By Admin, on March 19th, 2011%
 Solar Water Heater
Did you know that you can heat your water at home using the power of the sun? It’s true. With a solar powered water heater, you can have all the hot water you need without having to pay exorbitant power bills for that electric water heater of yours.
Harness the power of the sun and heat your water through hot water solar panels. A solar water heater is easy to build and inexpensive to install and yet the savings are appreciable.
Why not do your part in helping the environment and your budget and look into heating your water with the sun. Check out our article Hot Water Solar Panels today!
By Admin, on January 21st, 2011%
If you have decided that solar for homes will work for your particular situation, you need to considering the process of choosing a solar contractor.
The article, Solar for Homes – How to Choose a Solar Contractor is a great resource for information on how to choose and work with a solar contractor.
Learn why it is important to check local codes before installing a solar power system as well as 7 questions to ask your prospective solar contractor before hiring him or her.
As energy prices continue to rise, solar for homes is becoming more viable for the typical homeowner. Take a moment and learn more about the processing of choosing a good solar contractor to help with the design and installation of a new solar power system.
By Admin, on July 11th, 2010%
 Solar Power Basics
Are you interested in solar for home use, but don’t quite understand solar power basics?
Hopefully, this article will address some of your pressing questions so you better understand how solar power works.
Solar Power Basics – How is Solar Electricity Produced?
The first thing to cover in solar power basics is how solar electricity is produced. Solar electricity is produced by changing the sun’s light into power by way of the photovoltaic effect or the PV effect.
Continue reading Solar Power Basics – What is it and How Does it Work
By Admin, on July 7th, 2010%
 Solar Power Cell
Solar power cells are the workhorse of any solar electric system. These wonderful solar cells convert the sun’s energy into DC voltage by way of photovoltaics.
When light energy strikes a solar cell, electrons are knocked loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material. On the solar cell, electrical conductors are connected to the positive and negative sides forming an electrical circuit capturing the electrons, thus generating electricity.
Solar Power Cells – Humble Beginnings
Solar power cells had their humble beginnings at Bell Labs, where researcher Daryl Chapin was hoping to find a way to operate Bell telephones in remote locations. Chapin was a solar enthusiast, so he decided to explore the possibilities of solar power. Eventually by 1954, through the collaboration of Chapin and two of his colleagues—Gerald Pearson and Calvin Fuller, the team developed a silicon based solar cell.
Solar Power Cells – Let it Shine!
Now, solar power cells are being used quite extensively. They have found their way to the United States Space program, where they have been used since the late 1950’s. You will also find solar power cells powering everything from calculators, satellites, road signs, billboards, cars, and homes.
Solar Power Cells – There is Power in Numbers
A single solar cell can’t do much on its own; however, when they are connected together to form a panel, solar cells are able to work together to generate enough power to make them feasible for use. These solar power panels are then connected together to form arrays or groups, and it through these arrays that enough power can be generated for a typical home’s requirements.
Benefits of Using Solar Power Cells
There are many benefits associated with utilizing solar power electric systems to power homes, buildings and other things.
- First of all, solar power is not diminished by harvesting it. Solar power is a renewable resource. There is going to be plenty of solar energy tomorrow as well!
- Every day enough solar energy falls on the Earth to supply all the world’s energy needs for 4-5 years. There is plenty of solar energy to go around.
- Aside from setup and installation costs, solar power electric systems are relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain.
- The use of solar power electricity reduces the amount of green house gas emissions. Fossil fuels are used in the generation of conventional power, and it is the burning of fossil fuels which contributes to green house gas emission.
- For homeowners, having a solar electric system can add value to their homes. It is estimated that for every $1.00 saved annually in utility bills, it adds $20.00 to the home’s value. That is significant! The homeowner can be confident that the investment in solar electricity will be well spent.
- Finally, for remote areas that either have no electrical service or have unreliable electrical service, solar electric systems are a great way to get reliable power.
Isn’t it Time to Start Using Solar Power at Your Home?
