DIY Solar Panels

DIY Solar Panels can be a low cost way to access energy from the sun. A few good DIY skills and basic tools are all that are required to install a home solar panel system.

Install solar panels to save money

Solar energy is an attractive option for many people. Harnessing power from the sun and turning it into energy that can be used to power many household appliances is virtually free – once the initial installation has been taken into account. The installation and cost of the equipment can, however, soon inflate the cost of installing solar panels and reduce the financial benefit. Even with grants and other incentives, it can take many years before the savings of a newly installed solar panel system are realized. One way to address this is to consider DIY solar panels. While this may sound like a major and specialized project, many confident DIYers are able to undertake the installation of solar panels themselves without the need of specialist contractors.

There are many different types of solar panel systems. These range from small solar panels that can be used to power garden lights or fountains, through to large solar panel systems that support homes living off the main power grid. While small systems are extremely easy to install, larger and more complex systems require a high degree of DIY confidence and knowledge.

There are many benefits of DIY solar panels. These include:

• Cost saving – one of the most significant benefits of DIY solar panel systems is the cost savings. When a system is supplied and installed by a company, a component of the price is the installation cost. This includes the cost of the people who are installing the system plus any design or planning costs. People installing solar systems themselves save this cost, reducing the total amount spent on a solar panel system.

• Custom system – people installing their own solar panels can devise a system that is tailored precisely to their needs. While many solar companies will offer a consultancy service and work with customers creating a tailored service, there is often a charge for this.

• Multiple suppliers – when creating a DIY system, people can buy components from a range of different suppliers. This allows the home owner to shop around for the best price and quality. Often installation companies work with a few preferred suppliers.

Although there are many benefits of DIY solar systems, there are potential drawbacks. These include:

• Lack of specialist experience – solar installation companies work with solar energy full time and are therefore knowledgeable and experienced. Unless a DIYer has a relatively high level of electrical or specialist DIY knowledge, they may have problems specifying the best system for their needs.

• Size of project – many solar panel projects are large undertakings. This means that someone looking to install their own system could be starting with a major project rather than gaining confidence with smaller projects. The cost of panels is significant, therefore any damage could negate the financial benefit of DIY.

• Access to tools – while many solar panel systems can be installed with just a few basic tools, if a home owner does not have these tools on hand, the cost of buying them can inflate the total cost of the project.

A good compromise between a full DIY system and a fully specified and installed solar system is a solar panel kit. Kits contain all the pieces required to install a solar system along with detailed instructions. Many suppliers of solar kits also offer a useful after sales and support service. Solar panel kits are available from many different suppliers. Some online sources of DIY solar panel kits include:

• Silicon Solar
• Solar Home
• Mr Solar

Other types of alternative energy supply kits are also worth considering. Home wind power kits, for instance, can make a useful alternative fuel source.

DIY solar systems make solar energy more affordable and within reach of many more households.

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