| I've seen my title question posted on several DIY | | | | - Attractive Alternative Energy System For Owners |
| home improvement forums lately and I believe it's a | | | | Of Rural Lots/Acreages/Farms |
| valid concern that should be addressed by | | | | - Renewable Energy Tax Credits May Be Available |
| experienced alternative energy DIYers. There's a lot | | | | DIY Wind Cons: |
| of interest in do-it-yourself kits and home made | | | | - Proximity Noise May Be A Problem For Home |
| renewable energy solutions by people from all walks | | | | Owner And Neighbors |
| of life and many of them are searching for guidance. | | | | - Spinning Blades Can Be Lethal To Birds And Tree |
| Those who are venturing into home-built off grid | | | | Squirrels |
| solar energy and wind power solutions for the first | | | | - Subject To Damage Or Collapse From Severe Wind |
| time should realize that, like everything else, these | | | | Conditions |
| systems have up and downsides that need to be | | | | - Requires Open Space Free Of Trees And Utility |
| considered. This article briefly reviews some of these. | | | | LInes To Operate |
| The list below covers some of the major pros and | | | | - Sufficient Yard Area Needed For Stabilizing |
| cons surrounding home solar energy and wind power | | | | Guy-Wires |
| generators (excluding the obvious and tediously | | | | - Proximity Hazards If Improperly Grounded |
| overstated points that these systems utilize | | | | - Regular Maintenance Required |
| renewable energy, don't pollute while operating and | | | | - Power Output Limited By Turbine Size/Power Train |
| reduce carbon footprints.): | | | | Adequacy |
| DIY Solar Pros: | | | | - A Basic Understanding Of Mechanics And Physics |
| - Noiseless Operation | | | | Needed |
| - Safe To Be Near Properly Installed Panels | | | | - Not Suitable To All Locations - Consistent Wind |
| - Relatively Easy To Build And Install With Basic | | | | Days Required |
| Understanding Of Electricity And Wiring | | | | - Not Popular With Some People Due To Noise And |
| - Downloadable Technical Guides And Online Support | | | | Hazard Potential |
| Available For DIYers | | | | - Permit And Inspection Required In Most Locales |
| - Minimal Maintenance Required | | | | It's important to understand the pros and cons of |
| - Minimal Space Requirements/Good Sense Use Of | | | | these renewable home energy applications and the |
| Roof Areas | | | | significance of proper construction and installation. For |
| - Low Cost Recycled Components Available | | | | many experienced do-it-yourself enthusiasts the pros |
| - Good Power Output With Multiple PV Panels | | | | of both solar and wind power outweigh the cons and |
| - Time Tested, Proven And Popular Technology | | | | drives the spirit of experimenting with alternative |
| - Renewable Energy Tax Credits May Be Available | | | | home energy technology. For the first-timer the cons |
| DIY Solar Cons: | | | | can certainly be challenging and quite daunting, but |
| - Basic Understanding Of Wiring And Electricity | | | | learning new skills and applying them for one's benefit |
| Needed | | | | is what DIY is all about. If you are a DIYer (seasoned |
| - Requires Consistent Direct Sunlight Away From | | | | pro or brand new) with the motivation to reduce or |
| Shaded Areas | | | | eliminate your dependence on public utilities, and you |
| - Subject To Hail & Bird Damage/Breakage | | | | are up to the challenges, then building and installing |
| - Not Well Suited For Long Winter Northern Climes | | | | your own solar and/or wind energy systems can be |
| (Limited Daylight/Heavy Snow Removal) | | | | a highly rewarding project. The best advice one can |
| - Multiple Panels Needed To Fully Power House And | | | | give is to do your homework, create a well planned |
| Maintain Charged Batteries | | | | system design and seek out help when you need it. |
| - Roof Mounted Solar Panels May Lower House | | | | There are several very good and inexpensive DIY |
| Resale Value | | | | solar energy and wind power guides available on the |
| - Permit And Inspection Required In Most Locales | | | | web which will lead you step-by-step through your |
| DIY Wind Pros: | | | | project. I urge everyone who wants to build and |
| - Relatively Easy To Build And Install With Basic | | | | install their own home energy system to select a |
| Understanding Of Mechanics/Electricity | | | | guide, study it well and use it as the foundation of |
| - Downloadable Technical Guides And Online Support | | | | their project. Two of the popular guides that I |
| Available For DIYers | | | | recommend are linked below for your convenience. |
| - Can Be Built From Low Cost New And Recycled | | | | These are two of the best in terms of detailed |
| "Other Use" Components | | | | instruction and video quality but there other ones on |
| - Good Power Output Attainable | | | | the web which you may prefer. Be safe, be smart |
| - Time Tested, Proven Technology | | | | and most of all enjoy your DIY home energy |
| - Does Not Detract From House Curb Appeal/Resale | | | | projects. |
| Value | | | | |