Solar Panel Installation

Solar Panel Installation 

When deciding to install a solar power system, one of the main considerations is cost. Not only do you have to think about the actual cost of the materials, but the cost of the installation as well, which can add a huge amount to your bill.

Fortunately, there is good news for those who feel confident to have a go themselves. There is now much information on the net, good manuals and DIY kits. Increased availability of solar heating system materials and lowering costs have made solar panel installation a project that can be done yourself.

Many companies are now competing in the solar panel parts market. It looks like the DIY market is getting cheaper and growing faster as the technology becomes much more accessible.

Constructing your own solar panel costs much less because you will not have to pay for professional solar panel installation. You will, however, have to get instructional materials that will teach you how to get your solar panel system assembled and running. These are readily available on the net, book store or through DVDs. Many people have successfully built their own solar panels using such resources and greatly reduced their electricity consumption and bills. There are some highly recommended guides that provide easy-to-follow instructions.

Once having built your solar panel, you will probably want to install it yourself too. This is because installing the photovoltaic cells is quite a manageable task and the materials are readily available.

The majority of work when installing your own solar panel on your home is preparation. You will need to obtain building permits in many cases. You will also need to research where to place your solar panels for maximum efficiency. A solar survey expert could do this for you. You also need to decide if you wish to be grid-tied. If so you need to contact your energy company.

Being grid-tied can be highly beneficial, as it means you can use the grid as a back up supply if your solar system does not produce enough electricity. This can happen on cloudy days or in higher than average use. It also means you can sell back any excess energy to your supplier in the form of credits.

If you don't feel confident enough to install your own solar panel, there are now many commercial solar panel installers that can fit solar panels to your roof. The advantages to having a professional install your solar panels is that you get the complete package. They will quote you a price before they begin work so you know exactly what you are getting in to.

Your installer will take care of everything from design to maintenance. Your involvement is minimal, but this comes at a price. Despite the competition in the market between companies, few solar panel installers are willing to lower their prices due to overheads.

Unlike the DIY market, prices remain high and unlikely to come down for some time. You should be able to find an installer in your area, but recommendation is always preferable. Look out for solar panels on neighborhood roofs and ask the owners about their experiences.

The main reason for DIY solar panel installation is cost and although it can be very successfully done, it leaves very little room for errors. You can damage your home, especially the roof if your panels are not properly installed. There is also the risk of fire and explosions from wiring and battery banks.

So unless you feel completely confident about installing your solar panels it may be best to seek expert advice. In any event, the final connections to your meter should always be carried out by a professionally qualified electrician.