No longer in its infancy, solar power for homes has definitely grown up in the last few years. While people have been toying with the idea of solar power for homes for a long time now, it is only recently that people have seriously started to adopt solar power for homes as an alternative method to improve upon and in some cases completely replace the general use of traditional fossil fuel based electricity.
Simply put, solar power for homes comes in three forms. Each these three plays a significant part in ensuring that the home continues to function optimally. So this basically is a guide to how you might want to introduce solar power for homes into your home.
Firstly, let’s explain how solar power for homes actually works. Solar panels are arranged in a manner designed to catch and absorb the heat from the sun. The panel transforms the heat into electricity, which is passed through an inverter, turning it into an alternating current. At this stage, the sun’s energy has been transformed into what’s now known as AC power. This type of electrical energy can then be fed into a battery where the energy is stored in a transportable format to be used at a later date wherever it may be needed.
As I said earlier, solar power for homes can be run through three different systems. Each has a different method, form and purpose.
The first is the off-grid solar power for homes system. This method is being used more frequently by new homeowners. In essence, the point is to let the use of solar power for homes be so all-encompassing that the entire energy needs are covered by the system that’s providing the solar power for homes.
As solar power for homes is still in its infancy, for now this off-grid style of solar power for homes system almost always requires good geographical positioning. Those who get more sun will find it easier to make solar power for homes work for them. In time, solar panels will become a lot more efficient at gathering energy, but for now we still require a good deal of sunlight to really power this type of system.
As the individual components become more efficient, this will become less and less the case, but for now we are in a transitional period. Many constructors are adapting to the needs of this system by doing things like building A-frame houses with south facing roofs, using energy efficient materials, incorporating extensive insulation into the walls, setting the heating systems into the center of the home, installing attic fans to cool the house from above thereby reducing air conditioning costs. These actions are designed to reduce the need for energy while maximising the building’s ability to pull in and convert the solar power for homes into usable electrical power.
The second solar power for homes system is known as the augmentation system. This method provides solar power for homes in order merely to cover the costs of an aspect of the homes’ overall electrical requirements. Here, people are only using the solar power for homes maybe to provide internal and external lighting, or in the case of many solar systems, the solar power for homes is used strictly to heat their water.
The idea for this type of solar power for homes is to cut out some of the overall costs of the traditional fossil fuel created energy usage. By installing solar power for homes in this way, the homeowner will save a significant amount from his annual electrical costs over time.
The third and final solar power for homes system is known as the Back-up system. Here, the incorporation of solar power for homes is strictly as cover in emergencies or in the event of black outs and/or power cuts.
This type of solar power for homes will switch on in the event of such an emergency, providing enough solar energy to ensure the basic functionality of the household is maintained. For example, the fridge will never defrost, heating and lighting will be maintained and the like. As such, this type of solar power for homes adds peace of mind to those who can afford it.
In the last 20 years, solar power for homes has improved dramatically. As the impending fuel crisis becomes more and more evident, people are increasingly looking for efficient yet feasible energy alternatives. They are also concerned with the environment. Of course, solar power for homes fits perfectly into their prospectus.
Eco-friendly, clean, easy to install, energy efficient and sustainable, the argument for solar power for homes is growing stronger by the day. Previously, the problem with solar power for homes was the cost. If it took 20 years to recoup the large initial outly, people were put off.
Recently, homeowners looking to install solar power for homes can now offset the overall costs with a wide variety of extensive government assisted grants, tax credits and rebates. So, although there may be an initial outlay to cover the total work required, the payback time can be as little as 5 to 7 years. After that of course, you can look forward to 25 years or more of uninterrupted free energy.
Consider all the recent hurricanes, the power cuts, the rising fuel costs, the depletion of our traditional fossil fuel supplies, and add to that the uncertainty within the banking system. Put them all together and it’s no surprise therefore that the average home owner is looking to invest in solar power for homes.
It’s like that classic cautionary tale. Teach yourself how to fish and you’ll eat for a lifetime! With solar power for homes you are investing in your own future and the future of the planet. So, make that choice and Go solar power for homes!
From Sam Deane,
your solar power for homes guide,
at www dot go solar power for homes dot com.
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Photo: istockphoto.com
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