Archive for January, 2009

HomeMade Solar Panels

Monday, January 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am  
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The official agency tasked to inform the US Government on energy issues, the EIA, says that households that rely on electricity to power their heating systems can expect to see their bills increase by 10%. To make matters worse, households using oil or natural gas will experience an exponential increase by as much as 23%. This expensive trend is here to stay.  With the rising costs of energy bills, people are understandably looking for means to cut down their costs and look for alternative sources of power, particularly solar energy, for their homes.

Some top end solar power systems and their installations can be quite expensive. Experts are hopeful though that the costs of solar panels will drop at some point in the future making them more affordable and cost effective for families to install them at home. The government already has offered tax credits for people using home solar panels. However, until production of such systems is not vastly increased, solar panel installation will still deemed as a “speciality/novelty” source of power.

However, if you are looking to install solar panels in you home no there is a cost-effective option - construct a homemade solar panel yourself.

Building a homemade solar panel can be easy and you don’t have to be an electrician. It can also be fun to anyone who enjoys a good weekend project. Anyone can seamlessly create his or her own panels, install them, and have them linked with house’s electric grid a lot faster than you would expect. Electric companies are usually more than happy to have home made panels in sync with the grid. Once installed it will decrease your power costs, probably in a matter of weeks.

For those who are keen on cutting the costs of their electricity while lending the environment a helping hand should consider making solar panels for their homes. Constructing your own solar panels will be rewarding not just for your pocket but also know you doing your bit for help the environment.

Home Made Solar Panels

Monday, January 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am  
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While the prices for energy costs remains unstable, several home owners are looking for means to cut their power costs without reducing there consumption. There is one clear choice available - home made solar panels.

Home made solar panel absorb energy from the sun’s rays and converts it to electricity via the panels’ mechanism which is too complicated to discuss here, but rest assured, it works! There are huge benefits for using solar panels to power your home. Solar power does not carry a high price tag. Another is that solar power is environment-friendly and clean and will not contribute to harming our environment. Lastly, solar power enables individuals the chance to promote and amplify the use alternative energy sources.

 

During the oil crisis of the 70’s and 80’s, it was made clear that the American government should start an initiative to reduce reliance on foreign oil by exploring the possibility of tapping and getting energy from alternative sources. While the government has been slow on the process, certain individuals started their own initiatives to reduce their own need for oil. One of those options is solar power, and now it is possible for you to make your own solar panels yourself.

The task of constructing a solar panel from scratch may seem a little daunting at first. However, the Internet has provided numerous guides that help any person to create his or her own solar power system from start to finish. These online walkthroughs maps out every details one might need, including tools, materials, and a step-by-step demonstration clips on how to create solar panels right at the convenience of one’s home.

While there are professionals who offer setting up a solar power system for a large fee, these days it is becoming more and more common that people build their solar panels themselves.

The reason? A lot of people think solar panel installation a “specialist” job and therefore costly. One installation may cost thousands of dollars. However, setting up the solar panels without professional help can be easy and less expensive. It also gives the homeowner a much quicker time frame to recover the costs and feel the effects in the electric bill.

What’s more, solar panels help in protecting the environment from taking further damage.

Residential Solar Power

Monday, January 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am  
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The pressure to find other sources of energy has been increasing day after day. The costs of conventional energy sources such as natural gas and oil are increasing in cost and also in the cost of the by-products of producing them. This is a cost our children will have to pay.  If there is a right time to take action and explore alternative sources of energy, now is it! The cleaner, safer, and less expensive choices are staring us in the face - hydro, wind, and solar energies.

 

All three alternative sources of energies have their own advantages and disadvantages. Solar power is best suited for residential use. A solar power generator, once installed, is basically free from maintenance. A solar panel can last up to thirty years or more, and their designs, shapes, and sizes varies, fusing seamlessly both function and aesthetics for any home. What’s more, solar power is very environmentally-friendly too as it does not have emissions and waste residue.

 

In homes powered by solar energy, the process is relatively simple. The solar panels absorb and store the energy from the sun and covert it to electricity by means of specialized circuitry in the power generators. The energy then is consumed as electricity though the mains of the house. 

