DIY Solar Power Panels Can
Save You A Lot Of Money

Do it Yourself Solar System

Solar power panels are the primary means by which solar energy is collected and it's one of the main sources of alternative energy homeowners use to save money on their utility bills.

Many people in an effort to cut their cost on a residential solar power panel system will buy kits and install them themselves.

There are benefits to having a residential solar power system and there are also some precaution to be aware of it you're going to handle certain parts of the installation. Keep in mind that a DIY solar power system will require skill and patience.

Benefits of Solar Power

The most resounding benefit of having solar power panels installed is the reduction of our dependence on imported fossil fuel. Burning of fossil fuels pollutes our environment in several ways including the production of greenhouse gasses.

You can also avoid paying high electricity prices and experience a feeling of independence from the large utility companies.

A system that is correctly sized can even produce a surplus of electricity that the electric company will flag as a credit on your account for future use.

Installation of a solar power panels system is not cheap. Even with the tax incentives and attractive loans, you will still be responsible for the majority of the cost. As a result of the relatively high cost, some people are turning to do it yourself projects.

If you are thinking of a tackling an installation of a home solar power system yourself, here are some basic tips to take into account.

Tips to Get You Started

• Review your subdivision indenture of restrictions. Your subdivision may not allow solar panels to be installed. You could possible appeal to them to make a change to the indenture if solar power panels are prohibited.

  Even if the panels are not prohibited, you will still probably need approval by the Trustees of your project.This depends largely on where you live.

• Verify if you need a building permit and check other city ordinances. More than likely you will need a building permit. If so, you will need drawing showing the installation.

  If drawing are required from an architect or engineer then the structural integrity of the roof can be verified. Again, this depends largely on where you live.

• Check to see that you have the necessary setbacks if it is to be a yard installation. A plot plan showing the location of the installation will be required if you have to get a building permit and/or approval by the Trustees.

• Confirm that you have a good southerly location for the solar power panels on your roof or in your yard. Conclude that your area you live in is conducive for solar energy gathering.

  A home in Texas will be better-suited then one in Canada, as a result of its proximity to the equator for instance.

• Once you have studied all of the solar energy facts, buy a kit that has detailed instruction. Confirm that all the parts are clearly marked and identifiable. You want to know that you have everything once you get started.

• Make sure that you have done all your planning and research and are committed to the project. We recommend that you buy your system from someone that will give you technical support whenever you need it. Preferably hands on support if necessary.

• Hire an electrician to make all necessary connections. A licensed electrician is the only one qualified to connect your system to the high voltage of your home. Homeowners should not attempt this themselves. There is the risk of short circuiting something, starting a fire or even electrocuting yourself.

• Confirm the structural integrity of your roof prior to installation if no permit is required.

• Verify if you will need a solar power generator and where that would be best located.

Installing a residential solar panels is a great idea to save on your energy bill if you can make sense of the payback. First though, make sure that you have reviewed everything thoroughly.

Know what is entailed and evaluate your level of commitment before moving forward with an investment in your solar project. If you make an informed decision, you can reap the benefits of electricity from the sun for many years to come.

If you have done all of your homework and feel comfortable with what's involved there is no reason that that you can't buy a system today.



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