Solar Panels - Good Investment or Money Pit?

Solar energy promises clean energy for those who want additional independence from the power company and have an adventurous streak within their personality. The experience of most homeowners with respect to solar power may be mixed and range from indifference to genuine interest. The track record for many people when asked about solar energy experiences has been mixed with reactions ranging from elation to disgust. However, when all are asked why they elected to pursue solar power for their project almost all gave positive reasons for attempting the conversion. Here are some reasons:

• Energy independence will enable me to have lower cost utilities
• I like the idea of generating power in a clean manner
• There is the potential that I can do this myself
• I have visibility over my own power consumption

So let's look at the four points individually. First, the idea that solar power will be a low-cost way to produce power is a common misconception. Current payback periods for installed solar panel systems that are grid tied or connected to the incoming power company power source range from 6 to 25 years. This payback period range is dependent on the cost of power in your area and the size of the installation. Larger solar panel arrays take advantage of the rest of the solar collection system to reduce the cost per watt and therefore are more capital efficient which enables a shorter payback period or return on investment. The most common way to reduce this payback period is to absorb the installation cost by doing the project yourself which can reduce the payback time to under 10 years in most cases. There are numerous e-commerce stores that offer all of the needed components for your home solar project. In considering a solar power generating array, please make sure you consider the maintenance costs of the system. All of us would like to think that a solar system is a one time construction event but the truth is that many parts are able to fail during normal use. Lightning is an enemy of solar systems so be prepared (even with a properly constructed system) to replace inverters, solar panels and other electronic devices at some time during the life of the system. In spite of these considerations, solar panels will last more than 25 years and there will be cost protection from the electric utility rate increases versus the self managed solar system.
Power generation in a clean manner is a compelling argument for those who wish to affect the environment. Assuming proper and environmentally responsible solar panel and equipment manufacturers are not creating a negative environmental situation, solar panels mounted in a stand-alone off-grid or grid-tied configurations are going to operate with low emissions. The only potential emission would be trace amounts of ozone which are virtually harmless and not significant to the local environment. Compared with conventional power generation methods, solar power is cleaner. This may be very important to some users especially those who need to prove the efficacy of power systems to their customers.
Where would we be as a nation if we did not inquire about installing our own solar power generating array? Do it yourself has been a mainstay in this country for many generations. The satisfaction that designing and building a solar power system brings is a serious motivator for those who want to take charge of their destiny and impact their family's lives. Fortunately, there are many resources for getting design assistance such as Solarpowerforum and various sites that offer solar equipment such as REC panels, Morningstar charge controllers and Enphase inverters. Solar equipment suppliers are now mainstream in the way that they offer retail sales.
One other benefit of a solar power system is the awareness of power and how much we use. It is more likely that we will pay more attention to our energy usage if we know how expensive it is to make power. Consider the times when you worked very hard to make a baked good, fixed a car,etc. You appreciate the outcome more!
So, where does a person who is looking for solar power equipment or for easily assembled power components? Consider doing it yourself with solar panels and other hardware for that solar energy project.
Solar energy promises energy at a cost that you control but must be approached from a total system maintenance viewpoint. Wisely choosing materials and understanding the maintenance of the system will lead you to a predictable outcome.

Robert Thibodeau is the owner of several energy related web based stores that offers home owners and professionals the opportunity to look for solar based products that offer viable energy solutions to the customer. He is a veteran of manufacturing and design and enjoys assisting homeowners in the many aspects of solar system design.
Homesolarpanels.org were founded in 1996 with the goal of finding effective solar products that homeowners and professionals could purchase and install. With our wide selection of brands such as REC, Sanyo, Kyocera, Yingli and Morningstar, many new and seasoned solar equipment installers can access top quality brands at affordable prices.