Solar Power For Homes – Save $1000s Building Your Own Solar Power System

October 2, 2010 by SolarInfo
Filed under Home Improvement

Garry Jones asked:

With rising prices and stagnant wages the average homeowner is looking for ways to save money. With just a small outlay, many people are joining the green movement and building their own solar power systems to reduce their utility costs. Solar power for homes is now a reality and it need not be expensive.

What's involved, you may ask and do I have to have special skills? Let's explore the basics and answer these questions.

A home solar power system is made up of four basic components, a solar panel or panels, a charge controller, a battery or batteries and an inverter. Wires, switches and breakers are required to complete the system and to make the hookup to the household electrical circuit.

The solar panel is the heart of the system and is usually where the greatest expense lies. Thousands of panels are manufactured each day under strict quality control. A fundamental component of the panel is the solar cell several of which are assembled in series to form the panel array.

Many cells are rejected in manufacture for minor flaws but which are otherwise fully functional. These cells can be obtained very cheaply and refurbished with a little effort and this is what forms the basis of a cheap homemade solar power system.

Other materials required to make a solar panel include plywood, glass, copper wire, silicone, and solder. All of these items can be purchased at the local hardware store.

While assembling a panel is not rocket science a simple illustrated step-by-step guide is a must. Fortunately, there are good e-books available on the Internet that lay out the process in detail.

Once assembled the panel needs to be positioned to capture as much Sun as possible. A South facing roof is an obvious and convenient location but if this is not possible, an open space in the yard will suffice.

The panel is connected to the battery via the charge controller and the battery to the household system via the inverter and a switching mechanism that meets local electrical code. These components can be purchased used or refurbished very cheaply.

So there you have it. Solar power for homes is now well within the reach of the average homeowner. Join the tens of thousands of DIY enthusiasts who are building solar panel systems and staying one step ahead of the utility companies.

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