subject: Overview of Residential Solar Power Systems [print this page] Overview of Residential Solar Power Systems
These days, it makes a lot of sense to use renewable energy to power our homes, such as solar power, with a residential solar power system. Solar power has many well-known benefits. Because it harnesses the infinite energy from the sun, a solar power system does not deplete scarce resources as occurs with the use of unrenewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels. Turning to solar power can also help counter the rising costs of fuel and reduce the risks to the environment that other non-renewable fuels often cause. With a residential solar power system, it becomes possible for you to use renewable energy within your own home.
How a Residential Solar Power System Benefits You
The idea of using solar power is attractive because the environment benefits from its use. Solar power is considered a clean energy source, because it does not result in pollution to the environment. It does not cause global warming, and it does not harm the ozone layer. Also, solar energy is a renewable resource; no resources are used up from its use. It helps make us less dependent on foreign oil, and solar power use does not cause any damage to the environment, unlike fuels such as coal or petroleum.
Two Kinds of Residential Solar Power Systems
There are two kinds of residential solar power systems, the grid-tie system or off-grid system. The grid-tie system is more popular because it gives homes the flexibility to be powered by solar energy when it is available, but can also tie into the local utility grid when solar power generation is low. The off-grid system uses batteries to store power for use at night or days when cloudy weather doesn't allow the system to produce enough energy to power your home.
How Much Does it Cost to Set up a Residential Solar Power System?
Another advantage of a residential solar power system is that, after the initial installation costs, the use of the solar energy produced is free. In those areas of the country with more intense sunlight, the residential solar power system can produce more energy than needed that can be sold back to the commercial power system. However, the hardest part to setting up a solar power system for your home is how much it costs to install, which can be quite pricey. It is best to do a cost/benefit analysis of your home, taking into consideration the amount of energy you typically use, cost of energy in your area, and how sunny it is in your area. Many cities and states offer inducements in the form of rebates to offset the costs of your residential solar power system, so that solar energy is made more possible.
If you are interested in doing something beneficial to the environment and reducing your energy costs, the perfect step could be to set up a residential solar power system. Converting your home to one powered through a residential solar power system is no longer just a pipe dream with improvements in technology, increased affordability, and financial incentives from the government.
