You know that technology now makes it possible for everyone to enjoy free and clean electricity. Nowadays, electricity as it is generated today by fossil fuels, is very environmentally messy Fossil fuels give out harmful carbons that are destroying the ozone layer. This ozone erosion is causing unwanted climate changes that will be very consequential in the long run. Solar energy, on the other hand, is clean and renewable.
Electricity from solar energy is produced from sunrays and its are an unlimited resource. But electrical companies continue using expensive fuels that harm our environment. Adopting a solar energy lifestyle is very convenient.
You can buy your own solar panel availables online. The range in price goes from $1200 to over $7500. In Amazon you can buy a solar panel kit for $8000.
If you use quality materials to begin with, combined with some talent, you will have a quality product that may outlast the best that commercial setups have to offer. If you want a science project, yes, you will pay $3 per watt. If you go 1.5kW, I believe it can be as low as $1.7 per W:
Per 150W panel:
- 3/4in 2ft x 4ft plywood panel $20.
- 50ft tabbing wire and 10ft bus wire, $20.
- Solar cells $1100 for 500×2.5W unbroken monocrystaline cells ($0.77 per Watt), say use 60, or $132.
- 50ft tabbing wire and 10ft bus wire, $20.
- Clear silicone caulk/sealant $2.
- Screws, aluminium frame $10.
- Diodes $3 – Excludes time (call it 10-15 hours).
- Screws, aluminium frame $10.
- 3/4in 2ft x 4ft plywood panel $20.
- Clear plexiglass $20 (at low volume).
Total cost per panel is $248, so 1.65 per Watt. Possible to drop further at volume.
In the US, if you want to connect your panels to the grid your panels will need to have UL certification. But only if you want sell power.
In today’s world the DIY person can obtain everything that is needed to make your own solar power kit. There are several DIY books. They are all very good step by step guides that will show you how you can purchase from your local hardware store the materials needed to make your solar panels.
The materials should not cost more than about $200 or $250. This is well below the $8000 price for the Amazon.com system. Building a solar panel can be even be a great project for the whole family. Solar power is actually affordable for everyone with the right DIY manual. The videos they use are very informative and easy to follow along with.
The author is an electrical engineer that has been working more than ten years in the green field applications. He has created some diy guides to build solar panels. And wrote a lot of articles about green diy energy.
Some other articles you might like -
Installing Solar Panels as a Hedge Against Energy Cost Inflation I've been considering installing solar panels on my roof for several years now. The number one reason I haven't is cost, where I fear the upfront cost won't justify the long term savings. But to be more specific, it's that I'm a bit wary of being an early adopter in...... - Solar Energy Advantages And Disadvantages: Find Them Out
by Jim Martin The sun is free for everybody to use. Irrespective of religion and nationality, the sun shines upon all of us in all its glory. Since the very dawn of history, the sun has been showering its light and warmth upon us. Thanks to modern science and technology,...... - The One Of The Energy Sources That Is Gaining In Interest
Most power plants in the US and all over world are using carbon-based fuels to operate and generate electrical energy. Fossil fuel has been used as a source of energy so long as man has learned to generate power. Fossil fuel has been around for ages and when man...... -
10 Ways to Slash Your Electric Bill The depletion of energy has become a major concern in this day and age. Many of us are making an effort to limit electricity consumption. Did you know that saving electricity is not only green, but it can also save you money? Here are 10 ways that you...... - Solar Power Your Home For Dummies By Rik DeGunther
As energy prices keep going up, many homeowners are starting to investigate cheaper alternative energies that can be easily installed, and run on a daily basis. Whether you’re trying to cut costs, or you just want to go green, solar power is often the first choice of many homeowners. The......
