How do you plan a DIY solar project?

The most important part of a DIY solar project is in the planning and design. For these steps you must do a lot of research. A critical number needed for all calculations is the number of watt hours of electricity consumed in a day by all of the appliances you’d like to be supplied by your solar array.

Can you build your own solar array?

Build-your-own from scratch solar array requires advanced technical knowledge and expertise that you may not have. DIY solar home kits are usually designed to work off-grid for small projects. Today, solar kits that allow you to directly tie into the public utility grid are becoming available, and may allow you to power your entire home.

Is DIY solar the cheapest form of electricity?

For starters, the International Energy Agency recently stated in its 2020 Outlook report that solar energy — the “new king” of electricity — is the cheapest form of electricity ever created. So, significantly reducing or even eliminating your utility bills with DIY Solar is a near certainty now.

Which Solar System is best for your home?

For example, if your goal is to power your entire 2,000 sq. ft. home for a family of four, and you have net metering with rare power outages, a grid-tie system is the most economical. However, if you want to electrify a secluded hunting shelter only in the fall, an off-grid solar system is your best bet.

Do you need a permit for a DIY solar project?

There are multiple permits and inspections — from your local jurisdiction and power company — that you must pay for before your DIY solar project can go live. Consult with them to know what you must do and when in the process. Missing even one could delay or even prevent your project’s completion.

Do polycrystalline solar panels convert sunlight to electricity?

They convert up to 23% of sunlight to electricity. Polycrystalline solar panels also contain 60 or 72 solar cells, each one perfectly square in a mottled blue color. They convert about 15%-17% of sunpower into usable electrical energy. Polycrystalline panels are slightly less expensive than monocrystalline modules.