Would you like to reduce your electric bills? How about doing something green to reduce your “carbon footprint”? Solar power can achieve both of those goals. Solar power systems convert sunlight directly into an electrical current. A solar electric system generates a free and renewable source of power. Homeowners can add a few solar panels to lower amount of electricity purchased from the local utility company or go “off the grid” by using solar for all of their power needs.

Specific configurations and designs vary depending on the user’s power needs and preferences, but most solar panel systems use the following primary components.

Solar Panels

Solar panels contain the photovoltaic cells (also called solar cells) that generate electricity from sunlight. Solar cells generally use a form of the semiconductor material silicon. Sunlight releases electrons from silicon to fuel an electrical circuit within the solar panel. The power needed and space available determine the number and size of solar panels used. Solar panels can be quite expensive – over $1,000 each. Do-it-yourself types can construct them for a fraction of that cost.

Batteries

A photovoltaic power system should include a bank of batteries with sufficient amp hours to provide power when the sun is not shining. Solar cells generate a direct current (DC) that charges the batteries. Deep cycle batteries are used for solar applications instead of typical car batteries because they can supply a steady charge for longer and be used and recharged many times.

Battery Charge Regulator

This is not technically required to produce solar electricity. However, a battery charge regulator is essential to keep track of the current battery charge status and avoid damaging batteries by overcharging them.

Inverter

Batteries and solar panels produce a direct current. Inverters convert the direct current from solar panels into a 120/240 volt alternating current that home electrical systems use.

Backup Generator

If converting entirely to solar for your home energy requirements, consider including a backup generator. Using the right configuration of panels and batteries and designing a system with a reasonable amount of excess capacity can make a solar electric system self-sufficient. But occasional periods of high power usage or less than normal sunshine could overload a system. A basic gasoline generator can recharge the batteries of a residential photovoltaic system.

Installation

Anyone who wants a residential solar panel electric system must decide whether to pay someone to provide and install it or build and install their own system. Purchasing a home solar power system at retail and paying for professional installation can be very expensive. Higher cost means it will take longer to recover the initial investment from reduced energy bills. Federal and state tax credits for solar energy can reduce the cost and must be considered to determine the true purchase price.

Assembling and installing solar equipment yourself can lower the cost to a fraction of retail. Those who choose to build their own solar power source need a good how-to guide with step-by-step instructions for design and installation.

Author Bio: Visit How to Build Your Own Solar Electric Panels

Category: Home Management
Keywords: build your own solar electric panels,diy cheap solar panels,residential photovoltaic systems