Several individuals, groups and organizations are looking at the potential of sustainable energy resources to reduce the world’s total energy consumption, and hopefully the carbon footprint that comes with it. Many believe that we’re consuming energy at a very rapid state causing an evident depletion of our main energy resource: fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum. However, such goal usually comes with a price. Even the most ardent of environmental endeavors will need proper and substantial financial resources to at least get started.
Solar energy is one viable alternative energy resource, but the initial cost of a professional solar power system installation is very high and few households can afford it. But resourceful individuals are not discouraged. They are finding ways to bring the cost down to a reasonable level with the benefits still equal to that of professionally installed systems.
And the obvious solution, when you want to produce your own electricity from solar energy but is fazed by the hefty price tag, is to forego the professional installation fee, and build your own solar panel and mount it yourself. Amazingly, it is neither hard to find nor difficult to build your home solar energy system from a DIY solar panel kits. These DIY kits usually contain everything you will need to construct your own solar panel. The instructions are quite simple and easy to understand, and you can conveniently assemble the parts without professional knowledge or training.
If you want to build your own solar panel, there are several resources available that can provide step-by-step procedure and guide you through the process. Kits are becoming more and more affordable and efficient, and even large companies like GE are producing them, making them very accessible to hobbyists and ordinary homeowners. Because the initial investment is reduced, ROI is faster and you can enjoy the benefits longer.
Building your own solar panel is an experience in itself. It gives you the confidence that in case something goes wrong, you would at least have an idea how to fix it because you’re the one who put it together in the first place. This will translate to further savings in repair and maintenance costs. And because you’re familiar with the design and assembly information, it will be easier for you to upgrade the system by integrating new parts.
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How Durable Are Solar Powered Lights?
Solar lights are popular for power conservation and low maintenance. They are also deemed to be rather durable. So, how long will your solar powered lights last? Well, there are three factors that will influence their longevity: batteries, bulbs, and solar panels.
Batteries. Most solar lights are equipped with double or triple A rechargeable batteries powered by the sun through solar panels. As you probably know, rechargeable batteries tend to lose their recharging capability – usually within about 2 years. When you notice that your lights are not performing as they should, do not panic – most likely you just need to replace the batteries.
Bulb. Most solar powered lights in the market today use LEDs, though you still might find some with incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Generally LEDs are quoted to last about 100,000 hours; which is about 100 times more than regular bulbs. If you translate this into years, you will get roughly 10 years of normal use. And of course, unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs will not suddenly go out, but rather fade gradually. This will give you an idea of when you might want to replace them.
Solar Panel. Solar Panels typically used in solar lights are essentially silicon semiconductors. They tend to degrade due to sun exposure. However, if not directly damaged, it will take a long time for them to become unusable. You might see some solar panels functioning for 20-40 years.
Here are the conclusions I made. Out of all three factors, solar panel is the most durable and, therefore, almost a non-factor. Rechargeable batteries will fail the fastest but they are typically easily replaced to bring your solar lights back to full capacity. That leaves the bulb as the main solar powered light longevity factor. My suggestion is when the LEDs do not shine as bright as you desire, it is time to look for replacements. Good news is, in 10 years you might want to change your decor anyway.
By: Elena Lunt
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