| Many homeowners have saved thousands of dollars | | | | sunlight is not present. On top of battery supply, you |
| by building their own homemade solar energy panels. | | | | should have a spare generator to back you up with |
| Not only do they save on electricity bills, they are able | | | | power. If the sun does not shine for extended periods, |
| to install photovoltaic panels at a cost that's much | | | | you can remain comfortable by using a backup |
| cheaper than what a commercial company would | | | | generator's supply. |
| charge. | | | | 3. Charge controller - This component helps the |
| Without a commercial company to do everything for | | | | batteries to charge and discharge properly. It also |
| you, you will need to be familiar with each component | | | | prevents them from overcharging. Now and then, you |
| that make up the solar generator system. Each fulfills | | | | can also find a model that is equipped with battery |
| an important function: | | | | temperature control. This feature can help prolong |
| 1. Solar Panel - There are three main types of panels | | | | battery life. Charge controller from reputable |
| in the market today: mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline | | | | companies will often protect your battery from voltage |
| and amorphous. These come in different shapes and | | | | fluctuations as well. |
| sizes...so it can get a little confusing the first time you | | | | 4. Inverter - This is an important component that |
| shop for photovoltaic panels. To keep things simple, | | | | converts direct current (DC) input into alternating |
| you should get the assistance of the salesperson to | | | | current (AC) output needed for household use. You |
| give you the cost per-watt of each panel. This magic | | | | need to choose an inverter that is more than capable |
| number will help you make a first-cut selection even | | | | of converting all the power you ever need. If you plan |
| before you talk about quality and lifespan. If the | | | | to build your solar power generator in stages, your |
| numbers can't convince you, it's probably not a good | | | | inverter must factor the final design into consideration. |
| buy. | | | | Otherwise the load will overwhelm the inverter. |
| 2. Battery - This will retain the electricity produced by | | | | The above components can be easily purchased. |
| your solar energy panel. A few accumulators can be | | | | Simply by connecting them together with the correct |
| connected together to store the required power you | | | | type of wires, you can make for yourself a basic |
| need during the night, or when there is insufficient | | | | homemade solar power generator that can reduce |
| sunlight. This component is crucial for off-grid systems | | | | your energy bills for good! |
| as this is the only power source available when | | | | |