Solar Panels For Homes

Solar panels that capture the abundance of energy sent to us each and every day can be just the relief we need from the high cost of electricity. It almost seems like a crime to turn our backs on this wonderful gift of more free energy than we can possibly use. This is especially true today because it is possible to build your own solar panel with simple tools for less than $200. These homemade solar generators are capable of reducing household electricity costs by 50% or more.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Photons, the energetic particles found in sunlight, strike the individual solar cells and bump electrons out of place. The electrons are, in effect, pushed out of the cell and into the wires that connect all the cells together. Ideally each cell will generate about .5 volts of electrical pressure. 80 solar cells wired together in one panel should generate about 100 watts of power.

The Secret Of Making Cheap Solar Panels

The secret to making an inexpensive solar panel is in scrounging low cost or free solar cells. The lower the cost of this project the faster it will pay for itself. Using your own labor to assemble free solar cells into just one panel should pay back the original costs in just a few months. Buying a brand new pre-assembled and installed panel for over a $1000 might take 5 -10 times longer.

The Parts Of The Complete Solar Panel System

Plan A: This is the simplest system. The direct current DC electrical output from the solar panel goes to a bank of deep cycle batteries for storage. The batteries are then connected to an inverter that converts the DC Current to the kind of alternating current that most household appliances require. This is then wired to directly power a specific group of appliances completely separate from the house wiring.

Plan B: Takes the above system a step further by connecting to the electrical wiring in your house at the main fuse box. Legally, this step almost always has do be performed by a certified electrician. Some power companies will actually pay you in the form of energy credits for sending excess energy back out into the grid.

Plan C: This system works completely off the grid for homes that have no electric power coming to their home at all. The key element here is to have back-up sources of power interconnected with the solar panels for supplying power on days that there is no sun. Windmill generators and gas powered generators often serve as additional sources of power.

The Advantages Of Solar Panel Systems

Besides providing almost free electricity, solar panel systems are quiet, non-polluting, low maintenance, safe and if properly weatherproofed could last up to 50 years. They can also be a life saver if you live too far from the electric grid to economically afford to extend the transmission lines to your location.

If you tie into the electric grid, it is even possible to get paid by the power companies for any electricity generated over and above your personal needs.

The Need For A Good Plan

Despite the simplicity of a building your own solar panels, it is important to have a complete set of plans. Good plans should, at the bare minimum include the following:

1. Ideally these set of plans will originate from authors that have successfully built and used solar panels themselves. 2. The plans should give a brief background of simple electrical terms like watt, volt and amps. 3. A detailed explanation of the different types of solar cells and exactly where to find them. 4. Wiring diagrams for understanding how to wire the individual cells together. 5. How to build a protective case. 6. How to run this power into your house directly to certain appliances or to hook up to the current household wiring.

The simplicity of capturing the sun’s daily gift of free energy to reduce or even eliminate your electric bill is almost unbelievable. Equally amazing is the fact that we live in an age of abundant free and low cost used solar cells. Don’t you think that it is time to solve your own energy crisis instead of waiting for our Government or the Power Companies to fix it? Take the easy first step and grab a set of plans for building your own solar panels.

About the Author:

For in-depth reviews of some of the top homemade solar panel and guides just follow this link: How To Build Your Own Solar Panels

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Can You Believe It, $198 Homemade Solar Panels Cut Electric Bills by Over 50%?

How It’s Made – Solar Panels

Freeloader Pico Solar Rechargeable iPhone Charger $29.99 Freeloader PICO is a compact and lightweight solar charger designed for people on the move! Using advanced solar cell and lithium ion battery technologies, PICO will charge its internal battery in double quick time. It then takes only 30 minutes to deliver its power to give a mobile phone, iPod or GPS etc etc. Freeloader PICO is supplied with four connection tips, a master cable and a comprehensiv...

Solar Power Bobblehead Happy Dancing Little Rabbit Bunny Home Decoration Car Decoration $6.99 ** Material: Plastic* Dimension: 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 in H* Head and body wiggles under sun light, no batteries required.* Switch turn on/off...

