00

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun

List Price: ~~$9.70~~
Sale Price: $9.66
You save: $0.04 (%)

The Solar Power House

SolarInfo — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:25:23 +0000

Kristiana Jones asked:

Energy costs are on the rise and as they go up people are searching for alternative methods for their energy needs. One way to use less electricity is to convert your home to a solar power house. Solar power is not for everyone yet. Unfortunately, there can be some substantial up front costs to converting your home to run on solar power. The real savings begin to pile up over time in both monetary gain and as a benefit to the environment. There are also limitations to solar power depending on the region of the world in which you live. Solar power can be used in most spots on earth, but there are places in which it cannot be relied upon exclusively.

The solar power house is becoming more and more common in the United States. People are attracted to the benefit of the savings, but many people are equally interested in becoming more environmentally friendly. In an average American household that has gas appliances (which you would have if you were converting to solar power due to cost) the yearly energy costs will be roughly one-thousand dollars.

In order to make the solar power house run you would need to spend at least ten thousand dollars on equipment such as batteries, inverters, and of course, the solar panels. Simple math tells us it will be at least ten years before you see any monetary savings on the solar power house. Of course, if you are planning on staying where you are for a while this makes sense because for the last two thirds of a thirty year mortgage you will see tremendous energy savings.

The immediate benefits of a solar power house are to the environment. Solar energy is clean, abundant, and does not harm the environment. Of course you have to be careful what you are powering with solar energy. An air conditioner running on solar energy and an air conditioner running on electricity supplied by the electric company will release the same chemicals into the environment.

The solar power house is becoming more of a reality as costs are going down and demand is going up. It is actually usually less expensive to build a new home that uses solar energy than it is to retrofit an older home. The best part of solar energy for most people will be that they are completely self-sufficient for their energy needs, they are saving money in the long term, and they are helping the environment by using a clean source of energy.

solar power

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger

Sale Price: $29.99

Coghlan's 8794 Film Can Shaker Lids - Pack of 2

List Price: ~~$1.34~~
Sale Price: $0.99
You save: $0.35 (26%)

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light

List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $29.99
You save: $40.00 (57%)

Solar Panels - How To Build Your Own Solar Panel

Sale Price: $7.99

Solar Sex Panel

Sale Price: $8.29

D.I.V.I.N.E.

List Price: ~~$9.49~~
Sale Price: $6.87
You save: $2.62 (28%)

P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

List Price: ~~$29.99~~
Sale Price: $12.99
You save: $17.00 (57%)

HYBRID SOLAR POWERED FLASHLIGHT WITH EMERGENCY BATTERY BACKUP BLACK (*2-pack*)

List Price: ~~$48.99~~
Sale Price: $24.98
You save: $24.01 (49%)

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems

Sale Price: $55.00

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun

List Price: ~~$9.70~~
Sale Price: $9.66
You save: $0.04 (%)

Solar Power House

SolarInfo — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:31:46 +0000

George Dale asked:

In today's tough economic times, everyone is thinking about alternative energy sources. Some people are even thinking about making their home a fully solar power house. You may be thinking along those lines yourself. If you are like many people, you may know that a solar power house can save you huge money on your monthly electric bill, while doing your part to save the environment.

The earth's surface receives more than enough energy from the sun to provide the energy needs of the entire human population. That is good news indeed; the only question is why are we all not enjoying the benefits of solar power? The quick answer is oil and fossil fuels. Up to this point, it has been cheaper to use fossil fuels then build solar units. Also, some people are making a lot of money on our dependence to other energy sources, so they don't want you to know about any alternatives.

During the oil crisis in the early 70's interest in solar energy spiked. There were federal grants and tax breaks instituted to try to push solar technology to a new level. However as we all know the crisis did not last long and oil became cheap again stalling out any solar power progress.

This has kept the price of utilizing solar power at prohibitive, until now. People are demanding options and solar energy is one of these demands. Exactly what could a solar powerhouse look like?

The Solar Power House

Imagine it you come home from a long days work ready to relax in front of the television and the power is out in the whole neighborhood! No worries, you chuckle lightly at your neighbor's plight and go in to a hot dinner and an hour or so of TV before bed.

