Got Solar Power? Learn the Ten Advantages of Building Your Own …
Most of us would probably agree that saving on our energy bill is the number one benefit of building a home solar energy system, but finding all the advantages of every venture are found in the details.
Some of the benefits of a solar home are:
1. Independence: If you own a home, live in the mountains or desert, or on a remote tropical island, solar power can provide complete independence from the utility grid. Saying good bye to blackouts in your neighborhood during those long summer months of electrical overloads can keep your family cool and calm in the summertime. This assumes you have planned your home solar energy production to match or exceed your home energy usage.
2. Zero Fuel Costs: If you do not use backup gas generators to resupply your batteries or your home solar system during long bouts of cloudy days, solar energy will eliminate the need for purchasing fuel. However, if some of your home appliances run on gas, this is a mute point unless you convert these appliances to electrical models.
3. Reliability: Even on cloudy days when solar cells absorb less sunlight, your solar home will still have electrical power…during the daytime. And if you back-up your solar system with deep cycle batteries (recommended), you will have enough power for lights and appliances at night – even if your neighborhood is experiencing a power outage. Again, the key here is planning…matching both your energy usage and production when designing your solar home.
4. Low Maintenance: Once you have built your solar home, there is little maintenance to keep the system going except to remove leaves and dust off the solar panels to maximize solar absorption. Cutting back nearby tree branches to handle the leaves and minimize any shade on your solar cells is not a bad idea either. Also, checking on your batteries to make sure they are maintained and well ventilated is highly recommended.
5. Durability: With the typical 20 – 25 year warranty, installing solar panels will typically last longer than you own your home. However, if you build and install solar panels yourself (DIY), there is no warranty and the durability will probably be less.
6. No Pollution: As photovoltaic systems (PV) produce clean energy, you are making use of the best source of renewable energy, and in the process, making an impact on reducing global demand for fossil fuels.
7. Safety: If properly constructed, PV systems are very safe to use.
8. Modularity: Once you make the decision to go solar, you have the option to start out small with one solar panel if you like, than add more as your financial situation allows or your energy needs change. But remember, taking this approach will cost you more if you hire a solar contractor as building three 1 KW solar panel systems will cost you more than one 3 KW system. However, this will be less of an issue if you choose to build (DIY) your own solar panels and install them yourself.
9. Increase Your Home Value: According to many home builders, home buyers are willing to pay 2% more for a solar home verses one which is tied to the energy grid. 2% may not sound much, but for a $250,000 home, that is $5,000 more you can sell your home for in the future.
10. Reduce or Eliminate Your Energy Bill: Doing the math, if you can save $100 or more on average per month on your energy bill with a home solar system, you can save $1,200 per year, or $6,000 over a five year period. If you plan on staying in your home long term, the advantages of building a home solar energy system will increase.
The path to going solar has many routes. Doing research will answer many questions, and create a few more. Enjoy the journey along the way…as building your own solar home will be an accomplishment you will never forget.
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