okltsply (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I was on a forum that belongs to a store that sells solar panels and all I heard from the mods was what a nightmare it could be building your own panels and using wood because you could burn down your own house(self interest or truth?). They were talking about the wood(panel frame) twisting from heating and cooling and breaking the cells and busses causing a fire. Could anyone here who has had experience with DIY panels installed for more than a year give their opinion. Thanks.

watchyerbak (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Would've but ive only been looking into solar energy for about 3 days, thats what i found yesterday. today found 15w for $30 but its amorphous not mono, hmm

london1817 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Cool....I will check it out!!!!

london1817 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Thats what I wanted to hear today!! Thanks..........Rick.

Alexander1560 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Great video, I've made some video tutorials witch can help peoples to build their own renewable energy systems at home. 63 W solar panel and a wind turbine from an AC electric motor witch has been modified to produce electricity. If you want, you can have a look : eco-energy-systems . com . Delete the spaces to make it active. Good job uploader!

zzytrewq (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

It isn't always about being cost effective. If you draw less power from the grid, and the grid power comes from a polluting type source (i.e. coal) then you are doing your bit for the environment.Well done.

london1817 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

You should have told me sooner. That's a great deal.

watchyerbak (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Everyone search "15w solar panel" in google shopping and find the one for $40!!! Buy 3 for $120, a 7A charge controller for $25 and a 12v around $30. So thats around $175 for basically the same system at harbor freight with a battery but without the lights or crappy inverter, which can be bought cheaply online. This could easily run the most used lights in your home and save even more $. Hope I helped someone.

london1817 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Haha, Thanks...I am using 16 watt bulbs now & that small TV.......I have a wood stove ...so when the power goes out we are OK....I would like to get a solar water heater then I would be almost off the grid.........Rick.

xIntoThePitx (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

@london1817 - It's cool, I like them too. Part 2 is great, using its potential.