If you’re looking for a way to get started using solar energy in your home, small solar panels are an affordable and easy way to begin. Since they use relatively few materials and require tools that many people already have in their toolbox, small solar panels are easy to build. With the help of a good set of instructions and a few video tutorials, people who are handy with a screwdriver, saw and soldering iron can build their first solar panel over a weekend, and create a solar panel that can recharge a 12 volt battery or serve as the beginning of a larger solar electric system.
Books about how to build your own solar panels
Since solar energy has become so popular, there are now several do-it-yourself solar panel guides to choose from. Paperback or hardcover books from your local library or bookstore will take you through topics that include the history of solar energy, how solar cells are manufactured and how to calculate what size solar panel system you will need in order to supply your electricity needs and live off grid.
DIY solar panel guides
There are also some very good downloadable products that include ebooks and videos. Being able to store on your hard drive makes it easy to consult them during the solar panel building process. The written reports can be printed out for general reference or to use as a checklist to follow to stay on track during your project. The combination of ebook and video addresses the different learning styles that people have, and also provides useful tools for do-it-yourselfers.
Solar panel videos
Video tutorials provide a good overview of the solar panel building process and can shorten the learning curve that intimidates many people who would like to try building their own solar panel, but may think the process is too complicated for them to try. When people are unfamiliar with the technical terms, the materials and the tools that are used to build solar panels, pictures really are worth a thousand words.
Also, videos can be helpful for experienced home improvement fans, too, because they can be reviewed when a specific technique is needed. Even if you are a highly skilled crafts person, when learning a new technical skill, it’s often easier when you can watch someone else performing the task, and then try it yourself while using the hard copy instructions for reference.
I feel it’s important to remind people that “right now it’s not about economy, it’s about ecology”.
Every new technology starts out expensive, and only economies of scale and broad development bring it to the point where they are affordable and efficient as well.
Excellent post. Learning how to create your own energy source will not only benefit you now but also far into the future.
Sam invites you to read . . . Home Solar Panel Installation
Solar power is the way to go, we need to make better use of this energy source to help environment and save money as well.
Sarah invites you to read . . . Home Solar Power Panel
I heard that a whole plane can fly using only the solar power. Well, if a plane can fly then I think a small house can be run powered only by solar power.
In my opinion, solar panels are not the most efficient way to generate electricity from the sun. I am a strong advocate for solar concentrators. They are a lot cheaper than solar panels and generate more electricity. However they are not as portable and do require a bit investment to start. Nevertheless they are still the best way forward in my opinion.