At present, photovoltaic systems are the worlds fasted growing energy technology but they are expensive to buy. With the right tools and information it is possible to build your own solar panel inexpensively.

Solar or photovoltaic systems generate electricity from the light of the sun, they transform solar radiation into direct current electricity which can be used to charge batteries. Alternatively the electricity can be changed, using an inverter, into alternating current to power electrical goods or it can be sold to the grid. Solar panels require light rather than direct sunlight to generate power, therefore, even if it is a cloudy day power will still be generated. Of course, the more light there is, the more power generated.

Once the electricity is generated, it needs to be used or stored for later use. To store electricity a bank of deep cycle batteries is required. Alternatively the excess electricity can be directed to the grid and this can be used to offset the household electrical bill. A smart meter is available to read both the use and generation of electricity, this allows the excess electricity generated during the day to be used by the grid while providing the electricity required in the evening when the sun has gone down.

Photovoltaic cells are connected together and are positioned between a top sheet of glass and a plastic base to form a solar panel. The amount of power produced by a single panel is not capable of working most domestic goods so a number of panels are connected together to form an array which is generally fitted onto the roof of a house. It can also be fitted onto the wall of your house or sometimes if space allows the array can be fitted onto a frame at ground level. It is very simple to retrofit an existing house with an array and this is the easiest alternative energy system to fit as there are no pipes to run through the house only wires.

Solar panels require little or no maintenance and with lifespans of 25 to 30 years they will pay for themselves many times over. Once installed the system will produce electricity for no further cost though, the inverter may require replacing at sometime.

One of the main drawbacks of using solar panels is they are expensive to purchase at the outset and as a result have a long pay back period of up to 10 years. In certain areas, there are subsidies or tax credits available to help in purchasing a solar panel system.

The cost effective answer to getting your own solar panel array and save thousands of dollars is to do it yourself. Using expert guidance from online resources, it is possible to build you very own solar array at home with basic do-it-yourself skills from readily available and inexpensive materials. The best informational guides will include video tutorials to show you, step by step, how to build a solar panel.

Building your own solar panel will reduce your power bill, you will have the satisfaction in completing a worthwhile project that adds value to your home and you will be doing your part for the environment.

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