 Solar Panel Kits:
the DIY person’s
option
It is only natural that there would be
a certain concern amongst those investing for the first time in
a solar panel system. The technology seems complicated and the
terminology is not every-day language. It would be far better
to let the man in the van set things up and you just press the
‘on’ button.
If you are seeking to switch from on-grid power to solar
power in order to heat, ventilate or light your home or
business, then don’t fret. The arrival of a range of solar
panel kits on the market will allow you to install the
system yourself, and at a fraction of the price.
Solar panel kits come with all of the essential components,
including brackets with which to mount the panels themselves on
your roof or wall. The most important parts are the
photovoltaic solar panels, a controller, an inverter that
changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) to run
your home and business appliances more cost effectively, and
all the necessary wiring too. Most kits offer batteries also
but other may leave them as added options.
However, depending on the brand of kit you are buying, there
can be some extras thrown, such as power meters that will track
the power production rate of your solar panels as well as your
energy consumption.
The size of the solar panel kit will be dictated by your
particular energy needs, and in turn the cost of buying one.
The price tag on a kit can range from around USD10,000 for a 2
kilowatt system to as much USD70,000 for a 19 kilowatt system.
Of course, the brand name will also be a factor.
It’s worth noting that there are also an array of low-cost
solar panel kits on the market, which can be purchased for less
than USD1,000. However, the capabilities of these systems
cannot cover the total energy needs of a typical household or
business. Most will produce as much as 1 kilowatt of power,
which would be sufficient to power a 12-watt light bulb for
around 80 hours. So, these can be used in unison with
on-grid electricity providers and can help to reduce the bill
size.
Of course, there are also kits designed for specific use,
such as those used to power your RV or the limited needs of
your cabin in the mountains. If you are in suburbia, looking to
move most if not all of your energy source away from the grid,
then an investment in the tens of thousands is best.
In the long run, it will save you significant amounts of
money, while installing it yourself will save on the
installation fee. But don’t forget when purchasing your kit to
make sure there is a help desk to contact if you come across a
problem. Oh, and read the instructions carefully!
| 
