Solar panels have increased drastically in popularity, as more people want to self-sustain their household with the electricity demands. To make solar panels more affordable for everyone in the UK, the government has set up incentives like solar panel grants. Even so, investing in solar panels can still be a considerable investment which some are not prepared to make. So what else is there to do? Build it yourself of course.
To get straight to the point, yes, you can build your own solar panels, or at least partially, depending on the craftsmanship of each person. The process DIY includes sizing the solar panel system, choosing which components suits your needs, mounting and installing the solar panels, the solar inverter and safety disconnects. Even if you do not fully install the solar panels, the more that is done, the less expensive it would be to hire a certified technician.
Circuitry can be the tricky part of installing solar panels on your own, but with minimum knowledge about wiring, this can be achieved by anyone. Of course if you do not feel confident to do this part on your own, it would be best to hire a certified electrician to do the wiring and metering into your house.
When setting on a solar system, the proportions of the household as well as the electricity needs have to be taken into consideration. Generally, larger households tend to require more energy to power them and the appliances. The most common solar system size for households in the UK is the 4kW system, which can accommodate a modest sized house.
You can install a grid tie solar system if your household is already plugged into utility power. Grid tie systems are easier to install than off grid and can easily be expanded, depending on each house’s needs. It is recommended to have an electrician or licensed contractor do the final wiring hook up.
Installation of off grid solar systems is suitable for individuals who would like to be self-dependent on energy. It is highly recommended to hire a certified technician when installing off grid solar systems. Certain government incentives apply when doing so, which can save a considerable amount of money on the purchasing and installation of solar panels.
The main obstacle to building solar panels is acquiring solar cells at a reasonable price. New solar cells are very expensive to purchase, and can even be hard to find in larger quantity at any price. Second hand solar cells are available on the internet and other places at a fraction of the cost of new perfect cells. However these second rate solar cells could be in poor condition which could significantly reduce the panel efficiency.
If you have decided to invest in solar panels, but you are not sure which type you would like, we are ready to help you. Fill out the form on this page with your personal preferences and information, and we will provide you with up to four different suppliers of solar panels. You are free to choose the offer that best suits your needs. The service is free, without obligation, and takes only a few minutes.
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