Building Affordable Home Solar Energy Systems

Today, many people believe that home solar energy is only useful if it is turned into electricity. At the same time, they may be missing an enormous number of methods for reducing the cost of energy in their home. Among other things, you do not need a photovoltaics panel in order to use passive solar heating systems, and many other devices.

Over the years, many books have been written on solar systems and how to build them. Even if you are not a contractor, you can study these books and purchase affordable materials. As an example, you may want to design a home cooling system. Irregardless of whether you make changes to your roof, or build a dessication system, you can take advantage of many different solar devices.

As you study these systems, you are bound to learn a great deal about materials that collect heat as well as ones that distribute it. Depending on your interests and inclinations, you may even see the potential for building a completely new product. Considering the slow rate of progress in solar energy devices, you may even find that you can obtain a patent and start your own business. As more people turn to solar products in order to seek relief from egregious fuel bills, you may find that you will be able to build a healthy trade.

Unfortunately, many houses were not built with solar energy methods in mind. That said, you can obtain renovation grants that will help you incorporate a wide range of systems. In addition, if you are planning to build a new home, this will be the perfect opportunity to make sure that your home and property are as energy efficient as possible. That said, if you buy property or a home in a community that will supply an underground thermal system, you may save as much as 50% of your current energy expenses.

Aside from this, you can use some very simple forms of technology to save money on energy every single day. In particular, you may want to build a solar cooker. For less than $10.00, you can purchase a cardboard box, tin foil, glue, poster board, mason jars, oven bags, and black spray paint. Surprisingly enough, you can build a perfectly functional solar cooker with these minimal items. If you live in Arizona, or other warm climates, you may even find that you will not need to use anything else for cooking food.

For the most part, you will find that residential solar energy technologies span a wide range of methods, products, and devices. Irregardless of where you choose to begin working with home solar energy, your ultimate goal should be complete independence from commercial energy sources. In many cases, you will find that this particular goal is more achievable than you realize. With just a little bit of research, you may even discover that you can spend less than $20.00 and still cut your energy bills by a significant amount.

DIY Solar Panels and Windmills Building Guides

Earth 4 Energy
Make your own solar panels or wind turbine.
More info here

Home Made Power Plant
There are some other guides for DIY wind and solar generators, but all of those that I've read don't get into the same details.
More info here