[Rachel]

i need to cut down on electricity bills, and so i was wondering if someone could give me step-by-step instructions on how to build an electricity generating solar panel.

[jason]

Not really solar panels, but I've seen people run tubes on top of the roof to warm up the water in the sun.

I have heard that you used to be able to get defective and broken solar cells from manufactures. These are usually cosmetically blemished, cracked or chipped. The problem with that is each cell could have different voltages and current characteristics. This will require A LOT of work to put them together. You would need to measure the voltage and currents, solder them together. You really need to know your electric stuff.

You could try building a wind turbine. They require more maintenance then solar panels however. Some neighborhoods may not allow them either.

Batteries do tend to cost a bit though. So that is another cost to consider.

Me, personally? I would start with the little things. Make sure you have proper insulation. Replace any old windows with Low E double pane glass ones, or buy some solar film. Replace light bulbs with CFL's. The weather is nice this time of year, turn off the AC and open up the doors and windows. Fix any air leaks around doors and windows, along with any outlets in the walls. Some power companies offer to come to your home and point out any energy saving ideas for your house. Sometimes they do this for a fee sometimes it is for free, depending on where you live.

[lorie]

I'd like to do the whole solar powered thing but it seems expensive for me at this point, although I'd love to do it in the future. I think you're right Jason about starting with the little things. I think it would be easier for me personally to do that and then build up to something like a green powered house.

[Alfred]

I've thought about using a solar water heating system just to use the power of the sun to warm the water for baths and for the washing machine. That would save us a lot of money.