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Solar electric systems generate electricity silently and without any moving parts. Sunlight is collected in the solar panels to generate DC electricity. That DC electricity is converted into AC electricity for residential use by the inverter. The AC electricity is fed into your electric meter and circuit breaker panel. The electricity then goes either to your appliances and lights, or is fed back into the grid, or both.

There are two types of solar electric systems: off-grid and grid- interconnected. Off-grid solar electric systems have no connection to the electricity utility grid and use batteries to power your home when conditions are not favourable for the solar systems alone, for example, on a cloudy day or during adverse weather conditions.

Grid-interconnected systems connect the solar electric system to the utility grid. This means that when there is not sufficient sunlight to power your home, electricity is drawn from the grid. When a surplus of solar energy is produced, the power is fed back into the utility grid to be used by other customers.

Grid-interconnected systems are less complex, they tend to be easier to install and less expensive because they do not need batteries. Off-grid solar heating systems are often used where there is no existing electrical service and by those who wish to have complete independence from the grid.

One of the drawbacks of off-grid systems is the inefficiencies of charging and discharging the batteries. They tend to be less efficient than grid-interconnected systems.

Being connected to the utility grid is also more efficient because off-grid systems must store the energy, as in the
batteries. If you are connected to the grid the utility company stores the energy for you. The utility company keeps track of the energy you use on an hourly basis. On a sunny day you can produce more energy than you are using, so can build up credits. Ideally, the aim of your solar electric system is to produce as much power over the year as you use or more to build up credits.

At night or during cloudy weather, the solar electric system’s output is reduced or even stopped. Your home will then gets it’s electricity from the utility grid. As you are always connected to the grid you will have as much power as you need, when you need it, regardless of how much energy your system has managed to produce. If your system produces an excess of energy your meter will spin backwards, counting down your energy bill.

Depending on your energy company, special metering and billing arrangements can help you take advantage of higher daytime rates, allowing you to sell power at a high rate and buy it back at night at a lower rate. This can not only save you money but reduce the size of your solar electric system.

The advantages of installing a solar electric system are many – from money saving, environmental factors and independence. However, before you buy a grid-connected system, make sure you choose a good installer, one who has experience in this field and one who is familiar with your utility company’s regulations and interconnection requirements. Your installer should be able to provide everything you need in order to run your system.

A solar swimming pool heating system can easily heat your pool to your required temperature while helping you save money on your energy bill. A solar pool heater is powered from the sun and once installed is almost maintenance free – and costs nothing to run.

Although some solar pool heaters work differently, most cycle the cold water from your pool through solar panels. These panels capture energy from the sun and use this free energy to warm the water before cycling it back into your swimming pool, ready for use. A solar pool heating system can significantly lengthen the season for using your pool.

Another type of swimming pool solar heating system is a solar pool blanket. A solar pool blanket is one of the more widely used pool heating systems. In-ground solar pool blankets are covered with thousands of tiny sealed air pockets which act as insulators as well as heat transmitters. They capture heat from the sun and transfer it into the pool water, raising the temperature by up to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time , the special design of the pool blankets reduce evaporation, thereby preventing water and heat loss. Pool blankets are available in a variety of thickness and size to suit most pools.

For those with an above-ground pool, you can still have a solar heater. An above-ground pool can have a ‘roof top’ cover. This type of cover sits on the roof of your home while collecting energy. This has the advantage of being unobtrusive.

Another type of solar powered pool heater is a dome. These are usually made up of vinyl and aluminum. They provide a complete enclosure to your pool, preventing heat loss and also helping keep your pool clean. Pool domes are easy to put up and take down and require very little work once installed.

Solar sun rings are another form of solar pool heating. These are made up of two layers of UV resistant vinyl. The top clear layer holds insulating air and also serves to focus sunlight on the bottom blue layer. This blue layer absorbs about half of the sunlight, converting it into heat energy. Several of these rings are used together and sit on the surface of the swimming pool. This creates an insulating blanket to cover 70 to 80 percent of the pool’s surface. They are highly efficient and easier to handle than the solar blankets.

In addition to the above, you can also use solar pills. These go in your pump basket and release a swimmer-friendly compound which spreads across the surface of the water, forming an invisible shield which inhibits heat evaporation. Solar pills work for 24 hours per day and last for up to 30 days. Although solar pills are very convenient, they are only about 60 percent as effective as solar blankets.

