| Why would anyone want to make their own | | | | and converts it into usage electric current. |
| home solar power system? Reason being a solar | | | | This is possible because of a special |
| system built by a professional contractor will cost | | | | semi-conductive material known as Photovoltaic |
| a bomb! | | | | (PV) cells. A solar panel is made from multiple |
| Have you ever asked for a quotation from a | | | | solar cells soldered together in series. |
| solar consultant for your house? If you have a | | | | When the sun shines on the PV cells, Direct |
| weak heart, it is better for you to sit down when | | | | Current (DC) will be generated. The current will |
| you look at it. A basic solar system will cost about | | | | then be directed to a charge controller via copper |
| $20,000. | | | | cables which will use it to charge the battery |
| A complete setup will all the bells and whistle will | | | | bank. The charge controller also acts are a |
| cost upwards of $40,000! Be prepared to expect | | | | regulator to prevent the battery from |
| the Return On Investment (ROI) to be 30 to 40 | | | | overcharging. |
| years. It is fair to say not a lot of people would | | | | The function of the battery bank is to store the |
| choose this option. | | | | electricity generated by the panels. The type of |
| Alternatively, many people are opting for a Do It | | | | battery most suitable for domestic use is true |
| Yourself (DIY) system to generate electricity for | | | | deep cycle type. The best deep cycle batteries |
| their homes. It may not have all the modern and | | | | for the job are found on electric golf carts. When |
| advance features, nonetheless, the investment | | | | you are doing your shopping for battery, look for |
| cost is much lower. | | | | the kind designed for electric motors on golf |
| A home DIY solar power system is actually quite | | | | carts. |
| simple. There are only 4 main components which | | | | Since all battery can only hold direct current, a |
| are the solar panels, charge controller, battery | | | | power inverter will be used to change the DC to |
| bank and power inverter. The other smaller parts | | | | Alternate Current (AC). AC will be used to power |
| supporting the system are amperage meter, | | | | all the electrical appliances at your home. |
| voltage meter, circuit breaker and cut off fuses. | | | | The final step of the project is to get a copy of |
| The heart of the system which is the solar array | | | | home solar system step by step instructions and |
| is to be installed on top of the roof. The function | | | | design blueprints. |
| of the panel is to collect the energy from the sun | | | | |