| One of the most interesting phenomenons in the | | | | which is simply not true. In order to sell your power |
| green energy sector over the last few years has | | | | the vast majority of utilities require that you use |
| been the proliferation of 'build your own solar panel | | | | name brand modules. |
| kits'. If you're wondering just what the deal is with | | | | What They Are Good For |
| these kits and if they are right for you, read on. | | | | Solar power is great for powering small DC devices, |
| What They Do | | | | since that is what solar power generates. So your |
| Most of these kits are actually just videos and | | | | home made panel would be great for powering |
| ebooks teaching you how to build your own solar | | | | devices on your boat or RV, or small devices around |
| panels. It's important to understand that very few of | | | | the house. They also make a great demonstration or |
| them actually provide you with the tools and | | | | science project for kids to learn about renewable |
| hardware you need to build solar panels. For that you | | | | energy. One of the solar panel kit companies even |
| will have to find a retailer that will sell you the actual | | | | sponsor kits for third world countries to use to pump |
| solar cells, wiring, and diodes needed to build a | | | | clean water. These are all great uses and can save |
| working PV module. | | | | you money and help you understand this exciting |
| What They're Not Good For | | | | new technology. |
| Most people who are looking at these kits will ask | | | | As always, 'buyer beware', and if the claims the seller |
| 'Can I really power my entire house with home made | | | | makes seems too good to be true, they probably |
| solar panels?' The answer is usually no. It's important | | | | are and you should use caution. But if you are |
| to realize that even with factory made solar panels | | | | interesting in creating power from the sun, are on a |
| the average American home would require dozens of | | | | limited budget, and like DIY projects, this is a good |
| solar panels. The panels you make yourself will be of | | | | way to understand the technology without breaking |
| lower quality than factory made panels, so you'll | | | | the bank. After all, if folks in the third world can |
| require more of them. Many of the kits claim that | | | | master this technology, why can't you? |
| you can power your entire home for less than $200, | | | | |