With so many different types of pool solar heating systems, it is easy to find one that suits both your pool and your pocket. Once having chosen your solar heater you can start harnessing the sun’s free energy quickly and easily, saving you significant amounts on your energy bills. You can enjoy an extended swimming season knowing that heating your pool with solar energy is not harming the environment as well as saving money.

With ever increasing energy costs and concerns about the environmental damage to the atmosphere due to the use of fossil fuels, more people are looking for an alternative energy source to power their homes. One such low cost and green alternative is to use solar power lights.

Most of us think of using solar power to supply the inside of our homes with electricity, but solar power energy is just as beneficial outside our homes as inside. Lighting is one area that consumes a lot of energy.

Here are 3 best ways to use solar power lighting at home.

Solar indoor lighting is a great solution to a variety of applications. Indoor solar lighting has many benefits. It is easy to install and requires very little maintenance. As long as you have a good location for the solar panel to be mounted to your roof, solar lighting in your home will soon start to save you money.

Installing solar powered lighting in your home is not just a good investment in energy-efficient lighting, but also an investment in the environment.

Using solar lighting outdoors has many advantages over conventional lighting for several reasons. Because there is no wiring involved, solar lights can be placed anywhere, so long as they have access to sunlight to charge during the day. This makes them ideal for use all around the outside of your home.

One important use for solar lighting is security and safety. Have you ever come home late and not been able to see your front path? Or not be able find the lock to put your key in? Solar powered flood lights not only provide you with a safe route in and around your garden, but offer a security system to deter intruders. They can reduce the risk of falls by lighting stairways, walkways, dark areas and pools. They are also a means of lighting sheds, garages or other out buildings that may not have a conventional power supply.

Outdoor solar lights, as their name implies, use the sun as their power source. During the day solar panels collect energy from the sun and charge the rechargeable batteries included with each outdoor light. At night, these lights will turn on automatically to provide light. On a full charge, these solar lights can run for 8 or more hours. When the sun rises, Solar powered lights will automatically turn off. This means when you come home in the dark, your lights will already be on for you and turned off by daylight.

Another excellent use of solar power lighting is landscape lighting for your garden. Garden lights can transform your garden and highlight particular features, such as trees, ponds and arches. Most solar lights sold today provide brighter white light through using the powerful technology of light-emitting diodes or LEDs. Outdoor solar lighting is very versatile and can be used anywhere outside.

Decorative lights for your garden come in many different styles, colors and designs. As there is no wiring, you are only limited by your imagination and the cost.

The problem with traditional lighting is that once you have spent time with all the wiring, you can not alter it around or add to it easily. You also have the problem of tripping over it or cutting through wires with the lawn mower. Not to mention wild animals that always seem to find your carefully hidden wires.

With solar power lights you are in control: you are free to add more lights whenever you like or move your existing ones to new locations on a whim. You can create ambiance late in the evening around your pool or patio area. Evening entertaining takes on a whole new light with solar lighting.

So, whether you choose solar power lighting for inside your home or for security and safety, or landscape lighting, it will provide you with an economical and environmentally friendly way to light your home.

The benefits of solar power energy in terms of lower energy bills and a cleaner environment are attracting more and more people to think about installing their own renewable source of electricity.

Solar panels for homes are also known as photovoltaic, or PV systems. They work by converting sunlight into electrical energy. Each solar panel is composed of a group of solar cells made of a semi-conductive material. This is usually crystalline silicon, which absorbs sunlight very efficiently.

The solar panels are made up in layers. Most of these panels have a protective layer at the top, a few layers of conductive cells, and a bottom layer of polymer backing.

Solar power panels can produce enough electricity in ideal conditions, to meet the requirements of an average home. They can heat the water, power the lights and appliances and heat your home. As well as power air conditioners to keep it cool.

How effective your home solar panel is depends on your location. Solar power panels for residential use are placed on whichever side of your house gets the most exposure to the sun. However, if your home does not get an average of 6 hours steady sunlight, you may not be able to produce sufficient power for all your needs.

Most homes opt for a grid-interconnected system. This allows you to be connected to the conventional grid to draw power from when you have a short fall. On the other hand if you manage to produce an excess of power, you can sell this back to your energy company in the form of credits.

Most of the work of installing a solar panel on your home is preparation. In most cases you will need to obtain building permits. If you do decide to be grid-interconnected, you will need to contact your energy company.

