subject: Alternative Solar Power Systems for Homes [print this page] Do you have the desire for a solar powered home but don't know where to begin? Perhaps you find the thought of installing solar panels to be a bit daunting. There are actually a number of ways that you can get started using solar power. Detailed below are three different kinds of solar power that you can get started with.
1.Solar cooker: There are different types of solar cookers available but most follow the same basic principles. When preparing food for solar cookers, one needs to cut food into smaller pieces as the food will cook more quickly that way. Food is prepared as it would be for an oven or stove top. If several foods are to be cooked separately, then they are placed in different containers.
The container of food is placed inside the solar cooker, and the solar cooker is placed in direct sunlight. Foods that cook quickly may be added to the solar cooker later.
The solar cooker is turned towards the sun and left until the food is cooked. Unlike cooking on a stove or oven, which may require more supervision, food in a solar cooker is generally not stirred or turned over. This is because both because opening the solar cooker allows the trapped heat to escape and thereby slows the cooking process. The cooking time depends primarily on the equipment being used, the amount of sunlight at the time, and the quantity of food that needs to be cooked.
2.Solar water heaters: These can be a low cost alternative way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the price of sunshine is, of course, free.
Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. 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.
It should be noted that solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. A conventional water heater usually provide backup and may already be part of the solar system package.
3.Solar generators many homeowners are now utilizing solar generators for alternative power. The generator makes use of photovoltaic cells where the power inverter is hooked. You can use the solar generators for your lighting system at home. The electrical power is stored in the batteries and you can use it later. By using solar generators, it would be possible to run some electrical appliances. If you have $200, you can already create the generator.
There is a wealth of solar power information available on the internet. Plus there are do-it-yourself kits that provide step-by-step instructions on how to create solar systems that suit our needs.
Solar power systems are not that difficult to create especially if you already have a considerable knowledge about it. All you will need to do now is to establish a workable budget so that you can start with the right project that you can afford. You can start with very simple solar power systems for your home like the solar generators. The generators are much more affordable and easy to make. After some time, you can now make more complicated plans.
Solar power for homes is an excellent alternative to those who want to save on electricity and help save the earth.
