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Getting Started
Cutting to the chase: Yes, you can build your own solar system, or at least partially, depending on each individual’s DIY skills. The DIY process includes sizing your solar panel system, selecting components that meet your needs, assembling and installing solar panels, solar inverters, and safety circuit breakers. Even if you don’t have all your solar panels installed, the more you install, the cheaper it will be to hire a certified technician.
The beauty of building your own solar system is that you can customize them to fit your needs. Solar cells typically provide 0.5V and a range of power outputs. They can be connected in series to obtain any desired output voltage in multiples of 0.5V. If you want to charge a 12V deep cycle battery for off-grid applications, you will need an 18V panel of 36 cells in series (36 x 0.5V = 18V output). You need 18V for the panel to charge the battery, even in low sunlight.
You can start small, building with one solar panel at a time and using it until you have enough money to expand.
Tips for solar energy DIY
These tools are a great starting point to help you determine if your home is ready for solar, and if not, how you can get the most out of it. While these tools are useful, they don’t take into account all the variables that your particular system needs to consider. This requires you to work directly with a solar installer who can accurately assess your solar potential and provide detailed advice, estimates and equipment expertise.
Solar power can also save you money by offsetting the cost of energy you would otherwise have to buy from the utility company. In most states, this is done through a process called net metering. Incentives vary by state, so researching your options is a key step.
Since I have started researching this topic, I have come across several great companies that offer DIY solutions for people with a wide variety of skillsets. Two companies that stand out are Jackery and Renogy. Jackery provides solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations, while Renogy offers DIY solar kits, power inverters, solar panels, along with variety of portable gear.
The final choice on the type of system you develop and the components you use are dependent on your personal needs and goals. Overall I wish you the best and I hope to share more interesting information as I find it out. If you have additional insights, please feel free to leave a comment below.