Once having decided to install a home solar panel, you have two choices. Do you fit it yourself or have a professional installer? Choosing to fit your solar panel yourself will certainly save on the cost. There are now many good DIY kits, manuals and self help DVDs on the market or Internet. All the materials required to build your own home solar panel are more readily available and Solar panel prices have started to come down.

One disadvantage of installing a solar panel yourself is that it leaves little room for error. If not properly installed, you run the risk of damage to your roof and fire if not electrically connected properly.

If however, you prefer to have a professional installer, there are now many companies experienced in this field. The advantage of having it installed for you are that you get the complete package from design to maintenance, with little involvement from you.

There are many advantages to investing in solar panels for home use. The obvious cost savings and environmental factors are only two. It has been shown that having solar powered energy in your home can actually increase it’s value. This could make the initial outlay well worthwhile. And once installed you will no longer need to rely entirely on conventional electrical sources again.

Fortunately, there is good news for those who feel confident to have a go themselves. There is now much information on the net, good manuals and DIY kits. Increased availability of solar heating system materials and lowering costs have made solar panel installation a project that can be done yourself.

Many companies are now competing in the solar panel parts market. It looks like the DIY market is getting cheaper and growing faster as the technology becomes much more accessible.

Constructing your own solar panel costs much less because you will not have to pay for professional solar panel installation. You will, however, have to get instructional materials that will teach you how to get your solar panel system assembled and running. These are readily available on the net, book store or through DVDs. Many people have successfully built their own solar panels using such resources and greatly reduced their electricity consumption and bills. There are some highly recommended guides that provide easy-to-follow instructions.

Once having built your solar panel, you will probably want to install it yourself too. This is because installing the photovoltaic cells is quite a manageable task and the materials are readily available.

The majority of work when installing your own solar panel on your home is preparation. You will need to obtain building permits in many cases. You will also need to research where to place your solar panels for maximum efficiency. A solar survey expert could do this for you. You also need to decide if you wish to be grid-tied. If so you need to contact your energy company.

Being grid-tied can be highly beneficial, as it means you can use the grid as a back up supply if your solar system does not produce enough electricity. This can happen on cloudy days or in higher than average use. It also means you can sell back any excess energy to your supplier in the form of credits.

If you don’t feel confident enough to install your own solar panel, there are now many commercial solar panel installers that can fit solar panels to your roof. The advantages to having a professional install your solar panels is that you get the complete package. They will quote you a price before they begin work so you know exactly what you are getting in to.

Your installer will take care of everything from design to maintenance. Your involvement is minimal, but this comes at a price. Despite the competition in the market between companies, few solar panel installers are willing to lower their prices due to overheads.

Unlike the DIY market, prices remain high and unlikely to come down for some time. You should be able to find an installer in your area, but recommendation is always preferable. Look out for solar panels on neighborhood roofs and ask the owners about their experiences.

The main reason for DIY solar panel installation is cost and although it can be very successfully done, it leaves very little room for errors. You can damage your home, especially the roof if your panels are not properly installed. There is also the risk of fire and explosions from wiring and battery banks.

So unless you feel completely confident about installing your solar panels it may be best to seek expert advice. In any event, the final connections to your meter should always be carried out by a professionally qualified electrician.

When selecting a solar hot water heating system, there are several factors that need to be considered. These include; system design, geographic location, collector direction and collector size. These will determine the amount of energy that can be provided for domestic hot water heating. Most solar hot water heating systems have a back-up water heater such as electricity or gas.

Solar hot water heating systems are made up of insulated storage tanks to store the hot water and solar panels called collectors. A collector is fixed to the roof of a house or building or on a wall facing the sun. This will heat the water using solar energy.

The collectors accumulate the heat from the sun and use this heat to warm water, which in turn is stored in the hot water cylinder. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet connected to and from the collector.

There are two types of solar heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive which don’t. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank. The running water can be pumped through the heating system as an active system or can be driven by normal convection as in a passive system.

There are three types of solar collectors that are used for residential, domestic applications. These are; Flat- plate collectors, integral collector-storage systems and evacuated-tube solar collectors.

Flat-plate collectors work by absorbing the solar radiation into glazed flat plates. These are made of a weatherproofed outer metallic box covered with a glass or plastic sheet on top. Inside the water is carried through dark, flat metallic absorber sheets that are partly coated with built in channels or riser tubes and are connected to copper pipes. The absorber absorbs the solar radiation and transmits the heat to the flowing water.

