...a brief look at solar technology
Learning how to generate free electricity with solar energy is not as complicated as it might seem. The tools required are common and the technical process is not overly difficult; some very basic aptitude is required however but we can get essentially free electric power.
For practical reasons, let us assume we are going to build homemade
solar panels to cover or offset our monthly hydro expenditure. How much
will it cost? What kind of power output can be expected? And will this
enable someone to live off the grid?
The basic principle of solar power is to capture the sun’s rays and
convert them to sustainable electric energy. The challenge is to
provide enough surface area or volume to catch a large enough portion
of stellar rays to be feasible as a means of alternative energy. So, is
the technology up to snuff? Can we in fact look forward to a time when
we live off the grid? And can you really build your own solar panels
that work?
The short answer is that yes we can.
Following the process outlined in the Earth4Energy kit, it is possible
to be grid free, assuming you have some free roof space and/or a
moderate size backyard to house the solar panels. I was not fond of the
backyard placement because I found that the solar panels were far too
obvious and they essentially dominated the look of my backyard.
