Do It Yourself Solar Panel - How To Generate Electricity

July 28, 2009 - PRLog -- There are some definite advantages to installing your own Do It Yourself solar panels. Installing yourself allows you to have the ultimate familiarity with your system. If you need to perform maintenance, or uninstall the panels in the future, you can save money because you can do it yourself. Plus, if you want to add panels later on, you will be able to do this relatively easily without needing to call an installer.

There are some disadvantages, though. Do It Yourself solar panels are relatively easy to install, but you won't be able to do it alone. You should have at least 2-3 other people helping you. Plus, if you make a mistake, you risk losing your whole system. Also, you will have to procure the wiring and framing yourself so you may need to rent a truck if you don't own one.

The first step on Do It Yourself solar panel installation is paperwork. For most counties in the U.S. you will need to apply for a home improvement permit from your local city government. If you are running your system on-grid (net-metering) then you will need to request a net-metering application from your local electric company. After you have your permit you can begin with physical installation.

Physical installation is the most precarious part of your installation process. The first part of the process is finding the rafters below your roofing, and installing "tile tracks" along the rafters for stability. Tile tracks are the strips of metal that hold your Do It Yourself solar panels securely to your roof. Without these tracks bring securely fastened your panels would fall! You must carefully measure your panels and ensure you place your tracks in the right spot to secure them. The tile tracks themselves are secured into the rafters of your roof (to prevent leaks) and you can adjust the panels using metal clips.

After you have installed the structure of your tile track, your next step is to carefully get your panels to your roof. One by one, you install your Do It Yourself solar panels into the tile track system that's specifically setup for your panels. The panels interlock into the tile tracks, which have pre-installed wiring that connects one panel to the next. This allows for a smooth electrical connection. Be extra careful during this step. You don't want to drop a panel or damage your roof!

Installing the inverter is fairly simple, but there are a lot of risks associated with such a task. Inverters deal with a lot of electrical energy and one simple mistake can cause an explosion, fire, or electrical shock. If you don't already know how to install an inverter, then you should consult a qualified electrician for this step. Inverter installation is not something you want to tackle just from reading directions on the internet! This is the same for the battery and the connection to your current electric box.

After all the panels have been installed, and your inverter is connected, your next step is the inspection from your existing electric company if you're using their grid. Once they have examined your system and tested its reliability, then you can begin using your net-metering feature! If you're off-grid, all you need is a go-ahead from a qualified electrician and you're ready to go with your new Do It Yourself solar panel system!

If you are interested to learn how to build a Do It Yourself solar panel, visit:
http://www.greenearth4energy.com

You may also want to get your Do It Yourself installation guide here:
http://www.earthenergyguide.com

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Andy O Silliven is an engineer and author in the fields of electrical engineering. He enjoys writing about the topic and keeping up with current events and research in the area of renewable energy sources. Recommends:
http://www.greenearth4energy.com