Integral collector-storage systems include one or more black tanks or tubes in a weatherproofed, glazed black box. Initially cold water passes through the solar collector, which preheats the water. The water then flows into the standard backup water heater, thus offering a reliable source of hot water. These heaters should be installed during mild-freeze climates only, as the outdoor pipes may possibly freeze in severe cold weather conditions.

Evacuated tube collectors are made up of a pair of transparent borosillicate glass tubes. These are evacuated to provide insulation. Each tube contains a glass outer tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The coating of the fin absorbs solar energy while preventing heat loss. These types of collectors are mainly used for commercial use in the US.

Solar hot water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days or to cover increased demand. Conventional storage water heaters usually provide backup and may be part of the solar power package. The proper installation of solar water heaters is vital. So it is important to do some research on the factors already mentioned. You should also investigate local codes, covenants and regulations regarding the installation of solar heating systems. And screen your chosen contractor carefully to make sure they have the right experience for the job.

Perhaps it is cost that attracts you? As energy prices continue to rise, harnessing power for free from the sun has a huge appeal.

Perhaps it is your environmental concerns that attract you to a solar heating system? A solar heating system emits no harmful CO2 into the atmosphere and is a renewable source of energy.

Or perhaps you just want to be independent from the energy companies? Not having to rely on outside influences for your energy, or worry about power failure, is very reassuring.

All the above are the main reasons for wanting to install your own solar heating system, which will have a significant positive effect on your pocket, the environment and the security of knowing you will have power when you want it. So where do you start once you have made the decision to go solar?

Firstly, it is a good idea to sit down and work out how much you spend on energy and how many people will be using it. This will help you to choose the right system for your home. Decide what methods you would like to take advantage of from solar energy.

You need to consider your location as well as which way the house faces. As most solar heating panels fit on the roof they need to be positioned facing maximum sunlight. Consider, too, the number of appliances you want to power. Once you have done this it is time to do some research to find the solar heating system that fits your needs and your budget. You can find information from some of the excellent, and inexpensive manuals available online to help you decide.

Secondly, once you have done this, your next step is to select the solar heating system suitable for your home. There are two main ways to harness solar power for domestic use. Solar heating modules that provide active water heating, and photovoltaic modules that actually generate electricity.

Solar water heating is the cheaper and more limited system.There are several different methods, but basically the solar panels fitted on your roof retain heat from the sun and transfer it to a fluid. A storage tank stores the hot water that is heated during the day. These systems are obviously reliant on the amount of sunlight the solar panels receive. So you may wish to continue to be grid-interconnected. This means that in times of inclement weather or above average use, you have the back up of taking power from the grid. This has an added bonus, that if you produce more power than you use, it can be sold back to the grid as credits.

Solar photovoltaic cells on your roof use sunlight to generate electricity. The electricity is collected and converted from DC to AC and then carried into your home electricity system. The photovoltaic modules come in different forms, shapes, and colors, and can even be made to look like tiles. These are connected in a series arrangement to make sufficient electricity to be used to power your home, heat your water or be stored in batteries for later use.

Whichever system you choose it is worth contacting your local authority to check on planning permissions etc and check if there are any government incentives for green energy projects.

If you are trying to keep the cost down, you might attempt installing a solar heating system yourself. There are various DIY kits and manuals available. However, you will need some DIY skills, and the final connections to your home systems should not be attempted if you are not a qualified electrician. If you are not sure you can install the system safely, it is always best to seek a professional – and may even save you money in the long run.

Although the initial outlay of a residential solar power system may be high, in the long term they can save you a great deal of money. Many home owners enjoy the independence they gain and the knowledge that their actions are helping the environment. A renewable energy home solar power system can be used to supply some or all of your home’s electricity needs. Some home owners, especially in remote or isolated areas, use home solar power systems in place of electricity supplied to them from power companies.

As most appliances in our homes are reliant on electricity, it can be very useful to find out how to make your own residential solar power system, from which you can get most of your energy needs.

There are ways to help you make it a do-it-yourself project, where you can find cheap solar cells and make your own power source. Most the materials are available in your local shops, but nowadays they are even easier to find – and are even cheaper – online. This can keep down the installation costs too.

