So you are thinking about making an investment in Solar Power for your home or business? Well the time is right as there are multiple reasons why it makes sense now but also, it is important to know that the benefits of Solar Systems will increase over time.

1. SOLAR PANELS SAVE MONEY EVERY MONTH AND FOREVER Solar will save you money on electricity costs and protect you from future rate increases.  Electricity rates are at an all time high and and are showing no signs of going down. Switching to solar will increasing your financial independence by locking in your future electric bills.

2. SOLAR ELECTRIC INCREASES HOME VALUES Solar Electric increases your home value and can even more then the cost of the solar electric system itself. This 1998 study by ICF Consulting concluded that saving $1 per year on energy costs certainly adds $20 to a home’s value or more. A saving of $1,000 per year increases a home’s value by $20,000.

3. THINK OF IT AS A CONSERVATIVE INVESTMENT In this current market, returns on a solar electric investment may be higher than your other investments. These Massachusetts residents LuAnn Kuder and Maureen O’Brien found they "beat" Wall Street by investing in solar. Over the past 100 years, the stock market has returned just below 10% per year as an average. Solar electric ROI likely beats this, especially in states with high electricity costs.

4. FEEL GOOD ABOUT PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT Using solar power means less "brown power" produced by utility companies which means fewer emissions, less pollution, and a cleaner environment.  Most utility companies use coal and natural gas-fired power plants which emit greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, radioactive materials, and heavy metals. So, power plants contribute to smog, acid rain, and global warming, affecting public health and our society’s future.

5. INCREASING NATIONAL SECURITY Installing a solar electric system reduces all our dependence on foreign energy.  There is no denying that our nation is becoming more and more reliant on foreign energy sources. The U.S. currently imports the majority of its energy supplies and has imported 166,270 million cubic feet more natural gas every year since 1985.

6. MONEY AND JOBS STAY AT HOME Supporting renewable energy in the U.S. helps to improve our economy by keeping money and jobs at home. These jobs get created when you make the decision to go solar. The study by Navigant Consulting demonstrated that almost half a million permanent jobs and $232 billion in investment would be supported by the solar energy industry alone if Congress extends the federal tax rebates for solar for 8 years.

7. REDUCTION OF YOUR DEPENDENCE ON THE POWER GRID Solar electric systems are like a power plant on your roof, producing the energy you need clean, smart and efficient. As 67% of the energy in fossil fuels is lost when it’s converted to electricity it is inefficient, 9-10% is lost as heat when transported to your home. Using solar panels on your prevents wasting energy or money because all the power you make is used in your home.

8. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR TAX CREDITS With the combination of state and federal solar tax credits, the cost of your solar electric system is significantly reduced. Many states offer solar rebates as well, the most generous of which are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

9. NEWLY AFFORDABLE & BETTER TECHNOLOGY SOLAR OPTIONS As companies and local governments become better informed, solar electricity is becoming more and more affordable.  Companies and governments are innovating with financing and programs for homeowners to go solar electric Whether this is a city-sponsored solar loan, a home solar service (PPA), or a solar lease, the various options becoming available reduce upfront costs.

10. SPREAD THE WORD Inspire your neighbors by being the first on your block to install a solar electric system.

By: Randy Connors

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The Solar Energy Source is for those interested in wind, solar electric and alternative energy solutions. The alternative energy world is blossoming due to rising fuel prices, global politics, new technologies, carbon emission consciousness, and the realization that the "ECO" in both Economy and Ecology equates to the same thing; saving of a resource in a given system. 

Build Your Own Solar Panels and Start to Make Free Energy
When you build your own solar panels to provide power for your home you not only help the environment but you also make free energy which can save you a fortune on utility bills. Solar power for homes used to be very expensive, but now you can build your own for $200.

Home Solar Panels
Connecting some of the gadgets that we have at home to this solar panel we could reduce the electricity bills. We could use the free and abundant sun energy and also save some pollution from entering our atmosphere.

Cheap and Green Electricity From Solar Cells
Cheap and green electricity from solar cells — perhaps, possibly, maybe Revolutionary solar panels are taking the concept of cheap green electricity one step further.

Solar Power, Wind Power & other Environmental Products
The price of solar panels could fall by as much as 40 per cent by the end of the year as huge increases in polysilicon supplies lead to a sizable fall in production costs for solar panel manufacturers.

