Hi there!
Maybe you've considered solar energy - even if only for a brief moment - only to dismiss it as too complicated and too expensive, or maybe you're seriously considering a project, but don't know where to start. With this Instructable, I hope to demystify the (not-really) intimidating process of installing solar panels in your home. We'll review the parts of a solar panel system, the things you need to consider when you're planning, and how you can save money on (and even get free money for) your project. At the end of the day, you'll know what to look for and what to keep in mind with any solar project.
Why Go Solar?
If you've been thinking about going solar, there's no better time than now to do it. Government financial incentives are still ripe for the picking, the cost of photovoltaic (PV) cells is falling every day, and you'll probably be the first person on your block to make the jump. Adding solar energy to your house is an excellent project for several reasons: You'll save loads on electricity, and may even be able to sell some of yours back to the utility company; you'll reduce your carbon footprint; and if you're installing in a remote location (such as a cabin), you'll have much less to worry about than you would with a gasoline generator. You'll also support a growing industry, and in doing so, help contribute to the worldwide adoption of this wonderful new energy source.
Further Reading:
Throughout the guide, I'll be providing links to articles from SolarTown.com's learning center. This guide is meant to be very broad, so that you know what to keep in mind and what to plan for. Once you start researching individual products, though, you'll probably want a little more specific information. Hopefully, these links will address your questions. If anything you need to know isn't covered, feel free to surf over to our community page and ask an expert solar installer.
Maybe you've considered solar energy - even if only for a brief moment - only to dismiss it as too complicated and too expensive, or maybe you're seriously considering a project, but don't know where to start. With this Instructable, I hope to demystify the (not-really) intimidating process of installing solar panels in your home. We'll review the parts of a solar panel system, the things you need to consider when you're planning, and how you can save money on (and even get free money for) your project. At the end of the day, you'll know what to look for and what to keep in mind with any solar project.
Why Go Solar?
If you've been thinking about going solar, there's no better time than now to do it. Government financial incentives are still ripe for the picking, the cost of photovoltaic (PV) cells is falling every day, and you'll probably be the first person on your block to make the jump. Adding solar energy to your house is an excellent project for several reasons: You'll save loads on electricity, and may even be able to sell some of yours back to the utility company; you'll reduce your carbon footprint; and if you're installing in a remote location (such as a cabin), you'll have much less to worry about than you would with a gasoline generator. You'll also support a growing industry, and in doing so, help contribute to the worldwide adoption of this wonderful new energy source.
Further Reading:
Throughout the guide, I'll be providing links to articles from SolarTown.com's learning center. This guide is meant to be very broad, so that you know what to keep in mind and what to plan for. Once you start researching individual products, though, you'll probably want a little more specific information. Hopefully, these links will address your questions. If anything you need to know isn't covered, feel free to surf over to our community page and ask an expert solar installer.
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Signing UpStep 1: Parts of a Home Solar Energy System
The hardest part of starting a project like this is knowing what to buy, so we'll look at a list of parts before we get into the nitty-gritty.
What's Grid-Tie?
This article is going to assume that you'll be building a grid-tie (or "on the grid") system. Grid-tie means that your house will still be connected to the utility company. The biggest benefit of staying on the grid is net metering: If you're producing excess power, you can actually sell it back to the utility company. Since your system will help produce green power for the grid, and reduce the overall strain on the utility company, they'll buy it from you at a huge premium. Because you're still on the grid, you'll still have power on cloudy days.
What do I need?
These are the parts of a grid-tie system, in order:
1. Solar Modules (aka PV Panels) collect energy from the sun and turn it into direct current.
2. Power Inverter turns the DC from the panels into AC that your appliances can use.
3. PV Disconnect lets you cut off power so that you can work on the system without electrocuting yourself.
4. Your home's breaker box is where the solar energy connects to your house.
5. Net meter connects your house to the grid, measuring how much power you take from - or give to - the power grid at large.
You can buy panels, racking, inverters, and more at SolarTown. As we continue through this article, we'll look at some of the products that are available and what each will cost. If you feel overwhelmed by all of the different options, we sell packages that include panels, racking, and the inverter at discount prices, so give that a look as well! You could have a 5kW system for $35,000. Try not to let the price tag turn you off - we'll look at government programs to help cover the costs in step 7.
Now that you're familiar with the vocabulary, we can get to planning your solar array.
What's Grid-Tie?
This article is going to assume that you'll be building a grid-tie (or "on the grid") system. Grid-tie means that your house will still be connected to the utility company. The biggest benefit of staying on the grid is net metering: If you're producing excess power, you can actually sell it back to the utility company. Since your system will help produce green power for the grid, and reduce the overall strain on the utility company, they'll buy it from you at a huge premium. Because you're still on the grid, you'll still have power on cloudy days.
What do I need?
These are the parts of a grid-tie system, in order:
1. Solar Modules (aka PV Panels) collect energy from the sun and turn it into direct current.
2. Power Inverter turns the DC from the panels into AC that your appliances can use.
3. PV Disconnect lets you cut off power so that you can work on the system without electrocuting yourself.
4. Your home's breaker box is where the solar energy connects to your house.
5. Net meter connects your house to the grid, measuring how much power you take from - or give to - the power grid at large.
