Do you want to build your own solar power systems, but you’re not sure if you can? You’d be surprised how much of what you need you already have at hand or can get easily. Many people are making their own systems and using them to get off the grid and stop paying electric bills. You can too. Here’s what you need to make your own solar system.

Basic skills. First, what you don’t need. You don’t need Einstein’s mind or an advanced degree in physics. It will help if you can swing a hammer and caulk some glass because it’s cheaper to make your own system than it is to buy one pre-made and get it installed.

Supplies. People think that you need exotic components to build a photovoltaic system. Fortunately, the supplies you need are common. You may have many of them in your garage. You can certainly find them at the local hardware store. You’ll get the amounts and measures indicated in your guide, but what you’ll be looking for will be essentially this list.
1. Metal scissors
2. Sandpaper
3. Motor
4. Tower
5. Electrical stove
6. Copper leads
7. Copper flashing sheet
8. Silicon caulk
9. Glass
10. Plywood

Plans and instructions. You’ll need to do a bit of research to make sure you are up to doing this project. Get a guide with plans. It isn’t hard, but you don’t want to have to go back and start over. A good guide will have step-by-step instructions and the best have videos.

A dedicated mindset. You’re taking on a project that is straightforward and yet uncommon. You’re distinguishing yourself from the crowd. Having a little gumption will go a long way. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can build your own solar power system.

You can see that building solar power systems doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, if you have basic skills, supplies, and commitment, you can do it yourself and save up to 80% on the cost of pre-built systems installed by contractors.

It is almost impossible these days to turn on the news or open a paper without hearing or reading about the need for future alternative energy.  With the cost of fuel skyrocketing and the adverse environmental impact of fossil fuels  it is becoming critical that we look for alternative ways to provide the power that we need for our day-to-day lives.  You might ask, “So what can I do as an individual home owner to help?”  The answer is to reduce your demand for electricity from the power grid.  There are two ways of doing this:

    1.    The first is to learn ways to conserve electricity in your home.  

    2.    The second is to learn ways to generate electricity at your residence.  In times past, the cost to do this for the individual home owner was cost prohibitive, but with the Federal Energy Tax Credit of 30% it is becoming much more cost effective.  In addition to the 30% Federal Energy Tax Credit, many states and local power companies offer further incentives that reduce the initial cost of these systems even further.

The one source of alternative energy that is available to all of us is the Sun.  No matter where we live, we have this resource available to us free of charge.  The challenge is in converting this free resource into electricity. A residential solar power system is the best way to do this.

The first step in determining if A Residential Solar Power System is right for you is to see if you fit into one of the following 4 categories:

    1.    You want to lower your average electric bill.

    2.    You have an interest in reducing your dependence on your utility company.

    3.    You would like to reduce the environmental impact of electricity production.

    4.    A grid connection is not available in your area or can be made only through an expensive line extension. (The cost of running a power line to the utility grid at a remote site can be prohibitive, ranging from $15,000 to more than $50,000 per mile, depending upon the terrain.)

Secondly, there are 3 location factors to consider when determining whether you have a site that is appropriate for Solar Panels.

    1.    If you live in the Northern Hemisphere your site must have southern exposure.  For maximum daily power output, Solar Panels should be exposed to the sun for as much of the day as possible, especially during the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    2.    The site must be free of obstructions such as trees, mountains, and buildings that might shade the panels.  Consider both summer and winter paths of the sun, as well as the growth of trees and future construction that may cause shading problems.

    3.    You also have appropriate terrain and sufficient space to install the solar system.  (A lot of people with south facing roof tops put them there instead of taking up yard space).

If you fit into one of the 4 categories and you meet all of the location factors then you need to ensure:

    1.    You have a strategy for meeting your energy needs during times of darkness or in really bad weather.

    2.    Your state or utility provides for electricity net metering, which allows you to connect your system with your utility and sell any excess electricity to your utility.

The sun is a free resource that provides unlimited potential.  If you fit into one of the 4 Categories and your location meets all of the location factors then you should seriously consider installing a Residential Solar Power System.  Once you learn how to tap into this resource you will greatly reduce your dependence on the power grid while reducing, if not eliminating, your average monthly electric bill.

Solar power should definitely be an option for those who do not want to pay so much for electricity. From a practical standpoint, anyone should harness whatever they can from nature to reduce the growing cost of power. This is the very reason why many companies started selling solar panels because these are the essential items you need to have solar power for the home. The main challenge is that although many have bought these solar panels, they are not able to put them into use since they placed the panels in the wrong position. Below you will find guidelines how to position solar panels to maximize the energy they can get from the sun.

Keep in mind that as far as solar power for the home is concerned, the angle of your solar panels have a direct impact in the performance of your harnessed energy. The light that shines through them will not be sufficient. The first thing you need to be sure of is that your solar panels must get the maximum amount of light that they can and this is only made possible if the panels are directly under the sun. On top of these, there are angles you need to consider because the earth revolves around the sun all through the year and the angles will change. There is a lot of work that needs to be done and you must realize that harnessing solar power for the home is not kid’s stuff.

After deciding about the panels, the next thing you need to think about is the batteries where you will store the energy. Solar power for the home is not like electricity in which you get it when you want to. The battery you will choose will depend on the amount of power you need to consume from your solar panels. You will need the help of an electrician or engineer to calculate how much energy you will use from the battery by getting the expected wattage of your appliances that will get energy from it.

Residential solar kits have found their niche with energy costs and demand for sources of efficient, green energy on the rise. Several manufacturers of solar power systems, such as Kyocera and First Solar, have found a growing demand for residential installations. Solar technology is continually advancing, becoming cheaper and more efficient, and home solar kits are becoming more readily available and affordable.

Residential solar kits can range from small, complementary systems designed to reduce energy costs, to larger systems that include greater power output and storage capacity. Generators can be added to automatically switch power on and off as the need arises. Homeowners can choose to supply power to a specific area of their home, perhaps a garage or small workshop, or to invest in a larger kit that could power an entire house. Solar kits can also be used as charging stations for electric or hybrid vehicles, essentially eliminating the owners’ carbon footprint.

The main advantage of the residential solar kit is its convenience and ease-of-use. Generally, a kit includes all of the essential equipment to suit the user’s specific needs. The typical residential solar kit includes a set of PV (photovoltaic) panels, power inverter, charge controller and battery, although individual kits vary. The appropriate kit will vary depending on budget, space, power needs, and sun light available to be converted into electricity. The grid-tie inverter is needed to change the DC electricity from the panels into the AC electricity we use in our homes. This is then stored in the battery, so the system can supply energy in times of low light. Wiring to connect the entire system is also often included. Solar kits, after installation, are usually expandable, additional or more efficient panels and larger batteries can be integrated as desired. Generators can also be added, switching on when battery power is low, making it possible to power homes away from the commercial power grid.

When considering the installation of a solar kit, it is important to take into account energy requirements and personal budget. Only individuals who are experienced in working with electrical systems should attempt self-installation. As with any use of outside labor, it is recommended to obtain multiple quotes, preferably those with previous solar installation experience.

The benefits of installing a solar kit are many. In the US, tax-breaks, grants, and incentives can lower base costs dramatically. From those of us trying to do our part in reducing pollution and erasing our carbon footprint, to those that simply need to chip away at some expenses, solar energy is an exciting solution.