The desire to go “green” can fade for fear of spending too much green. The costs of buying and installing residential solar panels can unhinge the average homeowner. There is, however, the option of making your own solar panels, which can save an average of $2500 in professional installation costs.
Solar panel kits are widely available for those needing a guided approach and can cost as little $100.00. They include all the necessary equipment needed to construct a solar panel. Although the solar panels constructed from these kits are smaller than those installed by professionals and may not generate enough power to run an entire household, they cost a fraction of the price and will easily cut down on monthly power bills. Easy instructions make for a fun project that can be completed within a day.
For those wanting a more challenging project, there are manuals that illustrate what components to buy and how to build your own residential solar panels from scratch. These panels are generally used to charge common household appliances, like batteries or flood lights. It’s important to first determine what you want to power with residential solar power. The wattage for powering an electric fence, for example, is much less than the wattage to power an entire house. The equipment needed to construct the solar panel (multimeter, solar cells, etc.) can be purchased through solar energy suppliers.
Going green through do-it-yourself projects like creating your own solar panels is a rewarding experience and a great way to learn more about solar energy while saving money. With the guides and resources available, it’s a short-term project that will provide long-term benefits.