 

While a lot of people have testified to the efficiency and cost effectivness of solar power, it is still a good idea to make a feasible study to first. For people who wanted to have their homes connected with a solar panel, the most important elements are  - location of the solar panels, the size and shading of the house.

There are many solar panels that are for sale nowadays. But while commercial solar panels have there advantages, they would cost more. Unlike its do-it-yourself counterpart, which are less expensive and can be easily constructed with online guides found on the Internet.

Outdoor Solar Lights

Monday, January 26th, 2009 at 12:00 am  
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With the rising costs of electricity, lighting up the exterior places of your homes like the yard, garden, or gravel paths may prove to be just a luxury that these days you just can’t afford. However, one option can make your light up your home’s exterior with virtually no cost at all. Using solar power as a means to provide illumination is an effective and less expensive way of lighting the outsides of your homes. In addition, exterior lighting also ensures that your property and your family and loved ones are safe and secure.

 

But why choose solar power outdoor lighting? 

 

Perhaps the best answer is your wallet. Installing outdoor lighting fixtures that run on solar power does not add to your electricity bill because solar power is free! That is a clear advantage outdoor solar lighting gives to any homeowners. Aside from that, solar power is safe and does not damage the environment in any way. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone.

 

Solar powers gives light to your homes and even the exteriors and you don’t have to pay the electric company.

 

However, you might worry with regards to electrical fixtures in the garden or the patio. Since an outdoor solar lighting systems do not depend on electricity from any power outlets, that means there are no pesky wires and other electrical devices that may cause injuries or accidents. The only thing to consider is the location of the solar panels, since obviously they generate more power when directly exposed in the sun.  

 

While installing solar panels to light up your home’s exterior may cost you some money (though a lot less if you build them yourself), the return of investments can be seen in a matter of weeks. To get the best out of your outdoor solar lighting systems, all you have to do is ensure that the panels are placed where they can absorb direct sunlight.

Homemade Solar Panels

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 1:31 am  
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DIY home solar panels have been around for many years, but with talks of energy conservation becoming an obsession globally, the need for them as a new alternative energy source has taken on a great urgency.

Using solar power is one of the best ways to conserve energy. And with DIY home solar panels, powering your home on free energy is getting really cheap too. And the best thing is, making your own home solar panels is not a daunting task at all, if you have all the instructions handy.

How To Build Your Own DIY Home Solar Panels

Here’s how to go about making DIY home solar panels for your own home:

1. Get it out of your mind that is going to be a tough deal. In reality, once you study the process of making a solar panel, you will find it is not that difficult at all.

2. Assemble all the tools required. You will need a hacksaw, wood saw, hammer, nails, screws, tape measure and some other hardware tools. Visit a plumber’s shop and you will be able to get these tools with ease.

3. For the panel itself, you could install a sink unit. Look around your home, and you should be able to find one.

4. Use copper to set up the plumbing system for the panel. Copper is considered to be acceptable for plumbing purposes. Be sure to use an inhibitor in the copper pipes.

5. Blacken the absorber plate first. This will allow it to absorb the light and heat from the sun effectively. Attach the copper tubing to the blackened absorber plate. You can also use aluminum as an alternative to copper. Both have good thermal properties. Aluminum wins the race here as it is cheaper.

6. House the absorber plate in a wooden tray. Apply a maintenance coating to the wooden tray, possibly painting it. This will reduce the maintenance efforts of the solar panels.

7. DIY home solar panels are extremely sensitive to the availability of sun at all times. Expose them to cool weather, and you will automatically see a dip in performance. Cover the panels with glass or acrylic to prevent heat loss. This will provide you with all-year round heating.

Points To Remember When Building DIY Home Solar Panels

1. The copper tube could run the risk of freezing during cold conditions. To prevent this happening, ensure that the panel drains down.

2. At times, the water in the solar panel could freeze because of difference in temperatures between the solar panel and the environment. You can avoid this by using an anti-freeze circuit in the solar panel.

3. The construction of the panel frame is often the most critical aspect. The frame should be made of hardwood, preferably of materials like cedar or teak.

As you can see, making a solar panel in your own backyard is all about following basic plumbing and designing steps. If you have basic plumbing skills and an eye for detail, you could well be on your way to making the technology of DIY home solar panels work for you as it has for thousands of others.

