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As we continue to use up our world’s finite natural resources to power our homes, cars and businesses, we are continuously pushing up the prices of such commodities higher and higher. This trend will almost certainly continue until those natural resources are completely exhausted. Therefore, it is not difficult to assume that, on average, we are always going to be paying more to power our lives – year on year. For this reason it is sensible for individuals and businesses to begin looking at alternative power supply solutions; maybe not to completely take over all our power needs, but to supplement what we are using from the national grid, so that we can reduce our power costs and help to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.

In terms of renewable energy sources, one of the most cost efficient alternatives, especially for the individual user, is solar energy. Since its inception, solar panel technology has been continuously developed in different ways, and it is said that the only limiting factor to this kind of power source is human ingenuity. Solar panel use is becoming more widespread as the technology becomes cheaper to manufacture. The primary types of solar panels are described below. Monocrystalline silicon panels are made up of one single layer of silicon sheet, lined with metal edges to improve conductivity. This type of solar panel is the most expensive you can buy, but the electricity return rate is the highest of all types at between 14% and 18%. Polycrystalline (or multicrystalline) solar panels are slightly different and use a number of small photovoltaic cells instead of one large cell. They are typically less efficient than monocrystalline panels but are cheaper to manufacture and maintain.

An adaptation on the arrangement of photovoltaic cells is the string ribbon silicon panel. This type of solar panel technology uses rows of photovoltaic cells linked together with conductive materials. This type of technology is said to be easier to manufacture than polycrystalline panels but can achieve a better electricity return rate at 12 to 14%, though costs are slightly higher. One of the cheapest forms of solar panel is the amorphous silicon panel. As this technology does not use crystalline and it is, in fact, just a single film of silicon, it is somewhat easier to manufacture than other types of solar panel, making it much more inexpensive. Although it only offers a relatively poor electricity return rate of 5-6%, with this kind of technology it is possible to create flexible solar panels, unlike with poly or monocrystalline cells.

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Many homeowners recently have been taking the plunge with regards to drastically cutting energy costs and fitting solar panels to generate their own electricity. Solar panel technology has improved massively over the last few years and is now a financially viable option for many people. One problem that most people are faced with when choosing to purchase solar panels is how to install them, do you try and fit them yourself, or do you hire professional fitters to do it for you?

While instructing professional fitters to install solar panels is always going to be expensive, there are a number of benefits to be had by going down this route. All solar panels will come with a guarantee period, and by using a solar panel installation company, you will also acquire a warranty period in case of installation faults. These professional installation companies also have vast experience of fitting solar panels so it is much less likely that any mistakes will be made in the installation process.

In terms of fitting solar panels yourself, there are advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, if you require the panels to be fitted to the roof of your property, it can be a dangerous and difficult job and will require more than one person in most circumstances. There will be some electrical wiring needed and some basic structural knowledge of your property is advisable. However, there is a vast amount of information on the internet and many companies now offer fitment guides that you can go through step by step.

The financial implications of the decision is probable the most important to consider. People choose to install solar panels because it will ultimately reduce their energy bills, though it will take a few years before you see the benefit of the large initial payment. By hiring professional installers, you will effectively be increasing the time it takes for the system to repay you by some margin. Fitting them yourself will mean a relatively short payback period.

In the end this is a decision that you need to take based on what you can afford, and how competent you feel you are in fitting solar panels. While the required location of the solar panels will be difficult to achieve, actually the installation of them is not that difficult. Aside from the logistics of it, any competent DIY’er would be able to achieve successful installation if they have some basic knowledge of electrics and the layout of their property.

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Currently, there is a large movement amongst both businesses and individuals to become more eco-friendly. Rebates are offered to those who choose to recycle and buy vehicles and appliances that have received efficient energy ratings. Some homeowners have decided to lower their energy bills and rely less on the electricity grid by turning toward alternative energy sources. Installing solar panels on your roof is an attractive method to do so, and there are some tips to follow that should help you follow suit.

When installing solar panels, there are a couple of different techniques you can employ. The panels may be flush with the roof or you may wish to tilt them up at an angle. It has been advised that it is easier to place solar panels flush while the roof is being redone. Because the shingles and tar paper are gone during reroofing, the trusses and rafters are out in the open and things can be cut and configured to accommodate the panels. Being able to firmly place the panels into the roof in this manner greatly reduces the risk of water leakage.

If you choose to mount the solar panels on top of the roof rather than flush with it, the rafters must be located. This is easily done with a stud finder. Begin by drilling a pilot hole into each rafter to keep it from splintering. Laser sights and chalk lines are good ways to keep the panel mounts in a straight line. Use lag bolts to screw into the previously drilled pilot holes and secure the mounts to the rafters. These mounts will hold the rails that will eventually keep the solar panels in place. 3/8” bolts will fasten the rails to the mounts. Use stainless steel fasteners all around to ward off rusting.

Installing solar panels on your roof is actually not incredibly complicated and not that far removed from installing anything to the top of the house. There are few things to keep in mind when installing solar panels, however. They need to be in a position to collect as much sunlight as possible. The best position for the panels is directly under noonday sun. Try not to place the panels in a place that experiences obstructed sunlight from surrounding structures. Overhanging branches should be cut down if they hinder exposure to the sun’s rays.

Installing solar panels on your roof is a good way to place less strain on the grid and lower your energy bills. You will also alleviate dependence on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint. Solar panels don’t cost a dime while collecting free sunlight.

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Solar homes come with the latest in green appliances and innovative technology at the 2009 Solar Decathlon. Discovery News’ Alyssa Danigelis gets some home improvement tips.
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