Electric Solar Panels – The Facts
Ongoing advances in technology and the ever increasing market for renewable energy, means that having your own solar panel home and installing electric solar panels is no longer just for the well off.
If you are attracted to building a couple of solar panels as a project to keep you busy over the weekends, we strongly recommend that you buy one of the “how to make solar panels” guides / kits. These contain good manuals, diagrams, details of the material to be used, links to suppliers, step by step instructions and instructional videos. Please take a look at our recent review of solar panel guides / kits. The review confirmed that even a novice DIYer should be able to make a decent 60watt solar panel for around $175 – $180. But do not expect to save much (if any) money by going the DIY route.
Electric Solar Panels in back yard
Before installing Electric Solar Panels, Consider
- Sunlight. But before you start on your solar panel home, you need to consider the location of your property and how much direct sunlight you get. If your climate is predominantly cloudy or your property is in the shade of tall trees or high buildings for most of the day, the benefit you get from electric solar panels will be diminished. That is not to say you should not do it, but be aware that electric solar panels function best in direct sunlight. Generally, on a sunny day your electric solar panels need to receive at least four hours direct sunlight. More is good! However, it should be noted that new solar tiles have been developed that are approximately 30% more efficient than standard electric solar panels. These work well in more northerly latitudes such as the UK and do not require direct sunlight to function.
- Planning and Building Codes / Regulations. Also, be aware of that in some countries you will be required to get some form of planning permission before settng up your solar panel home and installing electric solar panels. There may also be specific building codes or electrical regulations that you have to comply with. Find out what applies to you before you start. It is much, much easier to plan for this from the outset than try and make changes retrospectively.
Finding out what is available
Now you need to research the Internet and see what is available in terms of products and off the shelf solutions. You will find that there are numerous suppliers selling a variety of solar power solutions. If you contact specialist companies they should be able to provide the materials you require or direct you to those that can. These companies will usually have details of professionals that undertake the solar panel installation for you or work with you when you requires specialist assistance.
Electric Solar Panels in foreground, with Hot Water Solar Panels behind
The Electric Solar Panels DIY Route
We can only recommend making your own electric solar panels if you are looking to make just a couple of solar panels as an enjoyable and very rewarding DIY project. Please see our review of the “how to” guides / kits for more details.
When it comes to installing and connecting you solar panels, always get professional advice and assistance from an electrician who knows what they are doing and is a member of the appropriate professional body, even if it is to simply check that you have wired everything it correctly. Also make sure you comply with your building codes/regulations.
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