Solar power systems come in all shapes and sizes. The most popular systems are generally grid-tied residential systems. You may also hear them called line-tied or utility connected systems. Basically this means that they are installed on homes that are connected to an electric utility. Today, with advances in technology and legislation, it is easier to purchase and install these systems than ever before. Utility connected systems generate...more
Solar power is becoming more and more an acceptable and preferred renewable energy source. Developers are finding many uses for the power of the sun, and lighting may in fact be the quickest growing solar industry. With the push toward green living and a consumer's need to save money, solar powered lighting may just be the right option. There are many advantages to the lighting; however, there are also disadvantages to the systems. Every plus and...more
Many do-it-yourself homeowners are trying to find ways to "go green". Energy efficiency and going green go hand in hand. If you've already made your home as energy-efficient as possible, the next logical step is to start generating electricity yourself. The easiest way to do this is with solar energy. Thanks to advancements in solar technology and marketing, you can now purchase a solar power kit that can be up and running in a matter of days. Here are eight great things you probably didn't know about these residential kits: 1. Easy design. There are many tools needed to design the ideal solar power system for your home. Fortunately, these tools are readily available and easy to use. The National Renewable Energy Lab has a tool called PV Watts on their website for determining how much energy a system would produce in a year in your area. Most kit manufacturers have similar tools and will walk you through the process if you like or simply design the system for you. It is important to remember, however, that you must evaluate your home thoroughly and find the place most likely to get steady, unshaded sunshine throughout the year. 2. Simplicity. A grid-tied solar panel array is a...more
Solar power systems are an investment both financially and environmentally. A PV system will save money on electricity and ensure a greener future. The one drawback with solar is that most system are fixed whereas the sun is continually changing positions in the sky. However, with the use of solar tracking systems this loss of energy can be largely...more
Solar tracking systems are used to continually orient photovoltaic panels towards the sun and can help maximize your investment in your PV system. They are beneficial as the sun's position in the sky will change gradually over the course of a day and over the seasons throughout the year. Advantages to using a tracker system like this will depend...more
Many people are considering a solar-power kit or solar-panel system for their home. This is a wonderful way to save money, produce clean energy, and "go green". But before you do this you have to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. The less energy you use, the greater impact your solar-power system will have on your wallet and the planet. This article will teach you about energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Be an Energy Star One of the best things you can do is to start putting energy efficiency high on your requirements when shopping for new appliances. Look for the ENERGY STAR logo. This is a government program intended to help consumers find the most energy efficient units. This program also puts the average consumption on each unit so that you can compare two appliances side by side. Drying and Cooking Generally creating heat with electricity is less efficient than creating heat by burning gas. Heating with electricity requires that the electrical current heat a coil, which then gives off heat. Gas appliances burn gas and discharge the heat directly to its intended use. This means that for cooking and drying, the best bang for your buck is with gas...more
We are all looking for ways to cut cost as the price of living continues to rise. And, with the recent push to more green power sources, we look for ways to do our part in saving the environment. One of the best ways to accomplish both of these...more
So, you have made the decision to consider solar power. Maybe you are making the move to go green, or maybe you are simply tired of paying those high electric bills. Well, solar powered lighting can be a great option, and there are many great...more
When thinking about making the switch to solar power, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the new technology involved in such a system. However, these new systems are really quite simply made. They consist of the housing for the light and then four...more
With global warming and skyrocketing energy costs on every-one's minds, homeowners are considering a solar power kit or solar panel system for their home. Energy efficiency and solar power go hand in hand. Like solar energy, there are now tax credits...more
Solar power and solar panels are getting a lot of attention as part of the solution to our energy crisis. Solar energy, also called photovoltaic energy, is undergoing rapid changes thanks to massive investment in research and development. This...more
Homeowners all over the world are considering a solar power kit or solar panel system for their home. This is a powerful way to save money, produce clean energy, and "go green". But before you do this you have to make sure your home is as energy...more