Author: Cooler Planet

Solar power energy systems are not inexpensive. That said it’s important to compare them within context of other types of home improvement projects. Home buyers and realtors view a solar photovoltaic or solar hot water heating system as a significant value-added improvement – similar to adding a deck or remodeling your kitchen. Plus unlike a deck or kitchen remodel, you also gain one-up on your power bills. Here are some foolproof ways to estimate the cost of a solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system and to figure out if a solar energy system makes sense for you.

This fun how to guide will show you how to make your own solar power generator for around $300 bucks. This generator will score you 100 watt-hours of energy if the 20 watt solar panel receives 5 hours per day of full sun. (4 hours of sun if you use 25 watt solar panels)

This project involves a battery so you’ll have the ability to store over 400 watts of energy. What can you do with 400 watts of energy you ask?

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, the typical U.S. household spends $1,000 to $1,500 each year on utility bills. Of this total, energy usage breaks down this way:

• Heating and cooling (50 percent of energy usage)
• Appliances and lighting (one-third of usage)
• Water heating (one-eighth of usage)

The NAHB Research Center suggests some conservation and efficiency improvements that most homeowners can undertake this summer:

Set your thermostat to a higher temperature in the summer. Or, install a programmable thermostat ($40-$100) that you can program to match the heating and cooling of your home to your own personal schedule. These units typically offer savings of 10 to 15 percent without compromising comfort.