From their humble beginnings, solar power cells have come a long way. Through technological advancement, solar cells have become more efficient and less expensive to produce. Solar power cells are definitely the workhorse of any solar electric system, and when they “pull” together, they can power just about anything! For additional information, you may want to read our post of interesting solar energy facts.
By Admin, on July 6th, 2010%
 Solar Energy Facts
There are many interesting solar energy facts that clearly demonstrate the viability of solar for home use. First of all, the sun is one of our greatest sources of energy. Life on earth is sustained and fueled by the light and heat from the sun.
Did you know that the sun produces approximately 3850 Zettajoules (ZJ) per year? Suffice it to say that that is a bunch of potential power!
The absolute beauty of solar power is that the sun’s energy is limitless and emits no gases into the atmosphere.
This is just the beginning of all the solar energy facts that make solar generated power a great alternative to conventional power generation methods.
Continue reading Solar Energy Facts – 15 Things You Should Know About Solar Power
By Admin, on July 3rd, 2010%
 Solar Electric Panels
Solar electric panels are the core element of a solar electric system. Solar panels are composed of many individual solar cells. These solar cells convert the sun’s energy into electricity by way of photovoltaics.
Photovoltaics is a process that breaks apart the electrons from the atoms striking the semiconductor material. The electrons are then collected to generate electrical DC power. The power then passes through an inverter, which changes it to AC power that can be used in a home.
Continue reading Solar Electric Panels
By Admin, on July 3rd, 2010%
Solar for home use is becoming more and more attainable for most homeowners as costs have decreased steadily over the last 15 years.
More over, home solar systems are eligible for many federal, state, local, and utility financial incentives that can help reduce the up-front installation costs by 40% to 50% or even more.
One major act of legislation that has had a significant impact on the growth of solar for home use is the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
This piece of legislation establishes a 30% tax credit for 8 years for properties placed in service after December 1, 2008. Secondly, this law allows utilities to benefit from the credit, and finally, it allows Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and individuals, to claim the credit.
Solar for Home Use – Five Reasons it Makes Sense
- The obvious reason is savings on your utility bills. With rising energy costs, solar power is a great way to reduce one’s dependence on power companies.
- Secondly, solar power will keep your home up and running during power outages. This is particularly advantageous if you live in an area that is subject to frequent power outages due to hurricanes or heavy snows.
- A home which utilizes solar power has a higher resale value. It is estimated that every $1.00 in annual utility bill savings results in a $20.00 increase in your home’s value. It is also estimated that solar homes sell up to two times fasters than homes without solar power.
- Solar power is a clean, reliable, renewable, free power source which can be enjoyed up to 30 years with most solar power systems. A solar electric system can significantly reduce greenhouse emissions as well. An average two-person home emits around 41,500 pounds of greenhouse gases per year. Furthermore, solar electric power reduces America’s dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
- Finally, solar for home use helps boost the economy by creating jobs and new solar companies.
How Much Will Solar for Home Use Cost?
 Solar For Home Use
It is estimated that solar for home use costs approximately $8.00 per watt installed. So, a typical 3-kilowatt residential solar electric system would cost around $24,000. Costs vary depending on the system size and rating as well as installation conditions.
Take Advantage of Solar for Home Use Rebates
It is important to note that costs of installation, after rebates and incentives, could be reduced as much as 50% depending on your particular state. For more information check out www.dsireusa.org for rebate information for your particular state.
Now, even $12,000.00 may sound like a lot of money to spend on solar power; however, a typical solar electric system will last 30 years and will pay for itself in 4 years after tax credits and rebates. So that means you will be enjoying free electricity for years to come, once you recoup your initial investment.
Isn’t it Time to Consider Solar for Home Use?
If you have been considering solar for home use, perhaps now is the time to go solar. Now, more than ever, solar electric systems are more attractive due to falling costs and increasing efficiency. This coupled with the rebates and incentives makes solar for home use a home run! For more information, be sure and check out our post on solar energy facts.
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