How to DIY Home Solar Power & Reduce Your Bill

Many homeowners have considered installing a home solar power system, but become concerned that they will need too large a system with too many panels for the system to be affordable. It's well established that installing a solar system will save money on the monthly electric bill, but the up-front startup costs for a system that is sufficiently large enough to adequately supply electrical energy to a large home can be prohibitive for most middle class families.

Using New Panels

The typical cost for one of these systems can range anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. For the average wage earner, amortizing that amount could take a lifetime. Homeowners can realize some savings by purchasing their system or components from Internet sources for their DIY home solar power building project. This, of course, requires time, tools, a good DIY home solar power instruction manual, and a basic level of handyman skills to ensure a properly installed and reliable system. Alternatives notwithstanding, the initial cost for any new unit tends to cause most middle class homeowners to stay with the electric power company.

Using Pre-owned Panels

Some more tenacious homeowners found that they could achieve their solar energy goals by utilizing second-hand panels for their DIY home solar power. These used panels are significantly less expensive than new ones, and they can function just as well. Most dealers in solar systems will also handle used systems and panels.

Naturally, some homeowners are uncomfortable considering used panels, concerned that these used components will have hidden damage that will reduce functionality. The secret of the smart buyer, however, is to test the panels before committing to them. Used panels can be purchased at considerable savings, and can be found in excellent almost pristine condition, if you shop around. Incredibly, some older panels were more sturdily constructed than newer ones, having been made with more durable materials.

When you purchase new panels, you often get a guarantee for a certain time period, giving you some idea of the panels expected useful life. It's not so easy to estimate the useful life remaining in a used panel. Most of the older panels that are operating properly at the time of purchase, however, will give excellent service for many years. If you've tested the panels and found them satisfactory, once you install in your DIY home solar power system they will required no more maintenance that would be needed for brand new panels. A thorough yearly cleaning, especially of bird droppings, would most probably be the only maintenance required.

Finding acceptable used solar panels is simple for the experienced shopper. Look for the same things you would look for when buying a dining room set. Look for cracks on the surface, excessive scratching, chips or broken pieces in functional areas, also check to see that any accessible wiring is in good condition. You don't want to buy an item that requires extensive repair, or you could end up paying more for it that a new panel.

Solar System Rentals

The sun's energy is free to those who have the equipment to use it. Used panels are one inexpensive way. Another method, which is little known to most homeowners, is the rental of solar systems. Yes, you can actually rent a complete system and pay a monthly fee. Usually the rental is a lease arrangement that requires a contract for up to twenty-five years. If calculations show this rental to be a long term cost saver, it may be the way to go. Your only responsibility as a homeowner, is to pay the monthly rent. Consider the following advantages.