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One of the problems with photovoltaic (pv) solar panels is their inefficiency relative to other forms of renewable energy. In one sense this doesn’t matter very much because the source of energy – sunlight – is free. On the other hand solar home energy systems tend to take up a lot of roof space in order to provide a useful amount of electricity.  Do it yourself solar power systems are easy to make and install, and the materials don’t cost much. Nevertheless, smaller systems would be very welcome, and many solar electric companies, such as Mitsubishi, are rapidly developing residential solar energy systems that will deliver pv solar panels with both greater efficiency and lower costs.

Halving costs every eight years is now the target, at the same time achieving efficiency improvements of 25% to 30%.

One way to do this is to use a version of the magnifying glass to concentrate a greater density of solar power on the pv cells.  Known as the fresnel effect, it utilizes rows of optical lenses to concentrate light on to much smaller areas of pv material.  It has already been possible to achieve the same amount of electricity with one fortieth the size of pv cell, and this will improve further.

Some pv solar panels are beginning to use new types of polycrystalline cells which produce nearly 25% more power than present systems.  Solar power for homes will work better and cost less, and it is not confined to sunny areas either. Contrary to popular belief, pv solar panels work in available light rather than direct sunshine.  They work best in latitudes between 40 north and south, which get more overhead sun on an average day, but do work very well in countries outside these latitudes – Germany and the UK being cases in point.

Expect developments like these shortly in a solar home near you.

Turning to the vexed question of investment assistance from state and local authorities, there is now a welcome improvement in many parts of the world to fund diy home energy systems properly. For example, the EU has introduced quite ambitious targets for improving renewable energy levels by 2020 in its member states, and this has had a very positive effect on solar energy developments. As part of these improvements energy from photovoltaic sources will increase from its present average of about 1% of total energy production to a creditable 12% and, to [enable this to|make this] happen, the feed-in tariff system has been introduced in many countries to encourage and sustain renewable energy investment. Versions of this exist already in many US states.

The feed-in tariff replaces the old idea of partial grants or loans with a mandated price for energy units fed in to the national grid system. This is much more attractive for investors, and will have a great influence on getting a better home solar power system at lower cost.

Solar home energy has always been a favorite project for us, and we know that diy solar power is not only simple but is also very satisfying to make.  Yes, developments in the pipeline mean that more efficient pv cells will become available for diy solar panels in due course, but every second’s delay in building your own system NOW loses you more money as you continue to pour cash in to the utility company’s pockets.  

It really is a good idea to plan to make a home solar panel or two. If you would like some professional help and advice, along with some very good quality plans, we suggest you take a look at a kit which, incidentally, we highly recommend. It does what it says on the box, gives you great value for money, and also gives you peace of mind that you will be making the system properly. You will not regret taking our advice.

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