Build Your Own Solar Panels

I just finished watching a video interview of a professional solar panel installer.  He explains the process of getting set up with residential solar panels step by step.  I like the last step best:

“Watch your meter start spinning backwards.”

More on residential solar panels...

Photo Credit: geocam20000

Unlike PV solar panels, there is no limit to how low-tech you can go when heating water with the power of the sun. Modern systems use vacuum tubes and they are very efficient. A simple collector that uses a black surface encased in insulation and glass with copper piping running through it will work too. Very basic systems are commonly used to raise the temperature of swimming pools. They can also help reduce the cost of heating the running water that you use in your home. Even if you live far away from the equator, you can offset your water heating costs by 25% or more with a solar water heater. Sunnier places can approach a 100% savings. DIY solar water heater info continued ...

The cost of solar panels is quite variable.  There is no upper limit to how much money you can spend on a residential solar power system.  I guess you are limited to some extent by the amount of surface area at your disposal.  The realistic number for a serious solar power system, one that is professionally installed and connected to the grid, is $20,000.   More about the cost of solar panels