Energy from Solar Roadways
These Solar Road Panels will generate and restore energy for our homes and businesses. The added side effect will be a fifty percent cut in the greenhouse gases.

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‘Going Green’ is a buzzword of the decade. The phrase could refer to anything from recycling to carpooling to work. The only requirement is that the efforts better the environment. A focus of those involved with the green movement is to find energy sources that don’t harm the environment and are naturally found in the earth. What is more natural than the sun? Solar energy is an easy, inexpensive way to generate power for homes. Many people have found they can create their own solar powered system at home with solar panel kits.

As with anything, the solar panel kits have drawn some criticism. However, people who have used the kits have reported success. Some of the advantages include:

The materials can be purchased for as little as $200. This is a small price to pay to do something good for the environment. You can find the materials at any hardware store. You can see results in your utility bills from the first month. Even if you just use one panel to power a laptop or appliance, you may see a drop of a couple of dollarswhich can add over the course of a few months. If you add several panels, you will see bigger savings enough to quickly cover the $200 you paid for the materials.

The panels are environmentally and physically safe. The solar cells simply convert the sun’s energy into power. Electricity can shock us and injure. Gas can cause fires and death if there is a leak.  You can use the panels to help with new home or building construction. What could be cheaper than having a home that is totally depending on solar power? Include a solar energy plan when heating your new home for lifetime utility savings.

Do you have an RV? You can stop lugging those bulky generators and install solar panels on your motor home. Stay warm when camping in the chilly fall months. Use solar panels to power stoves to create great outdoor meals.

Creating the solar panels is a great weekend project for the entire family. Get everyone involved as part of a lesson on ‘going green.’ Solar panel kits contain detailed steps that anyone can follow. The kits cost about $50. Add that to the $200 materials cost and you have an inexpensive way to save money on your utility bills for the rest of your life.

By: Kimberlee

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Solar Power Energy System For Home
The technology required to install a solar power energy system for a home is not too complicated and in fef fact, is rather simple and once installed, it will certainly help you affect considerable savings in terms of energy bills.

How to Build a Solar Panel
For this you can install a solar tracking device. By building a solar system yourself you get firsthand knowledge of its components and how the system works. You can adapt and expand your system when you build a solar panel yourself.

Do It Yourself Solar Power System
There must be a store in your area that sells materials for a self-made solar power system. You can install it on your roof or in your backyard, granting that the space is enough.

Home Solar Power Cost
It is necessary to determine the feasibility as well as viability of using home solar power before going out and spending your hard earned dollars on a home solar panel system.

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How we can use solar power for our homes and generate all the electricity we need.

The whole world now are suffering from the lacking of energy resources, resources like gas and oil are very expensive and are going to the end. We must find new energy resources and the solar energy resource is one of the best resources in our planet.

The solar energy is cheap, actually it is free and can give you the whole amount of energy to power your home. Don’t be surprised when you know that you can convert the solar energy to electricity even in the night. The scientists are researching for using radiations from the sun to generate electricity.

All of us are know that traditional energy resources are not clean and hurt our environment, otherwise the solar energy resource that considered to be one of the most cleanest energy resources in our planet. Another good thing with solar energy, it renewable energy resource.

What about building a home solar panel to generate electricity and power all devices in your home, is it a good idea?. Actually, you can build your own solar power system for your home to cut about %80 from your current power pill. By this way, you will save thousands of dollars when you use solar panel systems in your home.

Don’t worry about building those types of power systems, there are few resources in the internet that can teach you how to build your very own solar panel systems by your hand. I can remember Earth4Energy as one of the best resources for that issue nowadays.

Build your own solar panel today: Build Solar Panel Info. Buy Earth4Energy Ebook to learn how to build a home solar system.  Check video below for more info and go direct to their website using the links above.

By Elhusseiny Shahin
Published: 9/20/2008

Earth4Energy The Earth4Energy DIY guide will teach you how to create windmill energy and how to create home made solar power energy. Create Electricity with Earth4Energy. Earth4Energy Today I will go to the supermarket to purchase Earth4Energy, the latest toy best for any husband or son because it is a hands on project that teaches you step-by-step how to construct an awesome appearing windmill that doesn’t cost that much to build. Solar Power Buzz Stores specializing in selling solar products continue to do brisk business. While the economy slows down adversely affecting traditional retail outlets, purveyors of solar based gadgets, pv panels, energy saving light bulbs and more.

