DIY Solar Part 4 | System Costs
We’ve been talking about Do It Yourself Solar and the steps involved. In the final post in this series let’s get down to the brass tacks: solar cost. We’ll approach it from two directions, component costs and complete system costs. We’ll use a 2 kilowatt, grid tied, roof mounted example system where applicable. Component Costs Let me start out by saying that I do not think its a good idea to go out and try to build a system from individual components yourself.... Read More
DIY Solar Part 3 | System Components
In our previous posts we talked about the design process and then different kinds of systems to choose from. Now let’s talk about the system components that you need to be aware of before tackling a project like this. Many people believe that you just get some panels and wire them into the electrical system. It’s not quite that simple. Solar Panels and Film Of course the most obvious part of the system is the panel. But there are several types of panels to consider. Crystalline... Read More
DIY Solar Part 2 | Choosing A System
Last time we started talking about DIY solar and covering the topics that will help you decide if you can do solar yourself. There are plenty of different systems that can fit your solar needs. Let’s cover the three most popular systems. Grid Tied Solar This is the easiest and most popular way to get started in solar power.These systems simply tie into your existing home power system and the utility grid. If your array generates more energy than you use, the energy is... Read More
Is Do It Yourself Solar Doable? Part 1 | The Design Process
For homeowners around the world, the idea of reducing their power bills and helping the planet is pretty enticing. The problem now as it always has been is money. Solar can be expensive, and even with government rebates the cost can scare some people away. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you’ve probably wondered if you can tackle a solar project. Let’s walk through a typical design and installation process and see if its right for you and your home. Location Selection... Read More