You can buy panels, racking, inverters, and more at SolarTown. As we continue through this article, we'll look at some of the products that are available and what each will cost. If you feel overwhelmed by all of the different options, we sell packages that include panels, racking, and the inverter at discount prices, so give that a look as well! You could have a 5kW system for $35,000. Try not to let the price tag turn you off - we'll look at government programs to help cover the costs in step 7.
Now that you're familiar with the vocabulary, we can get to planning your solar array.
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Yes... I have that call to make - it's on my list - after my arrays and wind generator and solar water heater are up and running.
Projects in progress.
Here in Australia, the people who sold off the nationally owned power companies, to private companies, well these companies have just given us price rises of like 30% etc., with MORE on the way.
"Hammer, hammer, hammer,
Screw, screw, screw,
I am putting your power company and your bills
In the poo".
No Grid Tie Here !
Thanks for the feedback
Thanks for your feedback
I actually found out as times goes on, that the panels are more cost effective now. In other words, they are cheaper per watt now then they where 1-2 years ago.
I also checked into making ' your own panels ', this is waste of your money and time. These homemade panels will fail in a very short time, since they are not sealed at all or not properly sealed.
A guy, 10 miles away from me went to do solar. After everything was done and approved, the power company changed his meter.
The meter will not go backwards, nor does he have a separate meter. If his household uses less power than the panels produce the meter will stop spinning, but he does not get credit nor does he get paid for the extra energy he is supplying to the net. He made many calls to the power company and government officials without any results. He even made a youtube about it.
Good luck with anything like this around here.
If I would do it around here, I would be doing without a building permit and I would not get it hooked up to the net. This would be the only good incentive for me around here. To much red tape in our state and county.
shortw, thanks for reading! It is true that the incentives come with some stipulations, but they are not so terrible. Let's take a look at the points you've brought up.
Panel cost: You do not need to splurge on "premium" panels - most panels are eligible, as long as you don't buy them used.
Taxes: In many states and cities (such as Virginia, where I live), tax exemption programs prevent your solar energy system from being counted as part of your taxed property value, and many townships will waive your building permit fee.
Reselling: This has a lot to do with where you live and who you buy your power from. TVA runs one of the largest buyback programs, so let's look at them as an example. TVA, in addition to providing a $1,000 bonus just for signing up, will pay you 12 cents above retail price for your energy - this is about double the price, not a quarter of it. Small, localized systems reduce a lot of strain on the grid and help the utility company build a greener image, so they are more than happy to buy energy from you at a premium.
Batteries: Most on-grid systems don't require them, but they are not annoying to deal with. AGM batteries require no maintenance and last around five years, while VRLA batteries require minimal maintenance and last for 20.
Going solar is expensive at first, but the incentive programs really do help with the cost - especially if you live in a solar-friendly state like California or Colorado. If you want to know more about incentives in your area, check out our article at http://www.solartown.com/learning/solar-panels/going-solar-what-are-the-economic-incentives. If you have any other questions, don't be afraid to ask!
And they usually cost less than half.
I use a weed-eater motor on my project, where I live wind is only good during hurricane seasons.
Then moved to Solar power. I bought kits off EBay, 200 watts of 0.5 volt, 3.25 watt per cells. Looks easy, works out, after you add the weather proof housing, harden glass; remember rain, hail, and snow. It is not cheaper. I did build the first 100 watt panel, yes it works. I resold the rest of kit back on EBay. Let us face a few facts, Big Company’s buy in Big Lots, like Wal-Mart! Small stores cannot compete.
Real power, that which is to supply a real house, like in Jon's photo, is not cheap, but you can do it. The cost is really cheaper with the Store bought Solar Panel then the do-it-Yourself kits. I know that sounds silly and just plain wrong. You can buy UL listed, made in the USA solar panel with big boy ratings, like 280 watts @ 35 volts for under $1.35/watt shipped to Your house. I know this because I bought 24 of them last year. You can save Big if your install yourself. But you will require a licensed Electrical guy to connect up to the gird. No city government wishes to have just anyone connecting into the grid. That can get you killed, blackout and neighborhood.
Yes, Zero Rebate if you want to use homemade cell, or anything Not UL, but only if your On-grid.
A 5 Kw system retails for $25k installed in the New Orleans area. My 8Kw cost $12k in material; mounting will be about $800. On this UL proper installed system the Fed will credits 30% if installed before 2016. Most cities and states also have Tax credits. These are 20 to 30 year systems. Do the math.
No I do not work with, own stock, have a brother or lover working for or any other interest in www.sunelec.com they are surely not the only folks either. Where there is one, there are many. You can click and see if I’m jerking your chain or not.
This will either get you hooked or not, I hope everyone wishing to live on less oil the very best of luck with what every project you do, have fun, and be safe. You can hook up any thing that makes electrical power with micro convertors, see EBay. From 500 watt DC to house wall plug. Under $100, search “Solar inverter”.
Thanks Solar Jon, for hopefully hooking a few more people to Green Power movement.
Best Regards
Big Jake
Thanks alot guys1
Energy production will always be there but just take caution when selecting the right brand for the solar panels.