Green Power Solutions (part two)

Green Power Solutions Part Two: DIY Solar Energy - What You Need and What You Should Know

Once you've decided to do a DIY Solar Energy conversion for your home, your first question will probably be "What components do I need to complete this project?"

Well, having all the necessary components is not much use if you don't know what to do with them, so a good DIY guidebook that will walk you through the process step by step, is something to get hold of before anything else.

Now, let's see what you'll need to construct your very own Solar Power system!

To run your home on solar energy, there are 7 main components that are required.
Here they are in the order they'll be wired together:

1) Solar Panels - These can be made by simply assembling Photovoltaic Cells into 50W, 75W, or 100W panels
2) Array DC Disconnect - This basic device is pretty much just a switch, that allows you cut the power from the panels in the case of needing to do maintenance etc. They can be bought for under $25
3) Charge Controller - Usually, a home solar energy setup is built with a backup battery. The charge controller is to ensure that the batteries receive a consistent amount of power, and that they don't discharge at night. Shop around for this part, and it won't be a large expense.
4) Deep Cycle Batteries - This is what I mentioned in number 3. These are needed to store the energy from your solar panels. Buying a reconditioned battery can save you money here, or you could find an old one for free and recondition it yourself
5) System Manager - An optional component, but it is very helpful as it allows you to monitor the amount of power the solar panels are sending into your home
6) Converter - Solar panels produce DC (direct current) power, and your home runs on AC (alternating current) power. This device is converts the electricity, making it usable for you. A 1500W converter can cost about $50.
7) Backup Power - It's always a good idea to have a backup power supply. In a city or town, the power grid will be used, while in an ‘off the grid' situation a generator is generally the solution.

Now, all this is wired into your home's breaker box. Unless you're qualified for this task, I'd recommend that you get a certified Electrician to do it for you.

So now you know what's required to set up your own Solar Energy System!

If you'd like to help conserve our planet, AND eliminate your power bill (or at the very least reduce it), remember to get yourself a proper DIY Solar Energy Guide to walk you through your project step by step and ensure that you get the job done right the first time!

Again, I recommend the following links for those interested in more environmentally friendly sources of power:

1) Green Power Easy - I believe this to be the best site out there for those wishing to save on their energy bills by converting their home to run on green power. Follow the link and see!

2) Going Green - This page has expertly written reviews on 5 of the best options available in terms of green power. Take a look, take your pick!

3) HHO Conversions - OK, this one's not about green power for homes, but for those looking to save money and preserve our earth, this site has expert reviews on how to convert your car to run on fuel and hydrogen gas. For the environmentally-conscious driver, it's definitely worth a look!


Thanks again for reading my article, I hope you found it useful!
Be on the look out for my next 2 articles in this series on Green Power Solutions…