Why Build a Solar Panel?

The world has an energy problem. The supply of the most important energy source, oil, is being used up gradually. The use of oil, coal, and other fossil energy sources pollute the planet with greenhouse gases that will potentially cause dangerous rises in temperature.

Some of the alternative energy sources also cause problems for the environment. Some of them take vast parcels of land to be effective (such as bio-fuel production), vast solar cell installations, and wind mill farms. Others, such as nuclear plants, could destroy the environment and all life in large areas if a catastrophic accident were to occur.

Even though many people are trying to push for an easy political or technical solution to the problem, the issue must be tackled with a combination of different resources.

An important component of the solution is overall energy savings. Where possible, one must use cars, big ticket home appliances (e.g. washing machines), and other types of technologies that are as efficient as possible.

And we must eventually learn to replace the use of oil and coal with all kinds of renewable or alternative energy sources, but not at the expense of the environment.

Electricity from solar panels will be a large part of the solution. Theoretically it is possible for each roof and outside wall in the world to have solar panels mounted on them, but generally they are not considered aesthetically pleasing, or economically feasible.

However, if you were to undertake building your own solar array you could have a working system set up for much less that what it would cost for a commercially installed system.

By constructing your own solar panels, you will realize an immediate energy savings. And the initial outlay for parts and materials will be recouped in far less time (usually in a few months) as opposed to years.

But where do you begin?

You can start right here! You can generate you own energy for your home for a lot less than you think. AEG features reviews on popular Do it Yourself Alternative Energy Guides.
Learn to build solar panels, and wind powered generators for a fraction of the cost of an installed system.