Archive for December, 2009

Building Solar Panels for Energy

Recent studies have shown that more people are inclined to build solar panels for his or her home in order to not only save on energy costs, but also aid in the preservation of the environment. Solar panels are being constructed today that are easy to assemble and the actual cost overall is low. Once the panels are installed and being used its been proven they actually pay for themselves within a month or two. In fact, in some areas the power companies are paying residents a certain amount for the usage of extra power that comes from the solar panels too.

To build solar panels there are many options available for consumers today. Do it yourself guides are available as well as other means of information that includes designs, diagrams, as well as the materials needed to accomplish the task.

The kits that are now available via the Internet as well as in some home improvement stores have everything needed as far as being able to reduce your electric costs by up to 80%. And, the best part is, many of these kits are under one hundred dollars in overall cost too.

Essentially, solar panels are designed to use the sun’s natural energy to supply the same energy we all have used from our local electric or utility companies. With the assistance of the kits available, individuals have the ability to build solar panels for usually under $500.00 and the instructions to do so are simple enough that being a technical genius isn’t even part of the equation.

As time goes on, more people are realizing the amazing ease in how to build a solar panel because of these kits that are being introduced to the marketing industry. And, obviously the more people who choose to make a difference in the environment are having that “go green” affect on the next generation as well.

Using these kits allow individuals to design and create the exact type of solar panel to build and use.

In essence, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain when deciding to build your own solar panels for your home. Saving energy for the concerns of the environment and saving money at the same time gives the idea of how to build your own solar panels an entirely new concept and more people are doing it.

It is estimated that over the next decade nearly half of the homes in a town or urban city will have some type of solar energy being used.

pratibha
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/building-solar-panels-for-energy-672986.html

What are Solar Panels for the Home?

Solar energy is a great renewable resource that is growing in popularity with the average consumer. As energy prices skyrocket and the average income stagnating, if not falling, consumers are looking for a way to reduce their costs of living in any area possible. The rise of renewable energy, and the desire to wean our society off of fossil fuels, makes using solar panels for the home a great alternative for power.

Solar power kits save energy for the homeowner because they allow the homeowner to generate their own electricity to power their home. In some cases, the homeowner can go completely off-grid and even sell additional electricity back to the power company. What a powerful concept to be able to take an expense and turn it into an asset.

What are solar panels?

A solar panel is a packaged interconnected assembly of solar cells that are cased in a housing unit to protect the cells from the weather and from physical damage. These panels generate electricity, which is then used to directly power devices in the home, or charge battery cells to store the power for nighttime use. A solar power kit typically includes solar panels, an inverter and interconnection wiring to connect the panel to the electrical system in the home. For those that want to live off the grid, batteries are included for continuous power during the day and night. The use of infrared solar cells also allows the homeowner to generate electricity at night, thus increasing the efficiency of these cells.

The technology of solar cells continues to advance with time. Currently, the efficiency rate of solar cells range from 5% to 19% depending upon the technology. The reason is that the solar cells (or photo-voltaic cells) only convert a limited range of sunlight frequencies into electricity. The renewable energy industry is experimenting with advanced technologies that will raise the efficiency of these solar cells by a whopping 50%.

A new technology for solar cells, also called thin film or third generation solar cells, is being researched. The plus side of this new generation technology is that it produces solar cells that can operate with a higher efficiency and less cost. These brands are both rigid and flexible thin film modules. The differences between the rigid thin film module and the flexible thin film module are due to differences in the materials that are used to make the modules and differences in the production of the modules.

Solar modules can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years while still operating at 80% of their original capacity. Every year the number of panels sold to consumers continues to grow. In 2007 over 4 million solar units were sold. There are a number of manufacturers that produce solar panels for consumer use, however the average consumer can create their own solar panels using materials from their local hardware store.

Solar panels for the home can provide renewable energy for the consumer. The initial costs can range greatly if the consumer chooses to build their own solar energy kit or have another company install a solar power kit. As the technology improves, the homeowner will have more options available to them to completely power their home with renewable solar power energy.

B Hopkins
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/what-are-solar-panels-for-the-home-710880.html

Renewable Energy – Lesson 6 – Home Solar Panels

With the state of the current economy, countless people are looking for ways to cut costs and to become more efficient. There are countless articles in print and online that detail various ways to shop for food cheaper, to find low cost methods of entertainment, to save money by downsizing vehicles and even houses. While these are just a few of the predictable and traditional money saving tactics in a bad economy, there are a few new ways to save money on utility bills and to do the environment a favor at the same time.