You see with your solar power system you do not have to worry about power outages. If you have stayed on the power grid, you may be asked to shut down when workers are present so you do not back feed. Really, that is a small price to pay especially in the winter when long power outages are common and difficult.

You can achieve your solar power dreams in several ways. You can build your own solar energy system and install all the proper equipment yourself, hire a contractor to install a pre-built unit or simply use some solar appliances in your home.

To build your own units you will need to get the plans necessary from a knowledgeable person, and purchase a few components. These components include solar panel, charge converter, battery, and inverter.

The solar panel collects energy from the sun's rays then transfers it to the battery. The charge converter or regulator makes sure the battery only gets power when it needs it. The inverter then changes the current of the battery from DC to AC, which is what all household appliances and lights require.

Digital Camera

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger

Sale Price: $29.99

Coghlan's 8794 Film Can Shaker Lids - Pack of 2

List Price: ~~$1.34~~
Sale Price: $0.99
You save: $0.35 (26%)

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light

List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $29.99
You save: $40.00 (57%)

Solar Panels - How To Build Your Own Solar Panel

Sale Price: $7.99

Solar Sex Panel

Sale Price: $8.29

D.I.V.I.N.E.

List Price: ~~$9.49~~
Sale Price: $6.87
You save: $2.62 (28%)

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems

Sale Price: $55.00

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun

List Price: ~~$9.70~~
Sale Price: $9.66
You save: $0.04 (%)

A Stranger Among Us

Sale Price: $1.99

UPG UB645 Sealed Lead Acid Batteries

List Price: ~~$10.95~~
Sale Price: $5.06
You save: $5.89 (54%)

Home Solar Power Made Easy

SolarInfo — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:47:28 +0000

Jonathan Souza asked:

Solar power has been scoffed at in the past. The scoffers admit there is an abundant supply of energy coming from the sun but then add that the cost to harness that power is far too expensive. But the wonderful thing about technology is that it keeps changing and it keeps getting better and better. Now, instead of having to buy an expensive solar panel and all the equipment you need to reduce your electric bill every month, you can actually make your own solar panel system at home. As a matter of fact, it is possible for your entire residence to be completely free from the power company just by implementing solar into your home.

As the title of this article suggests, solar power at home can be easy. There are many things that attract the light and heat of the sun like metal, glass, and mirrors. These materials can be used to not just draw in the power of the sun but to hold onto it as well and transfer that energy to a battery. Even a simple car battery can be used to hold the power generated by your solar power system.

Do-it-yourself solar power programs do not have to be difficult. As long as you can read and follow instructions you can be on your way to energy independence. And the great thing about solar power is that you can start small if you want and grow your solar power system as you feel the need. You probably want to get the basics of how solar works before you go all out, but when you start seeing the savings on your power bill you may reconsider and start adding on to your solar project.

It seems everything carries a cost these days, so it is nice to know that the sun's energy is still free and available. You may need to buy a few materials for your home solar system to work but a lot of it can be made from things lying around the house. The basic components of a solar panel will be solar cells, some solder, flux, a soldering iron, and tabbing.

In a short period of time you can be enjoying your homemade solar panel system and helping the environment at the same time. Solar power is being used in places of business and by large companies but now you can have it at home as well.

solar power

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger

Sale Price: $29.99

Coghlan's 8794 Film Can Shaker Lids - Pack of 2

List Price: ~~$1.34~~
Sale Price: $0.99
You save: $0.35 (26%)

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light

List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $29.99
You save: $40.00 (57%)

Solar Panels - How To Build Your Own Solar Panel

Sale Price: $7.99

Solar Sex Panel

Sale Price: $8.29

D.I.V.I.N.E.

