Every year energy prices are going up, putting more strain on the homeowner. With electricity used in almost every aspect of daily life it may seem like there’s no escape from the annual increase in rates. Investing in fluorescent lighting, Energy Star® windows and appliances, efficient thermostats, and central heating and air conditioning will help reduce energy consumption by a lot, but there’s only one way to get out from under the grasp of the Big Energy companies. You need to be able to provide your own electricity.
Every plant gets its energy from the sun, as well as the animals that eat them, and the animals that eat those animals! Only recently did humans break this cycle with fossil fuels and nuclear power. Interestingly enough, these “new” methods are already outdated and obsolete. Today’s society is ultimately destined to return to the clean, safe, and infinite supply of energy provided by the sun, and the sooner the better. With oil prices in a constant state of skyrocketing, and the planet’s reserves dwindling, there is simply no plausible way to continue on like this.
Enter, photovoltaic technology. Meaning, in a nutshell, “light electricity”, photovoltaic cells are made of a material that, when exposed to light, generates electricity. Dozens of these cells are all hooked up together in a series, which makes a panel. Then several panels are also connected in a series, creating a “system” and generating an enormous amount of energy. Depending on the size of the system, it can be used to power homes, factories, schools, or even entire towns.
Unfortunately most homeowners cannot afford to fund a solar panel installation at this point, even with financing options. So what’s the alternative?
DIY Solar Power
Solar panels are not altogether complicated, and they are made entirely of materials available to the general public. Solar cells can be purchased online or locally, and the rest of the supplies can be found at the nearest hardware store. Comprehensive Instruction Manuals will fill in all the blanks, from construction and wiring, to installation and government rebates. All you need is a handful of solar cells, a roll of wire, a couple of pieces of plywood or melamine, and an hour or two after work to put it all together! Not all at once of course. It takes time and effort, but that’s what DIY is all about: Doing it yourself and saving huge amounts of money! I switched to solar power just three years ago and the system has already paid for itself again and again. We’re still on the grid, so all the excess energy we produce is automatically sold. So get out from under the crushing grip of the energy companies, and start making them pay you!
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