Grid tie solar panels can help you increase your energy independence, reduce your carbon footprint and save you money by producing electricity.  More sun leads to higher energy requirements for cooling but it also produces higher power yield.  Electricity generation that corresponds with peak energy demands is very valuable.  Electricity produced by solar panels can be used independent of the existing electricity infrastructure of a home or it can interact with the electricity coming into the house from the electric utility.  The solar panel pictured to the right is link to a large selection of solar panels on sale, some as much as 34% off with a toll free tech support #..

Learn how to create your own solar panels here.

It’s not just for NASA any more.  Inexpensive and practical small solar panel systems can be had for less than 2k and may produce up to 1 kilowatt hour per day.  In fact they are becoming so popular they’re often on back order, particularly the smaller consumer oriented models.  That’s good news indeed – as manufacturers will for the foreseeable future be competing aggressively for this large and growing market.  Imagine that on a big scale and collectively we can provide a huge offsetting of power consumption during peaks and provide for a more stable power grid.

When you begin to shop for your grid tie solar panels – avoid splurging on the most expensive models boasting superior efficiencies.  Their steep premiums will dig deeply into your projected savings.  They also extend your pay back period by many years!  Remember, the grid tie solar panels you select today must have a useful life of many years.  Don’t just buy the cheapest one you see either.  Just make sure you balance quality and efficiency with the total costs. If you're a do-it-yourself type, here's a great do-it-yourself solar guide that can save you $. Most solar panels can be connected in series or in parallel.  They can either be attached directly to a slanted roof, or bolted onto a flat roof.  Solar panels can be placed flat, vertical, or on any angle necessary to collect the sun rays.  Depending on where you live there may be local tax advantages to investing in solar-izing your home too.  It’s to everyone mutual advantage to encourage home use of solar panels.  On a big scale we all benefit by reducing peak consumption and insuring a more stable power grid. While technologies are constantly evolving toward higher efficiencies, the most effective solar panel cells for low cost electrical production are not necessarily those with the highest efficiency, but rather those with an effective balance between low-cost production and efficiency high enough to minimize the balance of systems cost.  From a practical standpoint solar panels can be used to transform sunlight into electricity to power lighting, air conditioning, heating systems, and many other applications.  .  Solar panels can help you save money in the long-run.    While solar panels can heat your swimming pool, your hot water boiler, it is generally the least efficient use of solar power to simply generate heat.  Stay focused on cost effective ways to reduce energy expenditures, and look toward providing general power that your entire house can utilize. Even a single grid tie solar panel at home just makes more and more sense.  It’s highlighted every day by soaring non-renewable energy prices.  What would you consider a good price for a 10, 20, or 30 percent reduction in your electricity cost?  Clean renewable energy is the goal we’re obligated to pursue for economic and climatic reasons.  Electricity generated from solar panels produces no harmful emissions or pollutants.  Contrary to what you may presume grid tie solar panels also work even in cloud cover.  Yes, solar panels will produce electricity even on cloudy days.

I came across this terrific source for combination solar-wind power generation systems.  If you live in a part of the country with dynamic weather conditions this system will optimize power generation using both simultaneously.   You don't have to hire expensive contractors either - these kits are designed for the do-it-yourselfers.  Click here

Questions, comments, or concerns?  Contact gking@backyardsteward.com

Last updated 11/30/2009