Learn how to make your own solar panels. Since
we are using up fossil fuel energy sources
faster than new ones can be discovered, it only makes sense to start
turning to
one of the most abundant energy sources available for free—solar
energy. Aside
from its easy availability, solar energy contributes 0% to global
warming.
First I would like to show you a
video of Warren Miller's home in Potomac, MD . This is an individual
who has installed enough panels to sell power back to the electric
company known as "net metering." The next is a Google Tech Talk by two engineers who installed solar in their homes.
If you are making your own panels
your best bet is to start small and work up. Don't expect to go off the
grid next month. After the two videos there are some solar guidelines
that
may help you get a better idea of what is involved and how fast you
want to proceed.
Some
Solar Panel Basics If You Want To Net Meter
The average home uses 30
kilowatt hours of electricity per day or about 1.2 kw per hour.
Approximately one-third of
your electical use is by your air conditioner.
Plan on needing 2,000 watts
due to efficiency losses as the sun is not always directly vertical.
You will need an inverter to
change dc into alternating current.
A controller is necessary to
avoid overcharging your batteries.
Deep cycle batteries are
needed to store electricity for night-time use.
The rest of this page is devoted to those of
you who want to
build your own solar panels. If you decide to use the Earth4Energy
manual, Michael has it set up for 80 watt panels. It is no problem
scaling them up to 100 watt panels so if you want 2,000 watts you just
make 20 of them.
Make Your Own
Solar Arrays
Make your
own solar cell arrays and save big. Maybe you have hesitated to install
solar energy solutions at home fearing that
they are
too expensive and unwieldy. They do carry a hefty price tag if you opt
for
professional installation but you may be surprised at how easy and
reasonable
it is to implement a solar solution to your high power bill from the
electric
company. If you live in an area that enjoys abundant sunshine and
doesn’t have
a lot of obstructions to hinder the light, then you need to look into
making
your own solar panels.
Do-It-Yourself
Solar Array
Hi,
I'm Dave Wheaton and this site is dedicated to supplying you with
information about global warming and alternative energy solutions on
the Blog
and to also help you if you
want to save a bundle by
constructing your own solar panels.
The
cost of solar panels becomes much more
reasonable when you build these units yourself. The only need for a
professional would be the requirement for a licensed electrician to
connect you to the power company's grid.
I
have spent several hundred dollars for do it yourself guides and there
are
two top contending manuals that I would recommend.
My
First Choice:
The top guide in my
estimation ( and it's a close
call) is the one by Earth4Energy. It just takes you by the hand a
little bit more and provides a bit more guidance. And, in addition,
they have now added instructional videos to the members area.
You
will find a wealth of information on generating your own power.
This
manual will answer all your questions about wind and solar power:
How
to pick up solar cells at a discount.
How
many solar cells do you need for the power you want.
Little
tricks on how to get good deals on parts for the assemblies.
Detailed
drawings and instructions that really make everything simple to build.
Where
to pick up cheap batteries for energy storage.
How
much wind is necessary in order to use a wind turbine option.
AND
instructional
Videos
Click This Link To Find Out More
About Earth4Energy
Extra Tips When Using
Your Earth4Energy Manual:
If
using Michael's tips for cheap solar cells, check them out individually
before assembling a panel. In sunlight you should read .4 to .5 volts
with your voltmeter.
When
building your wind turbine, weigh each blade and bracket as you make
them to assure that they all weigh the same. This will simplify things
when you balance everything after assembly
Above
are a few helpful hints to use with Michael’s manual. This really is a
comprehensive guide that makes everything so clear that most anyone can
start generating their own electricity. You will also enjoy your status
as the local “renewable energy” expert as neighbors come by to check
out your system and find out what they can. After all, inquiring minds
want to know.
Click
This Link To Find Out More About Earth4Energy
My
Second Choice:
The manual
by HomeMadeEnergy
is
fully illustrated with excellent diagrams and photos that explain each
project. This book by Bill Ford will walk you through how to:
Build a
Solar Array
Build a
Wind
Generator
Cut Your
Electric
Bill by 80%+
Lower
Your Carbon
Footprint
Help
Reduce Global
Warming
To
check out the manual from Home Made
Energy click on the link below.This is a very good guide and slanted a
bit from the US perspective as the author is from California
*This article contains paid affiliate links to products
that I have personally purchased, used, and evaluated. The small commission
that I receive should you decide to buy allows me to evaluate other products
that might be of interest to you.
