Eco Consulting Center

Archive for the ‘Solar Panels’ Category

When it comes to solar panel construction you basically have two options, you can buy a guide that will show you in great detail what parts you’ll need as well as the exact steps you’ll need to take to build and install the panel, or you can invest in an actual kit that will include not only the instructions but the parts as well. Both options will streamline the process for you and show you exactly what to do.

You have many choices of guides online, it’s a good idea to find one that comes complete with a lot of pictures or maybe even a DVD that you can watch that will walk you through the steps.

After you’ve got your instruction manual you’ll need to decide how many panels you want to install.  That decision will be based on a few factors such as how much room you have, how much electricity you want to generate and your budget. It’s quite inexpensive to build your own panels yet the savings can really add up. Still, inexpensive or not you may not have the extra money right now to build all the panels you’d need to supply all your electrical needs.

Few people will have the budget or the space for enough panels to allow them to cut all ties with their utility company.  Even so, you can save hundreds, maybe even thousands, on your utility bills and the cost of building the panels, if you do it yourself, is only a few hundred dollars. That’s a good trade off.

Most of the time people will install their panels on the roof. This is a good option since it usually allows for the most unobstructed sunlight.

If you want to harness the power of the sun to help you save some money on your utility costs, remember that solar panel construction is something pretty much anyone can do with the help of a quality kit or guide.  Just find a good guide to follow and you’re halfway there. The savings on your utility bills and the pride you feel from having done it yourself will repay the small cost of the project for years to come.

If you were planning on installing pre-made solar panels to save money on your utility bills, I would say ‘don’t’. The truth is that to buy a panel it would cost you a few thousand dollars at least and with an initial investment of so much money, it would take you a long time to get the money back from the savings on your utility bills. If, on the other hand, you were to build solar panels at home than you’d be on the right track. You can save money with a very small initial investment and see the savings very quickly.

To build your own solar panel you’ll need a few hundred dollars for the parts and a good manual to show you how to do it. What you don’t need is any special skills or experience. If you’ve got a good manual, all the parts and some spare time, you’re good to go.

While it is very realistic to save money with just one panel, don’t think that you’ll make enough electricity for all of your needs or that you’ll make enough to sell back to the utility company (wouldn’t that be a great change – having them pay you!). But you can make enough to make a large impact on your utility costs every year. 

Of course, the more sunny days you get in your area, the more a solar panel will work for you. If you want to mount the panels (s) on your roof just make sure that your roof gets full sun. If your roof is blocked by tress or other houses or buildings you may want to reconsider the location for your panels.

You can mount the panels just above the ground too, though they will be more prone to damage from kids, and animals. But if that is your only option than it can still work.

A solar panel is basically a large box that holds the solar cells.  The panel is covered with Plexiglas or regular glass to protect the solar cells from damage. While it is possible to make your own solar cells at home, most homeowners would be better off buying the solar cells and building the panel themselves. This is the most cost effective method since building the solar cells can be difficult.

So, get to it. Start now and build solar panels at home. You can save money on your utility bills, go green, and have some cool bragging rights with your friends.