Considering Tackling DIY Solar Power Project?

Solar energy is a free, cost effective, environmentally friendly source of energy. Since it is free, it will help reduce energy bills. Harnessing solar energy and converting it into useful energy such as electricity or hot water really took off in the 1970’s in the United States. During that time the United States had to deal with skyrocketing oil and natural gas costs due to an oil embargo.

Many homeowners began to look at ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Some homeowners looked to the sun as a possible source of free energy. Do it yourself and handyman magazines ran series of articles on different ways of harnessing solar power, such as a solar hot water heater, passive solar heating, and photovoltaic or PV the converting of sun light into electricity. Some of the projects can be easily taken on and completed in a weekend where as others may require additional help and possibly the services of an electrician.

Solar power projects can be divided into two types active and passive. Active solar power is a system that harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into a usable form such as electricity or hot water. Passive solar power systems utilize the infrared, the sun’s heat, to heat thick walls that then slowly radiate the energy into the home over a period of time.

Passive DIY Solar Power Projects

· Installing a thermal solar panel system to heat and keep hot the hot water tank.

· Installing a swimming pool solar heating system.

· Redesigning the south and west facing sides of the house to absorb solar energy in the winter months.

· Install awnings to shade the south and west facing windows.

Active DIY Solar Power Projects

Installing a photovoltaic system that will power some if not all of your home’s electrical needs is a large project. It can be tackled by a Do It Yourself person; however, you will need to have the guidance of a certified electrician to review the electrical connections to the house’s electrical system.

Before tackling such large project take the time to evaluate the following:

· Calculate how long it will take to recoup the initial investment cost.

· How long you are planning on living in this home? It doesn’t make a lot of sense to install a solar power system and then in a year move out of the house. You want to be able to recoup the investment costs before moving.

· Look into local, state and federal tax breaks and credits to offset the initial investment costs.

There are several companies that sell complete DIY solar power systems. Many come with very detailed installation instructions and telephone technical support assistance.

Some of the companies selling DIY solar power systems offer solar sizing. This service helps them to custom tailor a solar power system to the needs of your family and home.

If installing a DIY solar power system seems too large of a task to take on, you do not need to give up on the dream of powering your home with solar power. Consider hiring a company that specializes in designing and installing photovoltaic solar powered systems.

Most of the DIY solar power project requires basic home construction knowledge and tools. Depending on the project you many need to learn some new things. This knowledge can be easily gained from online resources. There are many DIY solar power projects that a home owner should consider to help reduce their home’s energy needs.

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