If you are interested in learning how to make a solar panel, then you are probably interested in either saving money over the long term, being more ec...
If you are interested in learning how to make a solar panel,
then you are probably interested in either saving money over the long term, being more eco-friendly, or both. Either way, those are good enough reasons for wanting to know how to build a solar panel. There is no better time to begin using renewable energy that can be generated in your own home than now, especially with the rising costs of energy and growing environmental concerns. Without a doubt, the sun is our most abundant and permanent source of energy.
How To Make A Solar Panel - Can It Really Be Done On A Budget?
Many people are hesitant to take the first steps in learning how to make a solar panel because they are worried about the potential costs. There is no need to be concerned about that because the cost of the materials is actually very cheap now. Unbelievably, it is possible to make a small panel or two for under $100. Many, if not all the materials can also be purchased through online sites such as eBay for great deals. Another tip to save money on materials is to avoid buying brand name products. A branded 70-watt cell is no different than an unbranded 70-watt cell. There are also many inexpensive blueprints and guides for how to make a solar panel that can be purchased through the internet for under $50. The best one that I have found is Earth 4 Energy. It includes a 90 page step-by-step, illustrated ebook as well as a few instructional videos. If you are not satisfied, you can easily get a full refund from them so there really is no loss. There truly could not be a more accessible package on how to build a solar panel; the blueprint is designed so that anyone could make one.
How To Make A Solar Panel - How Much Money Can You Save?
By now, you are probably wondering how much money you can save by building your own solar panel. If you were to get a retail installation of a solar panel, it would be costing you $20,000 or more. Many people are turned off by the outrageous prices that these installations cost and conclude that they would never be able to afford to have solar panels. The truth is, it is completely possible to build a solar panel for $100 or less. You can easily save hundreds of dollars over the long run just by using solar panels. You may not be able to power your entire your house with them, but there are many things in your home that can easily be powered with one. Some people have had success with powering their appliances, backyard lighting, and chargers with them. Powering a few things may not seem like it would make a big difference, but even little things can add up quickly over time, easily saving you the money that you spent on the materials and more. Adding solar panels to your house will also raise its value by at least a few thousand dollars because they are so highly sought after.
Additional Things You Can Do To Save Money
In addition to building a solar panel, there are also simple and many concrete steps you can take around the house to reduce your electricity bills. Let's start with the room you are sitting in. If you were to leave this room for a little while, like say you had to have dinner with your family or had to take a call in another room, do you just leave the room without thinking about the electrical appliances in it? If so, that is where you need to stop and look around. Even if you are only gone for five minutes, you should take care to switch off all electrical appliances that don't need to be on. It may not seem like a big deal, but every little bit adds up. Every drop of water is part of the ocean.
Another thing to think about is what you perceive to be an electronic appliance. You might switch off the TV and the ceiling fan, but not the lights. Light may be required, but not when you are not in the room. Dealing with seemingly minor things like these can go a long way in reducing your bills. Another way to save money is to invest in compact fluorescent lights (CFL) bulbs and use those to replace your incandescent bulbs if you haven't already. CFL bulbs are a lot more energy efficient and can save a lot of power.
Some people complain that their bills skyrocket with the addition of more electrical appliances to their home. What they fail to realize is that the bills are not directly proportional to the number of appliances/gadgets you have, but the way they are used. Here are some tips for the most common energy-wasters:
- Only use the washer when there is a full load of clothes
- Keep the water heating system on for a minimal amount of time
- Keep the air conditioner at the minimum temperature/setting that you need to keep the heat away
- Switch off your computer monitor whenever you aren't using it, even if it's only for one minute - it takes very little time to switch it on again
These tips may seem like hard work, but it's actually a matter of getting into the habit of doing them. Most people are used to leaving gadgets or appliances on even when they are not being used. Not only does this waste money, it also wastes power. Think of conserving power as helping the world to save power for our future generations.
How To Make A Solar Panel - Final Thoughts
If you have been wanting to learn how to make a solar panel but haven't taken the first steps yet, I encourage you to do so. You do not have to be an expert builder to be able to make one; basic carpentry skills are all that is needed. The low costs to make one are negligible, considering the money that will be saved in the long run. However, you should invest in a good, comprehensive blueprint because there are many out there that are either missing information or not even complete. I would recommend Earth 4 Energy if you are serious about learning how to make a solar panel; all the information you need is contained in the package.