Most parts can be sourced on the Internet, including the solar panels, charge controller, power inverter, and batteries. You may also find solar panel kits if you are trying to keep the cost down. If you feel confident to have a go yourself, a good manual is essential – also available from many online sources.

Residential solar powered systems are fairly easy to maintain. Since most are positioned on the roof, about the only occasional maintenance that may be required would be to remove dirt and leaves once in a while, so that your system can continue to work at maximum efficiency.

Residential solar power systems are generally expected to last for a minimum of about 30 years. They are also silent to run and, of course, emission free, since they function by means of sunlight.

The two main types of residential solar power systems are either stand-alone systems, which are not wired to an electric grid, or a grid-tie system, which is connected to the electric grid as well. This latter system allows you to use electricity from the grid when your system falls short of power and also allows you to sell off any excess power you produce back to your utility company by means of credits. These two options make it easier to consider where to put your system.

The main component used in a home residential solar power system is the photovoltaic cells. These are electrically connected in a series arrangement to make sufficient electricity to be used to power your home appliances, heat your water, or to be stored in batteries. The photovoltaic cells will need to be bought for your system. The solar panels, on the other hand, can be built using widely available materials.

There are many significant advantages to a home residential solar power system, such as saving money and helping the environment. Solar power in recent years has made great strides forward, which means it is becoming more affordable for everyone. Gas and oil prices continue to rise, so turning to residential solar power is now a viable alternative.

Building your own residential solar power system can be challenging, so thorough research is needed to help you accomplish your project. However, the end result is well worth it, knowing you have your own green, renewable energy source independent of energy companies and doing your bit for the planet Earth at the same time.

Let’s start with the pros.

Solar energy is a renewable and never-ending source of energy. Solar power is not location specific, unlike certain other forms of energy. A solar energy system can be fitted as easily in the city or remote part of the country, at sea or up a mountain and is available to everyone.

If you live in an area that gets the sun and can fit a solar panel, you can have solar energy. If you live in a remote area where there are no power-lines, gas or electric supply, solar energy can be the perfect solution. Solar energy is a great alternative because it provides you with everything to power your home, hot water, powering appliances, lights and heating.

The burning of fossil fuels results in the release of harmful gasses and other by-products, many of which result in the depletion of the ozone layer. They also cause other damage to the environment and often cause health problems. With solar energy however, no harmful gases or by-products are released and so it causes zero pollution and is totally clean and an excellent alternative energy source. To produce electricity with solar energy you only need the sun’s rays. There is no use of these harmful fossil fuels.

Another big advantage of solar energy is the cost. Solar energy is far less expensive than more traditional grid-based electric heating. Other than the one-off cost of buying the solar panels and connection materials, solar energy is completely free for the rest of it’s life. And since most solar energy systems last for an average of 30 years, that can result in a very big saving on your future energy bills.

For those who opt for a grid-interconnected system, they may well find that they make a profit by selling back excess power to the grid. Solar energy systems require very little maintenance, unlike conventional heating systems, which is likely to be another saving on your household bills.

If this all sounds too good to be true, let’s take a look at some of the cons.

The main disadvantage of solar power is the initial cost. Solar panels are comparatively quite expensive mainly due to the cost of materials and the complexity of the technology and design involved. This is what usually puts people off installing solar energy.

Professional solar energy installers have not brought down their costs due to overheads, and the medium range forecast is that equipment costs are more likely to rise over the next few years than to fall.

Another disadvantage is that although you can install solar energy in most places, you are reliant on the sun’s rays to power the system. If you are situated where there is not much sun light then this could be a problem. In other areas, the sun’s rays are almost always covered by clouds, making solar energy collectors less effective.

Lastly, the sun only shines during the day. Therefore if you need to use a lot of electricity or hot water at night, it can be a problem. To get round this you will need to be connected to the grid as a back up. Or you can store the power in batteries for later use. So if you were thinking about being totally independent from an energy supplier, you might be disappointed.

Though there are some cons to installing solar energy in your home, the pros for most people would certainly seem to outweigh them. Although solar energy is not yet a substantial source of energy at present, it certainly looks like it could be for the future.

With the likelihood of the cost of solar panels rising over the next few years, the time to make the switch is unlikely to be better than now. Of course you should weigh up the pros and cons of solar energy for yourself, but if you want to get the best prices, don’t wait too long to decide.