You’re about to discover a new way to harness solar power that may surprise you. This is a review post on the popular Backyard Revolution program.
If you’re like me, you cringe every time you open the electric bill. In the summer, I dread opening the envelope because I know the havoc my air conditioner has caused to my electricity usage. I’m so tired of paying hundreds of dollars a month for a basic life necessity.
For years I’ve wanted to get solar panels, but the price is just absurd. Who has $20,000 lying around to buy and have such a system installed? Not me, that’s for sure. That’s why when I heard about Backyard Revolution, I was more than interested.
The premise behind Backyard Revolution is to provide you the ability to build yourself a solar panel system in less than two hours for around $200. You don’t need a backyard, and it cuts more than 50% of your current utility bill costs. I thought the same thing you are; it’s too good to be true.
How could such a seemingly simple system possibly work? Is this a legitimate thing that I could do? The skeptic in me had to know. I began researching Backyard Revolution to learn what it is the seller is offering, how it works, and whether or not I should go for it.
What Is Backyard Revolution?
After a scary home invasion during a blackout a few years ago, the creator, Zack Bennett, decided that he and his family would never again be victims of a power failure. He did a lot of research on renewable energy, which is how he discovered a 2012 study put out by MIT.
The study explained a different way of using solar panels to absorb more energy in less space. Instead of flat, rooftop installation, the model was built vertically with zig-zagged panels at an angle. The design saved space and was still able to receive full sun exposure.
After a couple of years of trial and error, the creator perfected the design and built the system for $207.12. The unit is portable, lightweight and can get placed in an area as small as 10 square feet. There is also no maintenance required.
As people heard about this new way to harness solar power, the creator was overwhelmed with people wanting to know how to build one for themselves. Eventually, he decided to put together a detailed program with both written and video instructions on how to construct it.
That program is what Backyard Revolution sells.
The Program
According to their website, anyone can build their system in two hours or less. The program provides blueprints, a step-by-step video, a materials shopping list, and one year access to Backyard Revolution via email for any questions you may have.
To sweeten the deal, they include these freebies with your program purchase: “How to Protect Your Homestead in Case of an EMP,” “How to Build Your Energy Stockpile,” and “Alternative Electric Energy Sources for Your Homestead.” There is also an additional secret gift after purchase, which I know to be a tactical flashlight.
The system sells for $17. Other sites may say more, but if you search Backyard Revolution Official, you’ll find it for the lowest price there. The best selling feature to me is the 60-day no questions asked money-back refund. It takes the risk and the uncertainty right out of the picture.
Pros and Cons
I decided to make a list weighing the benefits against the downfalls regarding the Backyard Revolution program and system. Here’s what I came up with:
Pros
- You’ll still have power even if the electrical grid goes down.
- The tutorial is easy to follow.
- The system can get constructed in hours.
- It has a small footprint.
- You can reduce your energy bills by 50% or more.
- It’s quiet.
- No maintenance is needed.
- It’s portable.
- You’ll be using green energy, which is good for the planet.
- The zig-zag pattern eliminates the massive energy waste of traditional panels.
- You’ll have email support for a year.
Cons
- It only creates energy in the sunlight. You’ll still need to use the electrical grid part of the time.
- Backyard Revolution is only a guide to building the unit you’re not buying the unit itself.
- The materials to put together the system need to be purchased separately and may cost far more than the $200 the program states.
- There is debate over whether the actual unit can produce as much or more energy than a traditional rooftop system.
- You have to assemble the system yourself. The program claims it is simple, but some may find it challenging.
- There are utility companies that won’t permit individuals to generate more than a certain amount of electricity.
- An inverter is required to make the system usable.
- There is a chance you’ll need to get approval before building either legally, from your insurance, or both.
Is It For You?
Whether or not you purchase the program will depend on many factors. There are some key questions you need to ask yourself before you decide to take out your credit card.
Would you prefer to hire someone to do the work, or are you happy to take on a DIY project? If you want to hire out, you should either go with a traditional system or hire someone to construct this system for you. If you opt to DIY or hire someone to build this system, it’s a viable purchase option for you.
Are you interested in homesteading or getting off the electrical grid? If so, the Backyard Revolution program is a great place to start. It is much cheaper than traditional panel systems and can quickly get you off-grid if you build multiple systems or have a small home.
Do the potential for blackouts or localized power outages concern you? This system is a good back up option in case the power goes out. If you’re not worried about outages, you may not need this program.
Can you afford to purchase a battery backup for the system? That is a requirement if you want to run solely off the energy produced by the system. Depending on your house size, this can be costly. If you cannot get a battery, the system will only be working for you in daylight.
Is taking care of the planet a priority for you? Having a solar-powered home, even if only partially solar, will help the Earth by using renewable energy. The program offers a cost-effective way to help our environment.
What Others Are Saying
I have scoured the internet for reviews from actual users of the program who built the system. Unfortunately, all I could find was a lot of videos and articles about the program by people who’ve either never purchased it or never assembled the system.
There was one video showing someone using the system. However, it only showed a person plugging in a few different small electronics into a tabletop size system with no commentary.
My Conclusion
The concept of the Backyard Revolution is fantastic. Saving money every month, little upfront cost, it’s good for the planet, and you will never be without power in a grid crisis.
The program provides all of the necessary information you need to purchase the supplies and build the new solar system. If you encounter problems or have questions, you can reach out for support via email throughout the process.
Even without finding user-specific reviews on the product, I would still be comfortable making the purchase. It is a no-risk investment with the 60-day money-back guarantee that they provide.
