After deciding to kick-off building solar panels and just before starting the process, you should take into account some warnings. This is important, because I want nobody to complete the solar system and realize, they are not generating enough electricity. Remember, in most locations on the planet, you CAN generate sufficient amounts of electricity. Besides, the solar cell technology is always developing in efficiency and soon will get to the point, when anywhere on the Earth one can generate all the necessary electricity an average family demands.
#1. What is the Geographical Location of Your Home?
Even though solar energy is available on all Earth, because the Sun's rays reach the surface everywhere on this planet, the situation is better in some places than others. Basically, this has more to do with the climate, but also the angle, at which the sun shines on Earth plays a big role. Therefore, the most sun is received at the equator.
The amount of solar power you can get to power your solar system is certainly very important, but don't consider this extremely important. If you don't live in a region with dramatically cloudy and rainy days all yearlong, then, solar panels CAN be used.
On the contrary, give attention, whether your home roof isn't blocked by other tall building, thus shading your roof. This can be a big problem, because sunlight in the daytime is the most important factor to produce efficient amounts of electricity. If your house roof is shadowed at daytime, maybe you need to place solar system on the ground for maximum effects.
Whichever method you choose, it is very possible, that you have the opportunity to install solar cell arrays for your home. It is just a matter of adjusting.
Also, as solar cell efficiency is slowly but constantly increasing, it may not be long before we can generate electricity even at nighttime, which actually has been proven.
#2. How Much Space is Available on Your House Roof?
Essentially, you cannot install home solar panels on a house roof, if there is not enough space available, right? Well, solar panels don't take up vast amounts of space, however, we should make some measurements. Of course, it all depends on how many panels you want to install.
Nonetheless, don't worry too much about the space requirements, because I assume you want to just start out your solar building efforts. Usually, for a couple of PV panels, every home has some space.
#3. Do You Have the Necessary Tools to Build Solar Panels?
Just like in any other DIY project, you will need some basic tools to get the job done. Some of these components are commonly found in almost every household. The bottom line is that you don't buy expensive tools, when you miss some of them from the list. Instead, the majority of them can be found in places like Wal-Mart and others. You don't have to own the best set of equipment to build long-lasting and enjoyable solar panels.
DIY Solar Panels Basic Toolkit includes:
Screw Driver
Multimeter to measure output power of each solar cell
Jigsaw for plywood cutting to form a base for solar cells
Soldering iron
Soldering lead
Tabbing wire to connect all the solar cells
Bus wire, if you build more than one solar panel and put them in series
Stainless steel screws
Gloves and caulk gun
Paint to protect the solar panels
Paintbrush
Wire cutters
These are the basic necessary tools for building solar panels, though, you can always expand the toolkit with a few complimentary tools, if you think they can help you. Still, the decision is yours, whether you really need them.
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