We were wondering if it makes sense to install solar panels on our roof? We are pretty handy and do these online kits work? Any recommendations so that we can save on our power bill, thanks.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
There are plenty of scams in this area. Especially the $ 200 brochure that instructs you to make panels out of plywood and ebay parts.
On the other hand, there are various online stores that sell kits of reputable parts from major manufacturers, nothing wrong with that, if you really know what you are doing.
So it depends on which “online kits” you’re talking about …
A well-made solar PV panel should last 20 years or more on your roof.
Im going to be making a solar panel soon ….
If it helps i am going to be buying from here —> http://www.everbrightsolar.net/
yes they work. trouble is the large investment and the small slow pay back .but it is worth it.in the long run
Build it Solar has some great ideas and advice on how to DIY without a whole lot of expense.
I like Eric’s answer.
It’s possible to build your own panels by wiring together individual solar cells. That’s an entertaining thing to do, but is NOT a way to save money. Since such panels are illegal to connect to the grid, you would end up using them with batteries, and paying more for electricity than simply buying it from the electric company.
Solar can ultimately save money, but to do that, you generally spend the equivalent of 5, 10, maybe 15 years of electric bills up front, then have reduced or near-zero bills thereafter.
If you’re handy, definitely look into installing additional insulation and weatherproofing on your house. You might also consider buying and installing a solar water heater.
Yes they work. I would do just a little research first. But definitely you can save thousands by building your own. Solar Heaters are the most efficient but I would also combine the solar panels and like a mini turbine to save for home. A good kit I would try is the link below it helped me start saving huge, Happy Building/Learning!
Mark
I have been putting together as much info as I can to give for free on making DIY homemade solar panels.
I have some good links too, on my link pages. For your diy solar panel to last a long time the all glass frame is the best. The wood frame works too, but harder to get 100% sealed from moisture. They need to be sealed good and if you get condensation you will need to add vent holes. The all glass seems to work great, so far I have built three panels one wood frame,and two all glass. This is a link on how to make my glass panel.
http://sites.google.com/site/earthforsolar/home/making-the-enclosure-for-solar-cells-the-solar-panel/glass-frame-diy-panel
This info is all free. We will try to keep adding to it, to help others in making their own diy solar panels. But, like any diy project you can do a great job or bad job. My first solar panel sealed good, but I had a hard time soldering at first and broke some solar cells in the process this is normal at first.
To buy discount solar cells and for a FREE E-Book on solar panel building go to http://www.solarcells101.com.
We will have free info and help links that are all free we will never charge for information.
I make diy solar panels so to me its not a scam and i dont charge for info on this
Avoid those “power your house for $ 200″ site like the plague. They are worthless as best, scams at worst. You are not allowed to connect any panel to the grid that is not UL Listed, so if you build the panel yourself, you cannot connect it directly to the grid. That means home made panels cannot be used for straight grid-tied, only battery based ones, and any money you saved on the panels will have to be spent on batteries.
If you do want to install solar on your house, you can get certified systems for both solar water heating and solar electric systems from sites like the AltE Store. Make sure you do your research to learn how to do a code compliant, safe installation.
Yes, Peter.
I had my hubby installing solar panels for our country house by following this guide:
If you need any help with the installation of the panels, I’d check out these videos:
http://www.pvpower.com/solar-installation-overview.aspx
The videos are at the bottom of the page. Pretty good information on mounting practices and wiring.