News on the energy front seems to be all doom and gloom these days: rising oil prices, peak oil and pollution. The good news is that there has been a lot of research and effort put into alternative energy sources. We have a long way to go before we aren’t dependent on oil anymore, but there are some very good options now to help us supplement our energy demands. Solar cell technology is one area that has made progress in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Once a novelty, solar energy is now a viable supplemental energy source for many people.
Unfortunately, solar panels remain very expensive to purchase, with a typical installation for a home costing upwards of $20,000. Even with an energy savings of 80%, it would take the average household many years to pay off the initial investment. And even with such a large initial cost, solar panels are still not able to supply all of the energy needs of the average household.
While it may be awhile before commercially available solar panels are economically viable for home installation, it is possible to construct your own homemade solar cells that are capable of powering lights and appliances. While you may not save 80% on your power bill, you will see a savings, and the cost is far lower, about $200 per panel.
It sounds like a pretty big task, but it is actually fairly simple and most people have no problem doing it with the proper instructions. There are several guides out there that can help you get started. The one that I recommend is found at Earth4Energy. It is a good guide with detailed video instructions that are easy to understand. It will guide you through the entire process from selection of materials to installation of the panes.
They also offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product in any way. At a cost of $49, this is a hard offer to pass up if you are at all interested in solar power or homemade solar cells.
Click here to go to the website for Earth4Energy
Disclaimer: I do make a small amount of money if you sign up