List Price: ~~$9.49~~
Sale Price: $6.87
You save: $2.62 (28%)

P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

List Price: ~~$29.99~~
Sale Price: $12.99
You save: $17.00 (57%)

HYBRID SOLAR POWERED FLASHLIGHT WITH EMERGENCY BATTERY BACKUP BLACK (*2-pack*)

List Price: ~~$48.99~~
Sale Price: $24.98
You save: $24.01 (49%)

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems

Sale Price: $55.00

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun

List Price: ~~$9.70~~
Sale Price: $9.66
You save: $0.04 (%)

Solar Power Kits For Home – Generate Electricity and Save Money

SolarInfo — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:48:58 +0000

Adrian Whittle asked:

Solar power and other forms of renewable energy are gaining popularity for a couple of reasons. The first is that traditional ways to heat and light your home are getting more expensive. People are feeling this cost in their wallets and it is motivating them to look for alternatives. Solar power kits and other types of renewable energy systems offer an alternative.

The second reason that these types of systems are becoming popular is because of the environment. A renewable energy system is exactly that. If you use the Sun's energy or wind power, you will not deplete it. It will not diminish the more people use it. Indeed, we are wasting the energy that can be gained from using the sun or harnessing the wind everyday that we do not use it. And using these types of systems does not damage the environment and promote global warming as much as burning carbon based fossil fuels.

Solar power kits can take a number of forms but principally they are about providing more heat or more electricity to the home.

You need physical warmth to keep the home warm and habitable. You need heat for water to take a shower or bath. And you need electricity to power many things in your home. You may cook using electricity, you may warm the house using electricity. You almost certainly provide light to the home using electricity.

Solar power kits for the home can provide hot water by passively heating water with thermal solar rays. This water is then passed to the home plumbing system. However, the most common form of solar power kit is the solar panel.

The solar panel is made up of a number of photo voltaic (PV) cells. PV cells turn photons or light energy from the Sun into direct current (DC). The principal behind it is that the photons cause an electron to be displaced in the silicon compound that makes up the PV cell. When the PV cells are linked up, this causes a current to flow. This current can be stored and used to power many common appliances. If it is transformed to alternating current (AC), it can be used to power the appliances in the home that we take for granted, like lights, TV, cooker, fridge and many others.

Many people can set up a solar power system or a combination of systems but are always reliant on the Sun. This is one of the drawbacks of solar power and is another reason why it is always recommended to have a contingency plan should the Sun not shine or the day is cloudy. Most people have the utility company as their contingency plan but if you really want to take renewable energy to heart you should think about wind power.

Developing a wind generator is easy to do in the suburban home as the natural resource, the wind, is likely to be there to some extent. If you install a solar powered system and a wind generator in your home then you have an energy generating solution come rain, wind or shine (so to speak). Of course, you should probably stay on the grid until you are sure that such systems can provide all your energy needs or until you become more experienced with renewable energy systems.

Home Alarm

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger

Sale Price: $29.99

Coghlan's 8794 Film Can Shaker Lids - Pack of 2

List Price: ~~$1.34~~
Sale Price: $0.99
You save: $0.35 (26%)

Solar Cordless LED Grill Light

List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Sale Price: $29.99
You save: $40.00 (57%)

P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

List Price: ~~$29.99~~
Sale Price: $12.99
You save: $17.00 (57%)

HYBRID SOLAR POWERED FLASHLIGHT WITH EMERGENCY BATTERY BACKUP BLACK (*2-pack*)

List Price: ~~$48.99~~
Sale Price: $24.98
You save: $24.01 (49%)

Voltaic Solar Backpack - Off-Grid Solar Backpack - Solar Bag

List Price: ~~$289.00~~

V-dimension Helius Solar Powered Backpack

List Price: ~~$119.99~~
Sale Price: $84.95
You save: $35.04 (29%)

	Traveler's Choice Eco Traveler 16" Solar Laptop Messenger Bag

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems

Sale Price: $55.00

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun

List Price: ~~$9.70~~
Sale Price: $9.66
You save: $0.04 (%)

Home Solar Power – Your Own Solar Powered Home?

SolarInfo — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:37:48 +0000

Anthony Dempster asked:

Home Solar Power is becoming increasingly popular. If you've ever sat at your desk and used a solar powered calculator, you've probably marveled at the fact that it can operate without the need for batteries. If such a small solar panel can power a calculator, what can a larger solar panel do? A lot - it could even power your home.

