Residential Solar Power – The Green Alternative

It’s an undeniable fact that fossil fuels won’t be available indefinitely because after all, fossil fuels are not a renewable form of energy. Furthermore, because of our absolute dependence on fossil fuels, studies suggest they may well be depleted a lot sooner than we first thought possible. It’s hardly surprising then that so many home owners are turning to residential solar power in order to heat and cool their properties.

For many, the first thing that comes to mind when we think about solar panels, are big hideous panel attached to one’s roof. However, technology has come a long way since those early days and today; the average solar panel is far better looking, thanks to sleek new designs.

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While many people choose to mount solar panels on the roof, they can in fact be mounted in a variety of ways. Nowadays one can even buy solar panels which resemble actual roof shingles and are therefore more aesthetically pleasing than conventional panels. Furthermore, If you’d rather not have panels installed on your roof, they can be mounted on a post in a suitable area of the yard.

Advantages of Solar Power

Perhaps the biggest benefit for home owners is the fact that it’s a renewable energy, not to mention the fact that excess power can be stored for use on days when there’s not much sunshine.

In this case, electricity which is created from the photovoltaic cells in the panels, is stored in a deep cycle battery in order to provide your home with electricity on very cloudy days.

In essence, solar energy can provide the following benefits:

1. It can be used either off the grid or in conjunction with grid supplied power
2. It’s the ideal solution for remote areas which are off the grid
3. It reduces or even eliminates electricity bills
4. It instills a sense of responsibility as far as energy consumption is concerned

Most importantly of all, you don’t need to choose one or the other. To the contrary, staying connected to the grid is probably in your best interests, at least until you’ve had a chance to determine just how well solar power meets your needs.

Solar Power Systems

For the most part, residential solar power systems don’t come cheap although admittedly, you can easily save a fortune if you’re willing to build your own. Another point which home owners need to be aware of, is the fact that solar panels should ideally be kept clean in order to maintain maximum efficiency.

One of the first choices a homeowner needs to make, is whether or not they want to go completely off the grid, or if they want a system that works in conjunction to the grid.

Grid Inter-Tied Systems

In homes which are powered by electricity from the grid, power from the solar power system can be fully integrated. In other words, power coming from the system is converted into regular AC power before entering the home via the breaker board. Any electricity generated by your system will automatically reduce your electric bills and in some cases, there’ll be enough to actually make your meter spin backwards.

Deep Cycle Backup Battery

For anyone who is serious about becoming independent from grid supplied power, a backup battery is essential simply because it allows one to store excess power for use on days when there’s inadequate sunshine.

Comprehensive Solar Systems

Essentially, this is the system most people would consider if they live in remote parts of the country where there simply isn’t any grid supplied power. Of course, if a battery is incorporated into the system, power can be saved for days when the sun remains trapped behind the clouds. On the other hand, if no battery is used, power may be non-existent on such days.