Being a Prepper, I love the idea of solar energy. What is not to love? It’s renewable, it’s green energy, it can lower monthly electrical expenses, and in the event of a blackout it is an independent, self-sustaining electrical supply that can keep essential appliances running. However, after hearing how much solar installers charge and the 25 year contract that is required I elected not to pursue solar energy.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to learn how one Homestead Prepper began using solar energy. The picture above is his solar panel collection. He is not a solar professional. Being fed-up with the high cost of power in his area he became more determined to figure out an affordable way to acquire solar energy.
These are the simplified steps he followed to lower his power bill:
1. Purchase solar panels the unconventional way.
Place an ad that you are interested in purchasing solar panels also watch craigslist for deals in your area. Anything under a dollar a watt is a good deal.
2. Install the solar panels where they will be exposed to the greatest amount of sunlight (southern exposure) throughout the day.
Check out this YouTube video that was made by econewpower)
3. Purchase a Grid Tie Power Inverter Converter (aka Grid Tie Inverter).
4. Connect the solar panels to the Grid Tie Inverter. Plug the Grid Tie Inverter into a standard outlet. This method stores your solar energy “on the grid”.
Note: The solar inverter has to have an automatic disconnect when the grid power goes out. That is to protect the linemen when they a trying to repair their power lines. Please seek a electrician’s help with this step.
5. If you have a Smart Meter it is hard to read how much your solar energy is helping. An Analog Meter will run backwards if you are producing more energy than you are using. Whereas, the Smart Meter will not. Be careful, if you are producing more energy using the smart meter because it charged the Homestead Prepper for the surplus. There is a cost involved to switch to an Analog Meter if your have a Smart Meter. The cost varies depending on your power company (possibly under $100). The Homestead Prepper explained to the power company that he wanted to read the meter to see how fast the wheel was turning so he could better monitor his energy usage.
The solar panels seen in the picture and inverter cost close to $5000. It lowered his wattage from 1100-1200 watts to 400-500 watts. Homestead Prepper is paying .14 a watt so by reducing his wattage by 700, he is saving $100 a month. His investment of $5000 will be paid for in just over 4 years!Y Steps to Solar Energy
Off the grid: if you wantto go completely of grid you will need an Outback Off-Grid Inverter. DIY Steps
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Hi, I have a grid tied solar system. The solar inverter has to have an automatic disconnect when the grid power goes out. That is to protect the linemen when they a trying to repair their power lines. Your article states you can hook it up yourself that would be very dangerous to the workers. You need to print a retraction and take this information down. Thanks Mike