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Installation Procedures

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Last Updated on:  11/12/2011 02:26 PM

Photovoltaic cells (PVs) are a very different technology from solar water heating, and use light to generate electricity. They are particularly well suited to sites where a grid connection would be difficult or expensive or that are only used in the summer. For an independent power supply, solar works well with wind as there is a good balance of both over the year. Solar electricity, like electricity from other renewable energy sources, doesn't produce carbon dioxide or harm the environment.

Although start-up costs are higher than other renewable technologies, PVs have key advantages:

  • there are no moving parts to fix so they are relatively easy to install and maintain
  • they can be sited in urban areas and are not restricted in the way that wind and hydro-power systems are
  • they can replace other roofing materials, for example tiles. The cells are embedded in a flat, waterproof material to form 'modules', which make ideal cladding material for walls and roofs
  • they need not take up any additional land space.

 

Hotlinks to Additional Internet Resources:

Build Your Own Solar Panel Kits (8W)

Build Your Own Solar Water Heating Panel

Home Built Solar Panel Mount

Home Made Solar Panel

Homemade Solar Panel (2)

Homemade Solar Panel (3)

How to Install Solar Panels:  Solar photovoltaic panels can be installed on many different types of roofs. Panels can be flush mounted as well as tilted up. When ever possible it is best to install solar panel mounts while a home is being roofed….(added 8/06)

Positioning Your Solar Panels

Putting Together A Solar System

PV Power System

PV Starter System:  My system came about from the desire to have a back-up power supply, a necessity for peace of mind here in hurricane territory.  It also gave me a reason to explore the feasibility of solar power….

Sailing PV Style:  Sailing for most of his life, Gary has lived the best of both worlds, one on the water and one on the land.  However, making both a mortgage payment and a boat payment, you cannot fault him for questioning the logic of this "dual reality".  He wondered what life would be like with no mortgage or boat payment.  So, after hours of careful thought, he made a decision.  Eighteen months ago Gary paid his boat loan in full from the sale of his house and moved in....