DIY Home Solar Energy

Record prices at the gas pumps in 2008, affected even the most ecologically naive. Most people were forced to acknowledge that our current sources of energy are not infinite. If we continue to use these resources at the rates that we have been been using them, we will, sooner or later, run out.

With the higher gasoline prices came higher prices for almost everything else. Household budgets were pushed to their limits.

In times like these, many of us start taking a closer look at how many things in our lives are dependent on our current energy sources.

As we look at ways we can become more energy efficient, we might consider alternate energy sources for our homes.

One of the ways to do this is to use solar power as our primary energy source in our homes. It is free, storable and low maintenance.

The simplest way to convert your home to solar power is to have it professionally installed. However, professionally installed solar panels can cost up to $20,000 the average family sized home. This expense can be quite prohibitive in today's economy.

But, if you can follow a few simple instructions, you can build your own solar panels for about the cost of an average family's monthly electric bill, approximately $200. The panels are lightweight and portable. The materials and supplies are inexpensive and easy to find. About all you need are a few basic materials such as plywood, copper wire, salt, sandpaper and metal scissors. These materials can be found at your local hardware store. Once the panels have been constructed, choose a good sunny spot outside of your home, to place the solar cells. The cells are storing the solar energy used to power your home, so you'll want to assure they capture the maximum amount of sunlight. It's also good to note that the cells still collect and store energy on cloudy days.

You can use solar energy to; cook, heat your water, light your home, run your appliances, watch TV, listen to music, surf the internet and even go camping.

With solar energy we can become more energy efficient. Solar energy is a free renewable resource because it's source is the sun. It doesn't pollute like most of the methods energy giants use to generate the electricity we're currently using. Simply put, solar energy is a clean, green, free, renewable source of power. It is the most abundant form of energy available for our use.

Autor: Charlene Zatloukal Charlene Zatloukal
Level: Basic PLUS
I am, first and foremost, a mother and grandmother. I am a self taught professional artist, free lance writer, and a semi-experienced entreprenuer....

http://home-garden-4-you.blogspot.com/

Added: April 23, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/