5 Considerations Before Buying DIY Solar Power Kits

by Green Girl on March 2, 2010

Owners of both businesses and residences are casting an eye toward solar power as they seek ways to reduce energy bills. Purchasing a DIY solar power kit is perhaps the fastest way to implement this kind of renewable energy to your system. That said, it’s important that you be familiar with five important aspects before making such a purchase.

Dimension of the Solar Panels

The DIY solar power kit should list the panels’ precise measurements, which will help you determine if you have the proper roof space for the solar module. Further, ensure that you know the solar panels’ weight, which is necessary information if you have roof tiles as they will factor in determining if your roof can support the solar panels. If you know the weight and dimension of the panels, you can determine whether your roof is structurally sound enough to handle the added load.

Total Power Generation

You should calculate the amount of power you use in your home before you install any DIY solar power kit. Additionally, determine how many appliances you want to connect to the solar power system. Once you have this figure calculated, purchase an appropriate DIY solar power kit. There are a variety of kit sizes available on the market; additionally, certain kits are designed for interconnectivity if one is not sufficient.

Durability

The solar power panels are exposed to the harsh elements of nature, such as sun, rain, hail and snow. Due to this exposure, the frame should be constructed of aluminum or another durable material, while the solar cells should be covered with tempered glass.

Long-Term Warranty

Be aware that it can take years to see a return on investment for a DIY solar power kit. It is important to consider the length of a product’s warranty before buying one. Most experts recommend getting a 20- to 25-year warranty on new solar panels.

Installation and Maintenance

Get a DIY solar power kit that’s easy to install. There are kits available on the market that contain all the components needed to start your own solar power system. Additionally, you should also consider one that will require only minimal maintenance over the years in service. The best choice is solar panels that require, at minimum, scrubbing once a year to have the panels work at maximum efficiency.

Anna Vera Williams helps others understand how to utilize solar energy to live cleaner and more economical lives.

For more information on solar power and how it can be used, please visit Solar Energy Information.

This article was originally published on Anna’s blog, at Five Things to Consider When Purchasing DIY Solar Power Kits.

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