OTHER ARTICLE CATEGORIES
|
. |
It is extremely expensive to purchase solar power for homes today. A complete system will cost between $50,000 and $100,000, so most homeowners elect not to convert the entire home to solar and instead take action to reduce their total power usage and then strategically convert the remaining portions to solar.
You have to be careful with this strategy however, because it could end up being even less cost effective. Especially if your plans include moving certain largeappliances over to natural gas. Below are examples of 2 system options and their payback periods.
So if your solar energy system costs $50,000 and you eliminate a $300 monthly electric bill, it will take almost 14 years to recoup your expense. If a smaller system ends up costing $25,000, and you only realize a net savings of $100 each month your payback period increases to 20 years.
The point is you have to be careful and calculate accurate estimates beforehand. See the simple chart below for an illustration of this concept.
You have to be careful with this strategy however, because it could end up being even less cost effective. Especially if your plans include moving certain largeappliances over to natural gas. Below are examples of 2 system options and their payback periods.
So if your solar energy system costs $50,000 and you eliminate a $300 monthly electric bill, it will take almost 14 years to recoup your expense. If a smaller system ends up costing $25,000, and you only realize a net savings of $100 each month your payback period increases to 20 years.
The point is you have to be careful and calculate accurate estimates beforehand. See the simple chart below for an illustration of this concept.
One more point about cost: there are state and federal tax incentives available for consumers who convert to solar whether they buy or build their own system. These can offset the entire cost of a homemade system and a portion of a purchased system.
Did you know that today many consumers are building their own affordable solar power systems using low cost new or used panels, or by building their own panels from scratch. These systems aren't hard to build and can be built for a fraction of the cost of a purchased system.
There are a number of very inexpensive written guides on the market that provide complete instructions for building solar energy panels.
Did you know that today many consumers are building their own affordable solar power systems using low cost new or used panels, or by building their own panels from scratch. These systems aren't hard to build and can be built for a fraction of the cost of a purchased system.
There are a number of very inexpensive written guides on the market that provide complete instructions for building solar energy panels.
Solar energy systems can be build from used panels or from panels that you build yourself, starting with a single panel and expandeding as far as you want and as slowly or quickly as you want by just adding additional panels to they system.
You'll need to know how to build panels, how to wire them and how to connect them and collect the energy. It's really pretty easy to do with the right guidance and the cost savings can be substantial. Panels make up 50% or more of the cost when you buy solar power from a contractor. You can build your own panels for under $200 each.
Existing panels that you get new or used can be added to the system along side those that you build yourself. There are some basic guidelines to follow for this but it is pretty flexible.
A basic understanding and ability to estimate a panel's energy producing capacity is required. This doesn't require any complex calculations, but it is important so that the system can be properly sized and you know how many panels you'll need for any given part of the project.
You will also want to decide whether you want to store excess energy in batteries for later use, or stay tied into the grid and sell the excell back to the power company. Either way will save a lot of money on monthly energy expenses, but they require slightly different configuration and parts.
Panel placement - In North America, panels are usually best placed pointing south. However, panels are sometimes placed pointed west or east. Direct sunlight is required, so shade from trees or other structures has to be taken into consideration.
Anyone thinking about solar power for their home should really consider doing it themselves. If you have some DIY skills and like to take on improvement projects around the home this could be just the challenge you've been looking for.
I hope you've found this information helpful. Stop back often as we frequently update this site with new articles and tips.
You'll need to know how to build panels, how to wire them and how to connect them and collect the energy. It's really pretty easy to do with the right guidance and the cost savings can be substantial. Panels make up 50% or more of the cost when you buy solar power from a contractor. You can build your own panels for under $200 each.
Existing panels that you get new or used can be added to the system along side those that you build yourself. There are some basic guidelines to follow for this but it is pretty flexible.
A basic understanding and ability to estimate a panel's energy producing capacity is required. This doesn't require any complex calculations, but it is important so that the system can be properly sized and you know how many panels you'll need for any given part of the project.
You will also want to decide whether you want to store excess energy in batteries for later use, or stay tied into the grid and sell the excell back to the power company. Either way will save a lot of money on monthly energy expenses, but they require slightly different configuration and parts.
Panel placement - In North America, panels are usually best placed pointing south. However, panels are sometimes placed pointed west or east. Direct sunlight is required, so shade from trees or other structures has to be taken into consideration.
Anyone thinking about solar power for their home should really consider doing it themselves. If you have some DIY skills and like to take on improvement projects around the home this could be just the challenge you've been looking for.
I hope you've found this information helpful. Stop back often as we frequently update this site with new articles and tips.
Building Your Own Solar Power For Homes - Things To Know
