Building Do-It-Yourself Solar Panels | Some Questions You Need to Ask

Building do-it-yourself panels can be a great and rewarding experience. However, without the right knowledge upfront, it can literally turn your project into a nightmare.

As in any do-it-yourself project, a good plan is the key to everything. Without one, it is impossible to achieve the end goal, which in this case, is to build your own solar panel array.

Before starting on your solar project, you need to answer a few questions, such as which direction your roof is pointed, how much electricity you will need to generate, or even if your neighborhood even allows you to build solar panels.

Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself, before starting:

1. How much power will you need to generate? Before building do-it-yourself solar panels, it is important to find out exactly how much electricity you currently generate. This should give you a good starting point, in order to assess how many panels you will need.

2. Where is your roof pointing? One of the most common problems when building solar panels is to have everything ready to go, then realize most of your roof is facing the shade. Do an assessment of your roof, in the morning, midday, and afternoon, to find out which areas get the most sunlight. Also, keep track of your finding, as the seasons pass.

3. What is the weight of your solar panels? Depending on the materials you use for your panels, the resulting panel box can be considerably heavy. And, if your roof has some structural flaws, the panels will make them even weaker. Before building your solar panels, you should see if your roof can handle the weight. If not, then look for external mounting possibilities.

4. Do you have all the tools & materials you need? Starting with a good solar guide is probably the first step, before purchasing all of your materials involved. Sure, you can buy all recycled parts and build a system for less than $200. But if you want to build a system big enough for your house, you’ll need to shop for a few extra tools & parts.

5. Are there local laws & regulations governing solar panel construction? Although federal and state laws may protect you from local harassment when building your panel project, it is best to check first. Depending on the city you live in, you may need a permit to begin, since you are working with electricity. Or, you may need to work with your local association, to ensure neighborhood compliance.

Once you have answered all of these questions, you will have a good idea about how to start your solar panel project. A good installation guide is key, but doing your research is a priceless step you can’t be without.

Find out how simple it is to start building your own solar panels, and start saving money today!