| Many do-it-yourself homeowners are trying to find | | | | most important part: instructions. Many companies |
| ways to "go green". Energy efficiency and going green | | | | recognize that home-owners are by far the largest |
| go hand in hand. If you've already made your home as | | | | market for solar panels. So they have created |
| energy-efficient as possible, the next logical step is to | | | | instruction manuals for installation and operation that |
| start generating electricity yourself. The easiest way to | | | | are easy to understand for the average person. The |
| do this is with solar energy. Thanks to advancements | | | | systems also don't require special tools. Usually the |
| in solar technology and marketing, you can now | | | | basic tools that most do-it-yourself folks have (e.g. |
| purchase a solar power kit that can be up and running | | | | wrench set, pliers, drill, hand tools, ladder and so on) are |
| in a matter of days. Here are eight great things you | | | | adequate. And most equipment rental businesses offer |
| probably didn't know about these residential kits: | | | | anything you need and don't have. It is important to |
| 1. Easy design. There are many tools needed to design | | | | enlist the help of a master electrician to test the |
| the ideal solar power system for your home. | | | | system and ensure that the connections are made |
| Fortunately, these tools are readily available and easy | | | | properly. |
| to use. The National Renewable Energy Lab has a tool | | | | 5. Permit ready. It is very important to get the proper |
| called PV Watts on their website for determining how | | | | permits for these installations. Local building |
| much energy a system would produce in a year in | | | | departments are great resources for the information |
| your area. Most kit manufacturers have similar tools | | | | on best practices in your area. Most kit makers |
| and will walk you through the process if you like or | | | | provide complete schematics and specifications that |
| simply design the system for you. It is important to | | | | permit departments can use to approve your |
| remember, however, that you must evaluate your | | | | installation. Usually this is all that's needed to get the |
| home thoroughly and find the place most likely to get | | | | proper permits. |
| steady, unshaded sunshine throughout the year. | | | | 6. Customized. Are you looking to provide nearly all |
| 2. Simplicity. A grid-tied solar panel array is a relatively | | | | your home's power with solar? Or do you just want to |
| simple system. The panels are mounted on a system | | | | light the shed in the backyard? Regardless of your |
| that is compatible with your home and the panels. | | | | needs, these systems can be scaled to meet your |
| Many of the mounting hardware manufacturers have | | | | specifications. Solar kits can be used for lighting, |
| videos on their websites on how to install their | | | | security, remote power, telecommunications, and |
| systems. Once mounted, the panels generally tie | | | | residential uses. Your kit maker can design a system |
| together into a gathering box, and then are wired to | | | | for nearly any application. |
| the inverter. The inverter turns the direct current (DC) | | | | 7. Expandability. Don't have enough money to get it all |
| electricity that the array generates into alternating | | | | done now? Luckily these systems are very 'modular', |
| current (AC) electricity that your home and the power | | | | meaning you can start out with enough panels for |
| grid uses. Then the system ties into your electric | | | | today, and still add more components in the future as |
| meter. Most utilities insist on making this connection to | | | | your needs grows. |
| the meter and the grid, as they have to install a | | | | 8. Incentives. All solar power kits are eligible for some |
| bi-directional meter so that it can spin backwards in the | | | | sort of incentive. The federal government has a 30% |
| event you generate more electricity than you use. | | | | tax credit for renewable systems and most utilities and |
| Many utilities recognize the importance of renewable | | | | or states have an additional incentive. In Louisiana you |
| energy and do not charge for this service. | | | | can get 80% of your system paid for through these |
| 3. All-Inclusive. Solar kits are designed to be turn-key, | | | | programs. In California, almost 50% of the system can |
| meaning they are meant to be all-inclusive. The wiring, | | | | be paid for this way. The Database of State |
| hardware, and accessories are all included. | | | | Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is a |
| Occasionally you may have to provide some small | | | | great resource for this. |
| parts to complete the installation depending on your | | | | So now that you know more about solar power kits, |
| particular house. | | | | its time to get started designing a system for you. |
| 4. User-Friendly. These systems of course include the | | | | |