Coghlan's 8794 Film Can Shaker Lids - Pack of 2 $0.99 2 - Pk. Coghlan's Film Can Shaker Lids. What a clever, eco - friendly idea! Make salt and pepper shakers from 35 mm Kodak film cans! Great for backpacking, picnics, lunch box or camping! Just snaps right on. Spill- and moisture-proof. Order Now! Coghlan's Film Can Shaker Lids...

Solar Sex Panel Track Listing: 1. Solar Sex Panel 2. Do With Me What You Want To Do (Non-LP Track) 3. Haunted House (Non-LP Track). Made in Germany....

Solar Panels - How To Build Your Own Solar Panel $7.99 ...

D.I.V.I.N.E. $6.87 ...

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun $3.96 Let the sun shine in! Can the deployment of solar energy reward the country with cheaper, more efficient, and independently generated power? This informative program from "Nova" includes insights from both solar proponents and skeptics, as well as a chronicle of the innovative work being done by scientists attempting to harness the sun's energy for practical use. 56 min. Soundtracks: English, DVS....

George Measures Up / Something New Under the Sun $1.99 ...

A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems $46.55 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri...

12 volt 18 Ah Rechargeable Battery $29.59 Specifications: Length 7.13 in. Width 2.99 in. Height 6.57 in. 1 Year Warranty...

Eton Mobius Battery Power Adapter with Solar Panel $79.99 Eton Mobius Battery Power Adapter with Solar Panel

Concept Green Solar Panel Battery Power Adapter $23.99 Concept Green Solar Panel Battery Power Adapter

Concept Green Solar Panel Battery Power Adapter $22.99 Concept Green Solar Panel Battery Power Adapter

Concept Green Solar Panel Battery Power Adapter $24.49 Concept Green Solar Panel Battery Power Adapter

Portable 5-watt 16-volt Personal Solar Panel $44.49 This amorphous crystal solar panel can power an appliance, light, small motor or battery. Its small size makes this solar panel portable, efficient and inexpensive.

OEM 10-watt 16-volt Solar Panel with Charger Kits $69.83 Use the 10-watt 16-volt solar panel by Oem to power a convenient appliance with free green energy from the sun. With an amorphous crystal design, this solar panel performs both in the bright sun or partial shade.

iceTECH i-75 Solar Rechargeable Flashlight $18.99 The solar re-chargeable flashlight i-75 series from iceTECH, is a uniquely designed battery-powered flashlight. The polycrystalline solar panel built into the casing charges the internal Li-Ion battery from 0-percent to full in just about 6 hours.

iceTECH SOLAR i101 Portable Solar Charger/ Battery $21.99 The Solar charger i101 from iceTECH charges most mobile phones or USB interface digital products that have operational voltage of 3.5-6 volts. The Solar battery itself can be charged using direct sunlight or by plugging it into an electric outlet.

Solar Panel Water Pump with Battery and LED $235.52 This solar pump is designed with an LED fountain light to automatically illuminate the water spray of your fountain or pond. This solar-powered pump saves money and energy and can be used in the day or at night.

iceTECH Solar Rechargeable i-80 Flashlight $27.95 This solar rechargeable i-80 series flashlight from iceTECH is a uniquely designed device that renders any usual battery-powered flashlight obsolete. Ten hours of sunlight fully charges this flashlight.

C&G Portable 40-watt Solar Panel Charger $176.05 Materials: Mono-Crystalline 40-watt portable solar chargerCapacity: 40WDesign: Foldable

Blinking Dragonflies Solar Light $23.99 This solar-powered light features five blinking LED dragonflies. The lighting is powered by the sun, and is recharged by solar panels under sunlight.

Blinking Butterflies Garden Solar Light (Set of 2) $43.49 Solar-powered lighting uses no wiringGarden lighting is powered by the sunEnergy-saving lighting is recharged by solar panels under sunlight

Blinking Dragonflies Solar Lights (Set of 2) $49.99 This solar-powered lights feature five blinking LED dragonflies. The lighting is powered by the sun, and is recharged by solar panels under sunlight.

Color Stripe Solar Powered Lanterns (Set of 6) $65.99 This set of six solar powered lanterns feature modern colorful stripe detailing. These yard lights are recharged by solar panels under sunlight.