What once seemed like a distant daydream consigned to books about the future is becoming an everyday reality for an increasing number of people. Big companies such as BP have installed solar panels at a number of their gas stations as far away as New Zealand in an attempt to reduce their dependence on external electricity supplies. The reason behind these kinds of decisions normally comes down to two main factors: firstly, once initial setup is complete solar generated electricity is completely free ; secondly, there is a reduced impact on the environment as less fossil fuels need to be burned in order to generate the electricity.

What steps are involved in setting up a solar powered home? The main step required is obtaining solar panels and placing them somewhere that gets good sunlight. For most houses the most obvious place is the roof, although bigger properties may also have bits of land that would be well suited to having solar panels established there. The cost of solar panels is becoming increasingly cheaper and they are also becoming less complicated to setup. With the help of a good guidebook it is even possible to setup this kind of system yourself.

The most typical setup involves utilising a bank of batteries to store the electricity which can then be used to power various things within the home. This could be anything from additional lighting and hot water heating through to powering your stereo and tv. (Of course, any wiring to the mains must make use of a proper electrician).

One of the most popular misconceptions about solar power is that it needs to be sunny for it to work. This is simply not the case - even on cloudy days there is enough energy from the sun coming through to power your home.

Solar Power Kits For Under $200

SolarInfo — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:46:14 +0000

Mick Jeys asked:

There are hundreds of solar power kits on the market, especially with the recent green craze. Whether you're after a kit to save money or to save the environment, it's important to understand the options and benefits of the various systems. Some are are more simple than others, and some provide more energy than others. This article provides some useful information that you might not have known about before.

Portable Solar Energy

Most of the solar panel kits that you can buy at your local hardware store are aimed at consumers wanting a portable energy source. These are relatively cheap, and are great for powering your electric barbecue when camping, or for heating water for a mobile shower. You can pick one of these kits up for a couple of hundred dollars.

Home Solar Power

If you're wanting to convert your house into a solar power home, you're going to need a much bigger kit that the ones available at the hardware store. In fact, a complete home solar panel kit can cost you anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on how big your home is. These initial costs are generally enough to put most of the population off.

Cheap Home Solar Panels

Before you give up on your home solar dream, I'd like to let you in on a secret. You can have your own panels built for under $200 each! Sure you'll need to put in a bit of work, but it definitely pays off in the end. See, by substituting expensive Titanium Dioxide (used in traditional solar panels) with Cuprous Oxide, you can build your own solar panel for pretty much nothing (factoring in what you'll save in energy bills).

Solar Power For Home – How Much Does Home Solar Cost?

SolarInfo — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 04:41:47 +0000

Anthony Dempster asked:

Solar power for homes is becoming an increasingly popular method of powering some or all of your house. However many people ask the question "How much does home solar cost?"

There are two main methods of getting your house up and running on solar power electricity. Simply put, they are either professional installation or "do it yourself" (DIY) solar panel installation.

As you'd expect, professional installation is by the most expensive method. A recent article in the UK suggested that the cost of professional installation could be anything from ?3,000 to ?20,000 (approx $5,000 - $40,000 US). The article in the Independent went on to suggest that professionally installed systems could take up to 100 years to pay back the installation costs. In other words, professionally installed systems are out of reach of most everyday people who want to have solar power for home.

Realistically then, anyone who wants to make use of solar power in their house is going to have to look at the DIY options in order to get the lowest solar cost. The good news is that it can be possible to build your own solar panels for as little as $200 - that instead of paying someone else loads of money to set the system up, you can easily do it yourself with a little bit of DIY skills and some guidance.

Guidance can come from a variety of sources. There is a wealth of information available on the internet but perhaps the best way to do it is with the help of a guidebook dedicated explicitly to showing how to build a DIY solar power system.

Such guidebooks will normally show all the steps required to go from knowing nothing to enjoying the benefits of home solar power electricity generation. From selecting all the components required and putting them together to wiring up the system to power your lights or appliances.

Home Alarm