| The 21st century promises to hold many new | | | | and/or others. |
| possibilities and briefly into the new millennium, | | | | 2. Is the information you are working from easy |
| we've already hit a few obstacles. The "conflict" in | | | | to understand and informative? Does it provide |
| Afghanistan & Iraq, our current economic | | | | enough information to answer all of your |
| "meltdown", and the ever rising energy crisis are | | | | questions and concerns? Can you get feedback |
| the big ones on everybody's mind. But while we | | | | and support from the author of the information? |
| may not be able to do much to influence the first | | | | Again, this ties in directly to how well your solar |
| two problems, we can do much to combat our | | | | power system will function. |
| energy needs. | | | | 3. What is the total cost of building and installing |
| Just a few short years ago when residential solar | | | | your own solar power system? DIY kits cost |
| power started drawing the attention of the main | | | | significantly less than professionally built systems |
| public; there were concerns about the cost in | | | | but will they function at the same efficiency level? |
| justifying their effectiveness. Estimates put a | | | | Costs also include things you don't normally think |
| residential solar power system in the range of | | | | about like whether you need permits to install |
| $20,000 to $60,000 and even with government | | | | such a system. Some municipalities may have |
| backed incentives; the cost was just too high. | | | | restrictions depending on your area. |
| The average time it would take to recoup the | | | | On the other hand, if you decide the only heavy |
| cost was stated to be at least 10-15 years. | | | | lifting you want to do involve your wallet, that's |
| However, the cost of living continues to go up | | | | not a problem either, as long as you do your due |
| and we can't afford to keep paying out forever. | | | | diligence and shop around. You want to find a |
| There is no better time now than to reconsider | | | | reputable company who offers residential energy |
| installing your own residential solar (or renewable | | | | systems. The phone book's a little old school but it |
| energy) system. The increase in awareness has | | | | saves you the trouble of wandering aimlessly on |
| been driving demand for alternative energy | | | | the internet. Pick out a couple of companies you |
| sources and as a result, the renewable energy | | | | want to work with. Once you do that, then the |
| industry is now one of the fastest growing | | | | real homework begins. |
| industries in the world. What that means to you is | | | | After choosing several companies, get to know |
| a system that is much more affordable than it | | | | them. Research them and see if you can find out |
| was 3 or 4 years ago. | | | | what projects they've done. Are they |
| The internet has given birth to (among many | | | | knowledgeable and professional? If you find a |
| other things) online guides, videos, and e-books all | | | | company that can't be bothered to answer your |
| on renewable energy and DIY instructions. Most | | | | questions or treat you right, then move on. Once |
| are free (some aren't) information posted by | | | | you have narrowed your choices to 3 or 4, get |
| renewable energy enthusiasts looking to create | | | | them to do a quote and consult with them. Then |
| awareness by making the information free. | | | | all that remains is to decide who you want to go |
| However, not everyone is equipped to teach | | | | with. |
| others so not every video or guide tells you | | | | Whether you do it yourself or pay someone to |
| everything. If you truly are serious about installing | | | | do it for you, installing a renewable energy |
| a solar power system, then you need to do your | | | | system for your home is a big step and the |
| research properly. | | | | important thing is to take the time to make a well |
| 1. Be honest. How skilled are you at building and | | | | informed decision. If there are folks in your |
| installing things? This is very important as it would | | | | neighbourhood who have already gone green, see |
| affect the quality and efficiency of your work and | | | | if you can get some tips and ideas from them. |
| in a worst case scenario, cause injury to yourself | | | | Research is key so good luck on that. |