Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Tips To Build Your Own Solar Panels

By Ben Sparks

There are a few tips before you start to build your own solar panels that will save you a lot of time and money. Having a plan in place and doing the necessary research on both the panels and local building codes will avoid problems in completing your project. There are different codes for construction and, depending on the size of the panels you are going to install, you might need special building permits.

You will also want to enlist the aid of a person who has experience with building solar panels in your area to learn about any issues that may arise that are unique to the place where you live.

Building solar panels that will produce enough energy to run a home efficiently will require specific plans. Finding plans that have detailed instructions and a materials list will be very helpful when you are trying to assemble all of the tools, equipment and materials that you will need for installation. The plans also need to include alternatives for storing enough energy to run the home on cloudy days.

Some people want to build the cells that are in the panels. If you are going to attempt this project, you need to start very small. An average home requires approximately forty-one thousand square inches of solar panel, or about two hundred fifty square feet. A cell is usually 4" square and it takes about 180 squares to make one panel. The cells are very delicate and must be tested as they are placed in the panel.

A solar panel project is big. It can be time consuming if a person has not planned properly. Installing panels that will produce enough energy for your home will be important. Some people decide to install smaller panels and cut down one energy. However, this can adversely impact the resale value of the home.

In order to maintain the value of your home, you will want to get plans that will provide enough energy for the amount of energy that the average person or family will use in your home.

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