How to Lower Electricity Bills Through Solar Energy

By installing solar panels on your home you can save money on your electricity bill. Panels can be installed on the roof, on the side of the home or as solar energy generator. Panels on top of the house are best used in summer, and panels on the side of the home are best in the winter. A generator can be used all year long.

1. Buy a small solar panel. RV and
   boating supply stores carry small solar panels. An eight by 24-inch
   solar panel provides a sixteen volt capacity, which can power most
   any household appliance.


2. Buy a 12-volt battery for your
   solar energy generator. A car battery will not be strong enough for
   your needs. A 12-volt lead/acid or gel battery is stronger and
   designed for continual use.


3. Buy a DC input. DC inputs are sold
   at electronic stores. A DC input provides enough power to run fans,
   lights, hair dryers, microwaves and vacuums. Many electrical
   appliances come with DC input cords that can attach directly into
   the generator box.


4. Purchase an inverter box. Running
   AC appliances will require an inverter box, and convert the DC power
   to AC power. Count the total number of watts you will be using
   before buying the box, so you know what size inverter to buy.


5. Attach the DC input and meter to
   the box. Use insulated wire to connect the meter and the terminals
   on the battery. Connect the negative (-) pole first. Also, make sure
   that you only touch one wire at a time. Connect the DC inlet to the
   battery, then the solar panel to the battery using the same method.