Athenatech iSolar MIC-10W Power Accessory Kit $69.99 Athenatech iSolar MIC-10W Power Accessory Kit

Sarah Peyton Outdoor Solar LED Address Plaque $20.62 Add style and function to your home's exterior with the Sarah Peyton Solar LED address plaque. Powered by the sun, the solar panel charges the built-in LED lights without any batteries or wires.

Copper Stainless Steel 2 LED Solar Landscape Lights (Set of 12) $83.99 Low-maintenance solar lights add a charming, decorative glow to your driveway or flowerbedsGarden lights are made of durable stainless copperLights have solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity during the day

OEM Silk Effects Square Solar Lantern $12.99 This Silk Effects solar lantern features a shimmering, sheer pearl silk fabric. The solar panel charges the battery during the day and the light turns on automatically at night.

Brown/ Ivory 36-inch Lighthouse Fiberglass Solar Light $59.99 The multiple amber LED lights provide a warm, inviting glow that will add interest to your outdoor decor. Two AA NiCad rechargeable batteries included are recharged by sunlight using built-in solar panels.

1.3-watt Solar Fountain Pond Water Pump $49.99 Hard working solar powered pump maintains the relaxing gurgling sound of water Water fountain pump is powered by direct sunlightSolar panel is 1.3 watts

SunHeater Solar Pool Heater $238.89 Keep your pool warm with a polypropylene heat collectorSolar heater features 80 square feet of solar panelsPool accessory is perfect for heating any in-ground swimming pool

Cocker Spaniel Dog LED Solar Garden Light $26.99 The perfect touch of garden art to decorate anywhere a touch of light is needed, this light has a cocker spaniel design. During the day the solar panel converts the sunlight into electricity and recharges the battery, and gives off light at night.

Stainless Steel Solar Powered LED Cone Lights (Set of 12) $84.99 This set of twelve bright LED solar powered lights is ideal for areas where a conventional electrical supply is not available. These yard lights are recharged by solar panels under sunlight.

Tricod Ground/ Wall Mount Solar Lights (Pack of 2) $32.49 Landscape lights are ideal for walkways, garden paths and moreTricod lights have solar panel to charge their internal batteriesGarden lights designed for in-ground posting or wall-mounting

Boxer Dog Garden Outdoor Solar Light Lantern $29.43 This boxer dog solar lantern adds the perfect touch of garden art to decorate anywhere a touch of light is needed. During the day the solar panel converts the sunlight into electricity and recharges the battery.

Athenatech MIC-40W Power Accessory Kit $243.99 Materials: Mono-Crystalline Solar Panel ; Lithium Polymer BatteryDimensions: 1 inch high x 24 inches wide x 29 inches deepCapacity: 40W

Tricod Solar-powered Faux-rock House Address Number $24.34 Lighted faux rock lets everyone know where you liveTricod landscape light has solar panel to charge its internal batteriesGarden light turns on automatically at dark and run up to 10 hours per charge

Green/ Ivory 3-foot Lighthouse Fiberglass Solar Light $60.99 The multiple amber LED lights provide a warm, inviting glow that will add interest to your outdoor decor. Two AA NiCad rechargeable batteries included are recharged by sunlight using built-in solar panels.

Solar Powered Plastic LED Spot Light $19.49 This bright 4-light LED solar spot light is ideal for areas where a conventional electrical supply is not available. This spot light is recharged by solar panels under sunlight.

Solar Powered LED Spot Lights (Set of 6) $102.99 This set of six bright 4-light LED solar spot lights is ideal for areas where a conventional electrical supply is not available. These spot lights are recharged by solar panels under sunlight.

Maximal Power Solar Powered LED Color Changing Sun Face Garden Stake Light $11.59 Dimensions: 3 inches long x 3 inches wide x 32 inches high No wiring or A/C electricity needed Unique design features a sun face on top and an integrated solar panel midway down the stake

Dalmatian LED Solar Garden Light $26.94 The perfect touch of garden art to decorate anywhere a touch of light is needed, this light has a Dalmatian design. During the day the solar panel converts the sunlight into electricity and recharges the battery, and gives off light at night.

Stainless Steel Square Solar Powered LED Lights (Set of 6) $75.99 This set of six bright LED solar powered lights is ideal for areas where a conventional electrical supply is not available. These yard light are recharged by solar panels under sunlight.

