| More and more homeowners are now turning to | | | | those not DIY-inclined, this could pose a problem. |
| residential solar power systems to help them cut their | | | | This brings us to the second issue - Cost |
| energy consumption and save more money. There | | | | Ready-made solar panel kits can cost $3000 upwards. |
| are various options to install such systems, including | | | | Although it will eventually pay for itself after a year or |
| ready-made commercial kits or simply doing it yourself. | | | | two, this is still a hefty upfront expense for most |
| Let's take a quick look at how these two options | | | | folks...especially with the current economic crunch. |
| compare with each other. | | | | Go DIY for more bang for your buck! |
| Commercially available systems | | | | More and more homeowners are choosing this far |
| Many homeowners who want a hassle-free installation | | | | more cost-effective option. In the past year, a number |
| of residential solar power systems would initially opt for | | | | of instruction guides have been developed to help |
| commercial solar power kits. Many large companies, | | | | average folks build their own residential solar power |
| such as GE, produce these kits and you can also find | | | | systems at home. For under $50, you get complete |
| complete kits for sale on the internet. There are | | | | plans and instructions that will ease the entire assembly |
| various models and types you can purchase, | | | | and installation process. Going DIY also means that |
| depending on your budget and energy needs. | | | | you can get the parts and materials at low cost - |
| With ready-made solar kits, you don't have to be | | | | typically under $200 - from your local hardware store |
| concerned about assembling the parts together. | | | | or even eBay. |
| However, you still need to deal with two things - | | | | Many homeowners have already gone DIY and built |
| installation and costs. | | | | their own residential solar power systems. It's an easy |
| Unless you engage professional installers, which could | | | | home project that won't break the bank...but you get to |
| cost you $30,000 to $40,000 for complete installation, | | | | reap the financial benefits for life! |
| you still have to install a solar panel kit yourself. For | | | | |