Breakthrough System for Home Solar Power
Solar power is an alternative to the use of fossil fuels to provide the earth’s energy. Solar energy comes from the sun and is a renewable form of energy. As long as the sun continues to shine, all the energy we need can be gleaned from it to heat and cool our homes.
Solar power is collected in cells called photovoltaic cells. They literally trap the sun’s energy inside them and convert it to electricity. Now, more than one cell is needed. Several cells are placed side by side in a grid and framed to create a solar panel. Several solar panels side by side are needed to provide for the electrical needs of an average home.
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But, all of the home’s energy needs don’t have to be met by solar power. It is up to the homeowner to decide where he or she would like to start with their alternative energy source. It is best to ease into these things to see just what works best for you. If you are a part of a grid system for your electricity, then begin by replacing a few things at a time with solar power.
Solar power doesn’t have to be expensive at the beginning. Many people avoid using solar power in their homes because of the expense associated with solar home systems. Solar power can be of a few types:
• Photovoltaic
• Passive
• Concentrated Solar (power plants)
• Solar Hot Water Heaters
Photovoltaic
We have discussed photovoltaic solar power. People mount solar panels on their roof or in the yard. Through a system of wires, generators, batteries, and emergency cutoffs, the energy created by the sun is routed into the home’s AC breaker box and used to power the home. The more electricity that is created by the solar system, then less energy will be used from the grid system.
Passive
Passive solar energy doesn’t require a solar home system to work. People living in communities in New Mexico and other southwestern areas have used this method for a long time. Basically, the south facing wall of a home or office building is filled with windows to let in the light. During the day, the sun’s energy is collected inside. As the temperature cools outdoors, the energy built up during the day is slowly released to heat the home.
Some people use absorbing paint colors like black on the south facing wall to increase the solar energy absorption. This is how many people living in adobe homes long age would keep their homes warm after the temperature fell in the desert.
Concentrated
Power plants can utilize solar energy to run their turbines and generate electricity. Currently, most of them use fossil fuels to heat the water for steam turbines. With large solar collecting systems on the roof or atop towers, these power plants can generate electricity for homes and businesses on their grid with the aid of solar energy.
Solar Hot Water
Hot water is a must especially in the winter. If you’ve ever lived in a home without hot water or had the pipes burst in midwinter, you know what a commodity hot water is. Using either electricity or natural gas are the options for hot water heaters today. But, solar hot water is another choice.
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An extra hot water tank or heater is used to complete the system for solar hot water. The extra tank is placed outside in the sun where it can absorb the solar energy. Cold water flows into the tank and heated water rises to the top. The heated water eventually flows back into the main hot water heater for household uses. The cycle continues so that hot water is always available when it is needed.
Using solar power for your home is a smart idea. In the long run you save on energy bills and teach your family about conserving energy. One day, more people will catch on and more economical solar systems will become available.