Solar energy may be the most important alternative power source that is easily available to the individual consumer. There is a lot of debate about solar energy being a solution for the world's energy problems. But wouldn't it be wise to know if there are any dangers or hidden negative issues before starting a massive project?
First - Price
It's incredibly important to look into the cost of the solar energy system that you would like to add to your home. On average a 4k system or a solar panel system that can produce 4000 watts day will cost about $25,000 dollars. Prices vary from county to county so it's important to talk to several contractors before you sign anything.
You also want to know if your state or local power station will can assist with the cost with rebates or incentives. If you are planning to make homemade solar panels then check with your power company to make sure they can be tested and certified to meet their requirements. Otherwise you will not be able to connect them to the grid. If you are not planning on tying to the grid, say for a cabin or RV system then you are not bound by restrictions, but will not be able to apply for any rebates.
Second - New Technology
If you read the news about solar energy research, you will be amazed at the number of companies that are developing new products and systems. Solar energy research is a worldwide growth industry, with new discoveries being made every month. There is a real temptation to hold off on your solar energy project so you can use the latest technology. But not every experimental product with market potential actually makes it to the consumer. Solar panels are no different than any other new product in the process of research and development. Sometimes the best ideas just don't work out as planned, or are just too expensive to produce. So it's always a bit of a gamble to wait too long for advances in new technology. You could be unnecessarily wasting several months or years of using your solar energy system.
Third - Outdated Technology
Are you afraid of buying your solar energy system right before the next new product breakthrough? This dilemma is the other side of the coin from waiting too long for a breakthrough. The fear is that a cost effective and better technology is right around the corner, but you just spent thousands on outdated technology. You can do a lot to prevent this scenario by doing a little research on the internet or the library. There are professional business journals that have the latest news on industrial R and D (research and development), and forecast when new products will reach the consumer market. But many of these journals cost several hundreds or thousands of dollars for a yearly subscription, so only libraries can afford them. If your library doesn't subscribe, ask your librarian to get it for you. Then you'll need to decide whether you want to wait for the newest product, or go with a traditional energy system that might be more reliable and predictable because it has withstood the test of time.
Go Earth Energy supports the DIY energy movement. Many people are looking to make solar panels and build windmill energy systems to overcome the rising cost of traditional grid power. Visit our site today and get a free E-Report on "Home Energy Efficiency and Savings."
Visit Go Earth Energy at http://www.goearthenergy.com
or check out our DIY reviews for home energy enthusiasts http://www.goearthenergy.com/diy-energy-reviews/GreenDIYEnergy-Review.php
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Helpful Resources
Here are some links that I have found. You might find them helpful as well. Enjoy.
1 http://abovegroundpoolcover.org/Resources.php
2 http://movers-sandiegoca.com/more-resources/
3 http://www.mowerdeals.com/related-sites
4 http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/dog_info.htm
5 http://www.kitchen-remodeling-tips.com/partners.php/
6 http://newcatcare.com/further-resources.php
7 http://feng-shuitoday.com/further-resources.php
1 http://abovegroundpoolcover.org/Resources.php
2 http://movers-sandiegoca.com/more-resources/
3 http://www.mowerdeals.com/related-sites
4 http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/dog_info.htm
5 http://www.kitchen-remodeling-tips.com/partners.php/
6 http://newcatcare.com/further-resources.php
7 http://feng-shuitoday.com/further-resources.php
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Imagine... You Can Make Solar Panels As A Hobby Or For Energy Savings
More and more, people want to use newer ways to create renewable energy. When you consider the rising costs of fossil fuels, going green is quickly becoming a realistic option. The Do-It-Yourself power movement has quickly become one of the fastest and best ways to save money and help the environment. Making solar panels has never been easier. Not to mention that it's cost effective and fun.
There are numerous ways to make a solar panel, none of which is really all that hard. Depending on the type of materials you use, your solar panel might very well cost about 200 dollars.
You have a choice of many types of materials when you make homemade solar panels. Your first major expense will be to buy the solar cells. A recent Ebay search showed tabbed solar cells for about $1.80 each and untabbed solar cells for about $1.10 each.
Plywood might be your cheapest material to purchase, and you may even have some lying around the garage already. However, rather than plywood, I would recommend using a sheet of white or black plexiglass. It's lighter, nicer looking, and will last longer. You can probably find the size you need at your local hardware store or it can be ordered online.
Once you have the back of your solar frame, you'll want to put a frame around the edge. You can use either aluminum C frame material or wood. Aluminum is more expensive, but it will last a good deal longer and weather the elements better.
Your final piece of the puzzle is the cover. Some people use a sheet of glass. I would not recommend using glass, simply because it's so fragile. Clear, UV-protected plexiglass is the best option. Make sure, however, that it is UV-protected or it will turn yellow and reduce your panel's effectiveness.
As you begin your project, plan out each step and put your plan into writing. You can easily make solar panels with the right guide book. The right manual will help steer you in the best direction to make good decisions. Start small and work big. Be realistic in your goals. Your first panel may not be prettiest girl at the party, but you'll get better.
Take the time to plan out your solar panel project. Budget your project and balance cost with longevity. Just because you have an old scrap of plywood lying against the back fence does not mean that you have to use it just to save a few dollars. You may opt for untabbed solar cells to offset the cost of a plexiglass frame over a wood frame. Finally, keep in mind that you will be working with electricity, so have fun, but always be safe.
There are numerous ways to make a solar panel, none of which is really all that hard. Depending on the type of materials you use, your solar panel might very well cost about 200 dollars.
You have a choice of many types of materials when you make homemade solar panels. Your first major expense will be to buy the solar cells. A recent Ebay search showed tabbed solar cells for about $1.80 each and untabbed solar cells for about $1.10 each.
Plywood might be your cheapest material to purchase, and you may even have some lying around the garage already. However, rather than plywood, I would recommend using a sheet of white or black plexiglass. It's lighter, nicer looking, and will last longer. You can probably find the size you need at your local hardware store or it can be ordered online.
Once you have the back of your solar frame, you'll want to put a frame around the edge. You can use either aluminum C frame material or wood. Aluminum is more expensive, but it will last a good deal longer and weather the elements better.
Your final piece of the puzzle is the cover. Some people use a sheet of glass. I would not recommend using glass, simply because it's so fragile. Clear, UV-protected plexiglass is the best option. Make sure, however, that it is UV-protected or it will turn yellow and reduce your panel's effectiveness.
As you begin your project, plan out each step and put your plan into writing. You can easily make solar panels with the right guide book. The right manual will help steer you in the best direction to make good decisions. Start small and work big. Be realistic in your goals. Your first panel may not be prettiest girl at the party, but you'll get better.
Take the time to plan out your solar panel project. Budget your project and balance cost with longevity. Just because you have an old scrap of plywood lying against the back fence does not mean that you have to use it just to save a few dollars. You may opt for untabbed solar cells to offset the cost of a plexiglass frame over a wood frame. Finally, keep in mind that you will be working with electricity, so have fun, but always be safe.
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