Home solar panels are about to become a part of the average mainstream residential home in this country. Historically, home solar panels were limited to the affluent due to the high cost of the components of the system. In addition, solar panels of the past have not been very energy efficient and have not produced a large savings relative to the up-front costs. Now, with advances in solar panel technology, home solar panels have become dramatically more efficient and affordable. Now, the cost of a complete home solar panel system can be recouped in less than a year in the savings that it generates.

The home solar panel system is fairly uncomplicated. A number of solar panels, the more the better, are installed on the roof of the house or the garage and are securely bolted or nailed down. The panels are connected to each other and to the house’s electrical system. While the actual wiring of the system should be completed by a licensed electrician, the task is a quick one, and the rest of the installation can be accomplished by anyone who is reasonably familiar with tools.

Once the system is installed, many are sunrise by how much power it can generate even on fairly cloudy days. Some people are even able to go off the grid, or disconnect from the electric company entirely, with solar power. However, it is probably more prudent to remain connected to the electric grid and to let the solar panels simply reduce or cancel out the monthly electric bill. This alone can be a savings of thousands of dollars per year. The electric companies will simply track the amount of power the home solar panel system is putting back into the grid and credit that account accordingly. It is not uncommon for efficient systems to be able to more than pay for all the power used in an average household.

Installing a home solar panel system is a good thing to do on a number of levels. It supports vital green industries that are vital to reducing pollution from fossil fuels, it allows people to save significant amounts of money in utility bills and raises the collective environmental consciousness. With the new increased efficiency and afford ability of home solar panel systems there is no reason why almost every household shouldn’t have one, especially considering the fact that almost any system pays for itself in the first year.

David J Hughes
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/renewable-energy-lesson-6-home-solar-panels-754995.html

Home Solar Panel – Easy DIY Installation That Saves You $1000s Every Year

As you’re looking for more efficient ways to power your house, consider building your own home solar panel. This article will tell you why.

The Benefits Of Solar Energy

Renewable energy is one of the hottest topics around the world, given today’s global energy crisis, and the use of solar energy has been in the forefront. Installing a Home Solar Panel is a great way to save energy and reduce your cost of living.

You might be surprised to find out just what a home solar panel can do for you. Let’s examine some of these.

1. Drastically Reduce Your Energy Bills With A Home Solar Panel

Home Solar Panels can drastically cut your monthly energy bills. And in an economic recession like we’re in, even a few pennies saved are very important. Imagine if you could watch your TV, surf the internet, and drink a glass of cold beer from your refrigerator without paying your power company – all because you have your own home solar panel installed! You can use solar energy in the time of year (and the time of day) when energy use is at its highest – and watch the savings add up!

2. Protect The Environment Using A Home Solar Panel

Until now, most people have been using oil as their primary energy source. This, of course, is not friendly to the environment. A home solar panel, on the other hand, is very eco-friendly. It uses the sun itself for “fuel”, and since the sun is never in short supply, and does not give off any harmful emissions, it is in reality the ideal energy source.

Why Install It yourself?

So you’ve decided to get a home solar panel – but now you face another question: Do you install it yourself or hire a professional? While a professional installation is always a possibility, you can save even more money if you take the time to build and install a home solar panel yourself.

Remember these important points:

1. A Professional Home Solar Panel Installation Is Expensive

Why pay $3000 when you can build your own home solar panel for only $200? Engaging a professional technician really can be that expensive. It can increase your monthly expenditure, since home solar panel installers are typically paid as much as three grand! On the other hand, you pay only a couple hundred dollars instead of thousands if you invest a little bit of time to learn how to install the home solar panel yourself.

2. It Is Easy To Do It Yourself

Installing a home solar panel is not as difficult as many people thought. All you need to do is browse through the internet to search for help. There are numerous inexpensive but very high quality guides available online. Then, head down to your local hardware store to buy the necessary materials.

While there, ask the store staff if anyone there has experience installing a home solar panel. If so, they might be willing to share some tips for free. Once you have the materials at your home, by following the guide or manual, you’ll find that the process will take only a few hours to complete.

Give it a shot. And watch how easy it is to help your bank account and the environment simply by building and installing your own Home Solar Panel.

Dave Keller
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/home-solar-panel-easy-diy-installation-that-saves-you-1000s-every-year-707636.html