diy solar panel
Are DIY Solar panels legitimate for saving electricity?
I have seen DIY software which explains everything for novices. Specifically, how to build your own solar panels and tie them into your home electrical system for about $100 in parts.
Has anyone tried doing this? Was it easy?
The local codes in most areas in the US won’t allow you to install a homemade solar panel on your house, it needs to be UL listed. Don’t believe all of those bogus sites that promise you can power your house for $200, you can’t. Also, besides the solar panel, you also need an approved inverter to convert the DC power from the solar panels to AC that your appliances need.
Factory built solar panels are generally guarantied for 20 – 25 years, with a life expectancy of twice that. You will never get that life from a homemade panel.
To save money on a solar installation, you may be able to install at least part of it yourself, but the equipment needs to be UL listed or equivalent.
You can see an example of a very small grid-tied electric system here. You can see that the solar panel is just one component. http://www.altestore.com/store/Kits-and-Package-Deals/Grid-Tied-Systems/Alt-E-Designed-Grid-Tie-Packages/AltE-Grid-Tied-Package-Micro1/p5642/ The output of this system will be very small, but it is a staring point.
You should consider solar water heating as a way to save on your energy bills. Heating your water accounts for about 25% of your energy use. If you can cut that by 75%, you will save a lot of money. Depending on where you are and how many are in your household, it may cost about $5000 for a do-it-yourself installation. There are tax incentives available that could potentially pay for as much as half of the system. These systems can pay for them selves in as little as 4 – 5 years.
How to make solar cells (DIY/homemade solar cell)
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Solar Powered 80 LED Motion-Activated Outdoor Security Floodlight
Solar Powered 80 LED Motion-Activated Outdoor Security Floodlight. 80 LEDs make this the brightest solar motion light available. Great for decks, driveways, sheds, pathways, or any large outdoor area. Includes 6-volt 4Ah sealed lead acid rechargeable battery. 15 foot cable connects light and solar panel. Activates up to 125 times when on for 1 minute at a time. Weather resistant white plastic body... |
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Energy Film Glare Control Window Film 48-by-84-Inch
$30.98 Energy Film Shade is a thin, tinted window film that provides immediate year-round energy savings by retaining interior heat in the winter and blocking solar heat in the summer. Energy Film Shade is an inexpensive and easy way to make the home or office more energy efficient while providing UV protection. It is easy to apply and uses no adhesives.Summer/Winter insulating filmSaves up to 12-18% of ... |
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Watt's Up RC Watt Meter & Power Analyzer WU100 Version 2 --- SALE!
$56.95 # Specifications: # Voltage 0-60 V, resolution 0.01 V. That's a 14 cell series li-poly pack! # Current 0-100 A peak, 50 A continuous, resolution 0.01 A # Charge 0-65 Ah, resolution 0.001 Ah. That's ~32 Amps for two hours! # Power 0-6500 W, resolution 0.1 W. That's ~8.7 Horsepower! # Energy 0-6500 Wh, resolution 0.1 Wh. # Operates from 4.0-60 V, 0 V with optional receiver battery pack # 16 x 2 STN... |
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Do It Yourself Solar Panels for Swimming Pools, Spas & more
$34.95 Solar Panel Instructional DVD & Plans for water heating. A simple step-by-step, DIY, easy to follow solar panel construction DVD. No special tools required. Sleek design, professional look and ease of fabrication. Heating system fully integrates into your existing pool piping network. 3500 watts (12,000BTU) of free solar power per panel. 10+degrees F increase in water temperature in one day. Engin... |
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3-in-1 Educational T3 Solar Transforming Robot Science Kit DIY
$4.28 3-in-1 Educational T3 Solar Transforming Robot Science Kit DIY... |
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Fi-Shock SS-440 Solar-Powered Low Impedance 10 Acre Medium-Duty Electric Fence Charger
$112.58 The Fi-Shock Solar Fence Controller controls up to 5 miles of electric fence! Recharges its 4 Volt battery with a high efficiency, built-in solar panel. Controller delivers more shocking power than ordinary fencers. Low impedance provides 1/3 less battery drain. U.S.A. Application: Fence controller, Works With: Electrical fences, Amps: 3, Battery Required: Yes, Solar Power Compatible: Yes, Dimensi... |
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AA and 9 volt battery charger with 3, 6, 9, and 12 volt power supply
$21.99 ... |
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6-in-1 Educational Solar Kit Build Your Own Science Toy DIY
$4.50 6-in-1 Educational Solar Kit. Build your own solar kit and have fun under the Sunlight! Mini solar building kit teaches children the benefits of solar energy while they create a toy that is both fun to play and requires absolutely no batteries. This is an excellent beginner building kit designed to teach how solar power is used to drive a small motor. Children use the 22 parts (no tools required) ... |
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OWI 6-in-1 Educational Solar Kit
$3.70 Teach kids the benefits of solar energy - in a fun and imaginative way. Winner of the Dr. Toy award, kids can learn to build six different models with one kit. They'll even learn how solar power is used to help drive a small motor. It's a great way to get kids involved in the technology of today. Includes 33 pieces with solar module and gearbox that can transform into 2 different planes, airboat, ... |
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4 Pack - AC 235 Watt Solar Panel Complete Installation Kit
$5,607.50 4 Panel AC 235w Solar Power System Kits New all-in-one rooftop solar kits. The combination of affordable pricing-along with the ease of installation that the Westinghouse Solar Power System provides-makes these new kits the right solution for contractors and do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners to install and later expand a rooftop system. Kit Includes: 1-Westinghouse, Solar 235 watt AC panel, 4-compo... |
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Diy Solar Projects (Paperback)
$14.8 Advances in solar technology have made many DIY-friendly products available to consumers. ,several of which will be hitting the market for the first time in 2011. These include solar water heaters, solar battery charging stations, solar powere... |
