Home Solar Panels You Can Build Yourself

Are you looking to build a solar power for your household? If you are like the thousands of Americans out there fed up with the rising prices of electricity, you are exploring the many benefits of converting to renewable energy such as solar.

The good news is that solar power is more accessible to you now than ever. Solar panels sale prices are lower now than they have been in the last decade. Solar cell technology is at an all time high with incredibly efficient cells making it to the market as foreign manufacturers continue to drive down the price of solar.

When you make the decision to switch to solar energy you should consider a few key factors:

   1. Materials - Do you have the correct materials to build your own solar panel system? Solar panels systems typically include solar cells, tabbing wire, and flux pens to assemble a single solar panel. You also need an enclosure to keep it from being exposed to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Solar cells are the difference maker between a mediocre system and an extremely proficient system. Highly efficient cells convert sunlight into solar electricity at a higher rate than normal cells. The grade of the cell depends on the structural integrity of the cell. Is it chipped or is it a completely whole cell?
   2. Energy Storage - You will need to decide whether the energy you produce will be directly tied to your electricity grid. If you do decide to tie the electricity to the grid or "grid tying" you will need to consult an electrician or a local utility to see if it is possible in the first place. Certain zoning laws exist depending on where you live that prohibit tying electricity to their grid. There have been cases where uninformed homeowners have haphazardly tied their energy to the grid whih has caused disruptions in power in their areas.
   3. Watts - How much electricity are you going to need to sustain your appliances or household? Many people decide to make solar panels that they can bring with them on trips such as camping trips or rv and boat trips. If you are making a portable electricity system, you will probably require less electricity than if you were to connect it to your house. If you use the electricity for an HVAC system for example, you will need an entire solar array not just a single panel.

Renewable energy is a very important part of the solving the energy crisis. We are not only burning dirty sources of energy such as coal and fossil fuels, we are putting the entire nation at a risk from foreign importers. Do your part by installing a solar panel system on your household and conserving your electricity altogether by weather proofing your house. There is no excuse not to, the time is now.

The biggest cost you will incur is the cost of the solar cells. You must make the decision between what types of cells you will need. Monocrystalline cells generally run about $5 each as of mid 2010, putting the total cost of solar cells at around $200, assuming you don't break any cells. You can also acquire cells that are damaged or chipped if you'd like to reduce the materials cost of your array. Once connected in an array, the drop offs in electricity production are negligible.