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A Basic Solar Panel System - Setting Up And Installation

By John Greenspan

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 23Feb2010 Word count: 452 Viewed: 325 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

With a basic solar panel system, you can save thousands of dollars on energy bills every year. While many folks dream of living in a solar powered home to experience the off-grid lifestyle, not many achieve it. This is because few really know what to do to get there.

There are 2 main ways to setup solar energy panels in your home - by engaging professionals or doing it yourself. If you have cash to spare and do not mind the long payback period of commercial solar energy panels, engaging professionals is the ideal way to go.

But if you want the most bang for your buck and want your solar panels to pay for itself in a much shorter period, the DIY route serves you well.

Setting up a complete solar power generator at home requires about $35,000 to $40,000. You only need a fraction of this cost in order to get do-it-yourself solar energy panels pumping electricity for your home. With less than $200, you can build a piece of photovoltaic panel that can last for more than two decades. This component can be built using simple tools and commonly available materials like wood, glass and masonite boards.

The number of photovoltaic panels you have to build depends on the size of your system. In order to size up your solar power system, you'll have to sum up the total energy consumption of your home. From this estimate, you'll also be able to know the specification of different photovoltaic components you need.

After the setup is completely built, it is time to install your solar energy panels. You need a south-facing roof so as to capture the most sunlight throughout the day. You also have to ensure these solar energy panels are not sheltered by vegetation. The slightest shade can cause a drastic drop in voltage output.

In order to determine the best position for your photovoltaic panels, you may need a solar pathfinder. This clever tool enables you to read (at one glance) the shading condition at the area of your choice. You'll then be able to know if your intended installation site is suitable for solar electricity generation.

If you want to build your own basic solar power system, a DIY instructional manual can help you get started. You'll be able to learn where to get cheap and good materials, as well as techniques that only professionals know. You'll also learn what to do when you get into a rut.

Alternatively, if you know an expert, he can guide you along. But not too many of us know someone like that. Therefore an instructional manual is one good resource that helps you save thousands on your solar energy panels.

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