Save a ton of money - go solar!

03 Oct 2009, Michael Williams

Hello and a warm welcome from DIY Solar Energy Review. My name is Micheal Williams and I have been a D.I.Y. and Electronics enthusiast for over 10 years. Three years ago I was trying to find a a project that would be interesting, achievable, great fun and save me money. Then I realized - it's so simple and obvious. Lets go green and try to generate my own electricity.

The appeal of Solar Power is obvious. Every day enough energy to power your entire house is falling from the skies onto your roof - and you are letting it go to waste - what a crime! Imagine turning that energy into electricity, doing your bit for the environment, and telling your electricity supplier to take a hike... for good! In-fact with the right system in place, they could be paying you for your surplus electricity.

I have a friend, David who recently got solar panels professional installed. I told him to make the panels himself, I knew he had the capability to do it! He built his own shed, which, after all is much harder. He said to me: "Michael, I would love to do it myself but I don't have the time". I said "You're nuts!". Anyway he found a local solar installation company on Google.

At a recent barbecque, David was acting rather smug - he said he is benefiting from 90% savings on the electric bill. However he didn't mention that cost of the installation was so big that he had to get more credit on top of his mortgage. Those extra payments are seriously eating into his bottom line savings and it will be years before he sees a true saving.

I think it is crazy to pay someone else to install and set up your solar panels when you can D.I.Y. so easily. And its a lot of fun too. Really I hear you ask? Well just imagine the thrill and sense of achievement of finishing your first panel, and getting 100W of free energy every day. Imagine the massive pride from installing 10 panels, and getting 1KW of free energy - enough to power all of your gadgets, lights and small appliances.

My own solar setup took me 6 months to complete. I only spent a few hours each week as I am a busy person. However I am now getting a peak of 2KW of energy, and over the year I get a net payment from the electicity company. This could be you in 6 months time.

The main problem I had was getting accurate information on how to source parts, fix them together and install them. I wanted to know the safety parameters, because I don't like to take undue risks. And I wanted up to date information. I found a lot of information through Google - but I didn't get the complete picture and different sources seem to contradict one another.

Since successfully installing my system, I have been on a quest to make it easier for other people. So I have hunted around, reviewed many guides and courses, and found the best material for self-build solar. Please take a minute to read my brief reviews below.

Best Regards,

Micheal Williams.

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