Sunheater Above Ground Pool Solar Heater $234.05 Keep your pool warm with a polypropylene heat collectorSolar heater features 80 square feet of solar panelsPool accessory is perfect for heating any aboveground swimming pool

Paradise Aluminum Solar Power Flood Light (Set of 2) $39.99 With a cast aluminum construction, this two-piece spot light set from Paradise features a versatile 2-in-1 design. An adjustable solar panel and black finish completes this set of lights.

SolarChlor Solar-powered Chlorine and Ion Generator $399.99 Put the power of solar technology to work in your pool with this SolarChlor Solar-powered Chlorine and Ion Generator. The high-output solar panels provide the power to transform salt you add to your pool into chlorine through electrolysis.

Solar Color Change Light Hummingbird Garden Stakes (Pack of 2) $23.99 Solar garden stake has a unique design which features an integrated solar panel midway down the stake. One LED atop the stake shines through the clear Acrylic Hummingbird with the wing up to give a spectacular, decorative three-color effect.

Solar Butterfly Color Change Light Garden Stakes (Pack of 2) $18.58 Solar garden stake has a unique design which features an integrated solar panel midway down the stake. One LED atop the stake shines through the clear acrylic butterfly with the wing up to give a spectacular, decorative color change.

MotoTec Red 24-volt Solar Electric Go Kart $509.99 The MotoTec Solar Electric Go Kart provides up to a 2 hour ride time with its integrated 4watt monocrystalline silicon solar panel. This cart is powered by a 16Ah 24-volt battery pack and 350-Watt DC motor that can reach speeds of 15mph.

Large Windmill Light House Solar Light $84.99 Solar windmill lighthouse for gardens and landscapes 2 Super Bright Amber LEDs provides a warm, inviting glow 2 1.2V AA NiCad rechargeable batteries; recharges by sunlight using built-in solar panels

Solar Red Cardinal White LED Light Garden Stakes (Pack of 2) $19.58 Solar garden stake has a unique design which features an integrated solar panel midway down the stake. One LED atop the stake shines through the clear acrylic lighthouse with the wing up to give a spectacular, decorative white lighting effect.

La Crosse EcoTech 65905 Solar 12-inch Wall Clock $24.24 This hybrid wall clock includes a high quality solar panel to collect power and battery back-up for dark conditions. This alarm clock includes a stylish 12-inch silvertone frame with glass dome lens and metal hands.

Solar Lighthouse Color Change Light Garden Stakes (Pack of 2) $18.58 Solar garden stake has a unique design which features an integrated solar panel midway down the stake. One LED atop the stake shines through the clear acrylic lighthouse with the wing up to give a spectacular, decorative color change effect.

Equity by La Crosse 65902 Solar Hybrid Alarm Clock $12.5 The La Crosse Equity 65902 offers a solar panel to recharge the energy and extend your battery's life. Featuring date, alarm time, 12/24 hour time, and your room temperature this alarm has a loud beep, a green backlight and folding case.

Deluxe Spa Step Solar Light Kit $49.99 Brighten up your deluxe spa step with this optional solar light kit. The kit contains four LED lights and two solar panels to light up your spa step area for added safety and security when entering and exiting your spa/hot tub.

Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Adventure USB Solar Charging Kit $119.95 The Guide 10 Plus Adventure USB Solar Charging Kit from Goal Zero is designed to keep yourself powered on the go. This kit includes a Nomad 7 solar panel, Guide 10 Plus, and a rapid charging cable to charges handheld USB devices.

La Crosse Technology 306-645 Solar Garden Thermometer $55.99 A large 2-inch LCD garden thermometer displays 3 alternate views with temperature, time and minimum/maximum records on this digital garden thermometer. This unit also has a solar panel and a detachable 3.5-foot aluminum pole.

Solar Lily Flower Color Change Light Garden Stakes (Pack of 2) $15.11 Solar garden stake has a unique design which features an integrated solar panel midway down the stake. One LED atop the stake shines through the clear acrylic lily flower to give a spectacular, decorative color change effect.

How Do Solar Panels Work? (Hardcover) $26.36 Explains how energy is produced using solar cells; describes how solar power has been used to power homes, businesses, and space stations; and discusses the benefits and drawbacks to using it as a source of energy.