Going Solo With Solar

To build or install your own solar power panels, you don't have to be a technical genius. There are many excellent guides on the internet that explain what materials you will need, where to purchase them and what you will need to install them. 

Solar power works well for most items except for large appliances such as a water heater, clothes dryer or stoves. For these, switching to natural gas or propane is recommended. There are many reasons to consider solar energy. Fossil fuels are not renewable energy sources and are becoming increasingly more expensive. However, new alternative energy sources are also expensive.

Purchasing commercially built panels plus installation can still run a bundle, depending on the size of your project. But, you can build your own solar power panels and substantially cut the price tag. Simply download one of the many “do it yourself” guides on the internet and you’ll be on your way. But be advised, if you are considering powering the major part of your home it could well be years before realizing any savings.

You may already see some advantages of installing solar power panels. On the plus side, is the convenience of having power at your fingertips in the event of a power outage. Some benefits are not readily apparent until that happens or you see your next electrical bill. You could be rendered virtually helpless. Without an alternative energy source you could lose your ability to see at night, cook dinner, or even flush the toilet if using a well system. In addition, communication devices, such as cordless telephones or computers would be useless.

Many people are dependent upon electricity as their main energy source. Consider the same scenario with solar panels installed. While electricity may be used for your larger appliances requiring a lot of energy, solar power panels can easily operate lights and smaller appliances.

Electric companies continue to increase rates as demand rises and more appliances requiring electricity are being produced every day. How many do you operate in your home? Some small appliances continue to draw power even when they’re not being used such as those having digital clocks. Multiply that by 20 appliances and you can see where this can rapidly add up.

So, as cost for electricity continues to rise , you get nothing in return for your money, except a promise that if you pay your bill you will continue to receive electricity. Also, as our population continues to grow so does the demand. This pushes the cost up even higher, because electrical companies have to expand operations. Creating your own energy source, such as solar panels, can significantly reduce your dependence upon electricity.

 New energy sources are being developed but these new technologies are still very expensive.  Solar energy has been around for ages and is an affordable technology for average homeowners… if they build and install panels themselves.  In a nutshell, going green will cost you some green.