Here are some projects that people did http://www.instructables.com/tag/?q=solar+panel&limit%3Atype%3Aid=on&type%3Aid=on&type%3Auser=on&type%3Acomment=on&type%3Agroup=on&type%3AforumTopic=on&type%3AforumTopic=on&sort=none .
I would add, be careful of web sites that suggest you can power your entire home cheaply with home built panels, if you will just send them a few dollars for the information. It’s simply not that cheap or easy. If it were, you would see lots of people doing it.
was looking at a few different sites, here is one of them, http://earths-renewable-energy.com/ they show you how to build your own solasolar panels, but how much energy do they take in? (knowledgeable answers only please)
For the solar power system to work you need to have a PV panel and a storage system. The PV panels functions to generate electricity and the storage system stores the energy for future use.
Batteries are the most common methods for storage of solar energy. There are 2 types of batteries available. They are nickel cadmium and lead acid. The lead acid batteries are cheap and preferred for solar energy storage. They are similar to your car battery. The nickel cadmium battery also functions in the same manner but are expensive. However the nickel cadmium batteries discharge more electricity and also last longer.
There are generally 3 ways of storing solar energy.
Sensible heat storage
For the solar energy units that have middle and low temperatures the cheapest way of storing energy is to use water and stones. The energy that is collected by the collectors increase the temperatures of the storing mediums to allow storage of the energy in these mediums and when required the heat is used. In this method of solar energy storage the concentration level is low and the duration is also short.
Latent heat storage
In this type of solar energy storage the medium for storing the energy has features like absorption of big energy, less volume and corrosion and greater repeating capabilities. At present the most effective mediums for this type of solar energy storage are hydrate carbonates, nitrates and sulphates. In latent heat storage method the energy storing density is high with longer periods of storage. The medium can be cooled easily also which makes it difficult for the medium to crystallize.
Chemical reaction energy storage
Here, the endothermic reaction of the chemicals is used for storing the solar energy. When the process is inversed the heat is released. Here some inorganic oxides are also used as the medium. By using this method you benefit by storing heat in larger quantities and for longer periods of time. For the generation of high temperature by the endothermic reactions the equipments that are needed are very costly.
Zeolites have the unique characteristics to absorb and deabsorb water which makes it the preferred material for solar energy storage. When the zeolites are heated the water molecules escape and the heat energy is stored. When the process of reabsorbing the water molecules starts the heat energy is released.
How does using solar energy to create electricity benefit the planet Earth?
here’s a site that can give you the economical and environmental benefits of using solar energy:
http://www.sunsidesolar.com/Benefits.aspx
This conference on Emerging Energies Technologies takes an unbiased look at how the United States can make the transition from dependency on carbon-based fuels to a sustainable alternative fuels-based future. In this program Nobel laureate Alan Heeger of UCSB and Joan Ogden of UC Davis give their perspectives on renewable energy. Series: “Technology Management Program” [10/2007] [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 13287]
Duration : 0:57:24
http://EnergyForEarth.net -
Build Your Own Solar Panel - How to Build a Home Made Solar Panel
Global warming and dSolarling supplies of fossil fuels have caused people from all corners of the globe to become concerned, resulting in a long overdue interest in the potential of Solar energy. On the other hand, many people have already embraced this free source of renewable energy and are already powering their homes with solar energy.
Solar Energy
Radiation from our sun heats the air which in turn rises. As this warm air rises, so cooler air sinks down to replace it, resulting in perpetual Solar currents which cover the surface of our planet. Of course, Solar currents have energy and when one considers how devastating a hurricane or a tornado can be, it’s all to easy to imagine what a phenomenal amount of energy can be harnessed from the Solar.
Of course, for the purpose of powering your home with Solar energy, we’re only interested in more moderate Solars, suitable for Solar Panels. In essence, a Solar Panel is much the same as the old original Solar Panel; only solar panels incorporate technology which allows us to convert Solar power into electricity
Solar Panels
In the past, Solar farms, which can sometimes be seen on the roadside, were mainly used to supply remote areas which were of the grid as well as remote farms. Nowadays however, Solar Panels are becoming increasingly common even in residential areas that do receive grid supplied power. In this case, a Solar Panel can either reduce your consumption of grid power or even eliminate it altogether.
In order to achieve maximum stability, all Solar Panels have no less than three lightweight blades, usually made from PVC for extra durability.
As most are familiar with, a Solar Panel needs to be mounted on a tower and while those used on Solar farms can be more than a hundred feet high, residential towers only need to be high enough to ensure the Panel blades are above any structures which could obstruct the Solar. In addition to being mounted on a tower, the blade embly is mounted on a shaft to enable it to swivel around as the Solar direction changes.
Home Solar Energy Systems
While Solar Panels can come in many shapes and sizes, those which are used for powering homes are divided into three kinds:
1) Grid inter-tied with backup battery
2) Grid inter-tied without backup battery
3) Off-Grid system
Irrespective of which system you use, all three systems harness Solar energy and convert it to electricity in exactly the same manner. The difference between the various systems lies in the wiring, and in the case where a battery is being used; electricity can be saved and used as and when required. In a system that has no battery, electricity is supplied directly into the home supply.
Solar Panels provide practically all homeowners with an ideal opportunity for powering the home with Solar energy. Not only will you save money on electric bills, but you’ll also be helping to build a greener world.
If you are interested in learning how to Build Your Own Solar Panel visit http://energyforearth.net where you will see how easy and affordable it is to construct your very own Home Made Solar Panel.
Build Your Own Solar Panel - How to Build a Home Made Solar Panel
Duration : 0:0:34
18 Aug 2009
Solar panel update video with the cheapest solar panel system ever. See how you can use solar power at your house NOW. see part 1
Duration : 0:3:15
18 Aug 2009
AstraluxSolar.com
solar energy pays for itself from Day 1! Save up to 80% through state and federal rebates. Save the world and your pocketbook with Solar Energy.
Duration : 0:3:47
17 Aug 2009
renewable energy, White” />
With an enhanced midfoot wrap and an increase in the amount of forefoot cushioning and under-foot support compared to the Brooks Ghost 1, the Brooks Ghost -squared running shoe offers comfort and stability for neutral runners. The eco-friendly BioMoGo biodegradable midsole foam converts into useful nutrients about 50 times faster than standard midsole degradation. The dual-density DRB Accel curbs natural pronation, ensuring a smooth ride. The synthetic and mesh upper of the Brooks Ghost -squared running shoe provides breathable durability, while the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole promises lasting wear.
2″ REPAIR KIT FOR ABOVE-GROUND SOLAR KITBack to Sungrabber Solar Heating
The Solar Grid Tie Residential Solar Panel Kit SGT-160 comes with everything you need to start generating your own energy; 1 - 160 Watt Solar Panel, Roof Mounting System, and Built-in Grid Tie Power Inverter. This amazing Solar Grid Tie Kit lets you start small then expand your system up to 16