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Home Made Solar Panels Save You Money

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 1:30 am  
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Solar panels are designed to produce electricity through the use of the natural energy of the sun. These panels absorb the wavelengths of light and turn the natural imminence of the sun into heat and power for the home. Homemade solar panels even work on most cloudy days simply because the light sends enough of the UV wavelengths of light needed. However on bright sunny days the panels work even better.

Now, it is so easy to construct and design your own solar panels with the simple purchase of kits. These kits offer all the instructions, designs, and information needed to accomplish the task. For many homeowners the concept of having homemade solar panels is increasing in popularity everyday.

The kits that are sold and used are not considered expensive and in addition the overall cost of the entire project is worth the funding; because the homemade solar panels will usually pay for themselves within the first few months of installation or being constructed.

Many people who have purchased the kits have done all of the work own his or her own, this means that hiring a contractor or having major technical experience isn’t necessary, you don’t need professionals to do the job at all.

Homemade solar panels are being seen more now than ever as individuals want to also preserve the environment and the resources. Some panels are even being seen on recreational vehicles, office buildings, and even factories. However, there are more homes seen with the panels than a year ago and that estimation is speculated to increase as well.

In order to achieve having homemade solar panels on your home too all an individual need do is purchase the kit through a web site via the Internet, or also at some local home improvement stores. The idea is so popular there are even some bigger hardware stores that carry these kits. As more people consider the idea of becoming eco-friendly and use the panels they also save a great deal in expenses. There are occasions when some utility companies or power companies in various areas will pay individuals for the unused power that the homemade solar panels produce. So, in essence it all works out for the best when it comes to the homeowner and the decision to have solar panels.

For the most part the kits are selling faster than any other home improvement product on the market today as more individuals realize the increased potential of the homemade solar panels on the homes. Earth4Energy is a guide that explains building Homemade Solar Panel.

Solar Panels For Your Home

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 1:22 am  
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Soaring utility bills and abuse of the environment through expending fossil fuels are two huge issues that very much go hand in hand. This combination is a major factor causing so many home owners to look into the possibility of residential solar power.

According to the EIA, the U.S. Governments’ official energy information group, households using electric to power their heating can expect a ten percent increase in their bill next year. Even worse, if you happen to use oil or gas, your increase will be as high as twenty-three percent! This is a growing trend, and not likely to change.

There has understandably been a huge push by homeowners to explore alternative energy, particularly residential solar power, and what they are finding is that the cost involved in purchasing and installing home solar panels is nothing to sneeze at. The hope is that down the road, prices will drop to a point where the average family can afford to install them. The government has taken first steps towards solving the problem by offering tax credits for people that have home solar panels installed. But until the production of solar panels is increased, and the installing of them is not considered a “specialty” type job that contractors charge an arm and a leg for, prices will remain high for residential solar power.

I decided this year to do my own research, and try to figure out how I could do it without financing between $5,000 and $30,000, which is pretty much the only option available to most of us right now depending on the size of the system. There is just no way I could spend the kind of money it would take, and have to wait years for it to pay its self off through utility bill savings.

What I found was pretty cool if you ask me.

If you’re even a little bit handy, in what amounts to a fun weekend project, you can very easily create your own panels, mount them, and integrate them into the electric grid. Electric companies will even help you get your home solar panels synced up and hooked into the grid. You can do it at your own pace, and your panels will pay for themselves in a matter of weeks instead of years. I have not completely cut out my electric bill yet, but I also don’t owe anyone money, and pretty soon I’ll be totally off the grid. I can also feel good about my weekend projects that help the environment. A lot more so than tossing some cans in the recycling bin.

Anyone with a day off to spare that wouldn’t mind seeing their electrical bill cut down while helping the environment should give residential solar power a try for their homes. Building your own home solar panels will be something you’re very glad you did.

I’ve tried a few guides as there are several around, but the best one I found and can feel good about recommending can be seen at http://homesolarenergy.weebly.com/

Michael Findlay is a Yacht Broker in San Diego, CA. He is also an avid fisherman as well as a writer in his spare time. He is actively involved in several charity and environmental organizations, and is a huge advocate of renewable energy sources.

Find a great guide to build your own Residential Solar Panels Here