I would like to put solar panels on my home, but they can be an expensive upfront cost. While searching on the internet I came across some sites that for a small fee you get step by step instruction on how to build your own solar panels for cheap. I can't tell if this is a scam or the real deal. Usually things that sound to good to be true are. Is there anybody out there who has used these products or knows where to get info to do this? Thanks!

Not familiar with this but I would expect that with a little internet searching you can find out how to build solar panels for 'free'. Just a guess but if the fee for this information is fairly cheap then what you are likely to get is a list of links that are already available.

There are way too many scams out there with the ease of internet information. Best to stick with your gut - if you think it's too good to be true, it likely is.

Ranks right up there with the plans to get 100 MPG, or how to use water to power your car.

"Sure Cure for the Morphine Habit," as the 1902 Sears catalog sold. Heroin, of course.

solar heat, yeah, you can homebrew that, using old water heaters or softener tanks for storage, black-painted pipe under glass, etc. and you can hink around with it every year or two when it leaks through the roof. this free paragraph ought to be enough for any DIYer to git 'er dun.

solar electricity, not so much. the cells are basically made like computer chips, except there is only one doping stage, and no cut-aparts. there is no such thing as a cheap, good battery... for this application, if you can lift it, it isn't good enough and won't last. and the inverters are not cheap. even a pure 12 or 24 volt installation is thousands of dollars, and then you find camper stuff for appliances, lights, etc.

take that web site off your Favorites list. they lie.