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Find out how you can connect your wind power generator to your house.

Are you looking for help on how to connect wind power generator to house?  If you read this article, I will give you advice on how you can do it. I don’t need to tell you how expensive electricity prices are today, so I think you are a really smart person, if you are considering using this system for your home. Ok, let’s get started.

Connect Wind Power Generator To House

I assume that you already have the kit built, because I am not going to talk much about it. However, if you are still in the process of building one, then I will give you little info. You can get the parts for the kit from any DIY store, or you buy them from the Internet. Have a look on eBay, Amazon and other online shops, and I am sure, you will find great deals.

Now if you are going to connect wind power generator to house, then I would advise you to use instructions. I believe you don’t want to make any mistakes or get in trouble, when connecting everything, so it’s a good idea to use a professional guide with instructions, like Earth4Energy. It’s not expensive, and I would suggest you to get it.

I actually used that guide myself, when I first thought about producing my own electricity using wind. That guide, it’s no just about how to connect wind power generator to house. It has tons of information about solar energy, how to build a windmill, how you can save money on electricity and much more. I bought it few months ago, and I don’t regret for my decision for a single second, because I am really satisfied with the guide. I believe it will be very useful for you as well.

If you really want to find out how you can connect wind power generator to house, then you should look no further than Earth4Energy guide. It’s certainly up to you, whether you want to buy it or not, but make sure, that you are making a correct decision. This little investment will pay you 10x times in the future. For more info about Earth4Energy guide, please click the link above.

By Steven Blackman Published: 9/29/2008

Home Wind Power Kit
Above we have shown you just some of the things which need to be considered when it comes to getting a system to provide wind power for your home. Certainly keeping these in mind and you will be able to select a home power wind kit.

Home Wind Power Kit Considerations
Actually powering our homes is becoming increasingly more expensive and so we are all beginning to look for alternative sources to provide energy to our homes.

Wind Power - How to do it
If you’re interested in using home wind power, you first need to know the basics of how it works. You can purchase a small off-the shelf wind turbine for a low price. Or, you can elect to purchase a turbine kit that you put together

DIY Solar Power Kits - Resisdential Solar Power
Home Solar Power & Wind Power: A Way to Trim Down Your Electric B Like any rational human being, you most likely have been shaken by the never-ending increases of your electric bills. It is about time for you.

Home Wind Power Kit - Things To Consider
Of all the systems available which could help to reduce your electricity bills annually and which are good for the environment, many people are getting wind powered systems installed.

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Solar panels are used to absorb sun light and produce electricity free of cost anywhere around the world. To do these you will need to get your own solar energy kits. They are used comfortably in tropical and sub tropical climates. With some solar panels, a tracking system is also adjusted which rotates in the direction of sun in order to get continuous sunlight throughout the year. Installation of solar panel is costly, unless you build your own residential solar energy, but it acts as a long-term solution for power scarcity, electricity bills and they are environment friendly too.

Solar panel can also be made at home with the help of readymade solar panel kits with their instruction manual or you can also purchase it from some solar panel producer.  In a typical manner, these panels are installed on the roof or building tops in order to get as much exposure to the direct rays of sun as possible. Solar panels can also be installed with the help of Solar panel mounts.

Solar panels are broadly of two types namely flat plate collector and evacuated tubes. Flat Plate Collectors consist of a sheet of metal (copper or stainless steel) coated with some heat absorbing material. At the back side of this plate are some copper pipes. An insulated box contains both pipes and metal plate. As water circulates through pipes heat is transferred from plate to pipe which works as hot water cylinder. Evacuated tubes consist of an evacuated glass tube in addition which makes sure that very less energy gets lost from the metal sheet.

The solar panels which convert solar energy into electricity are called Photovoltaic. The basic component of a solar panel is silicon cell which is made up of semiconductors and when large amount of silicon cells are assembled together, they generate significant amount of energy.

For best maintenance and efficient usage of your solar panel you should remove all the useless items which make obstruction in the path of sunlight. Trim the branches if some tree is creating obstruction. If you find any shadow over your solar panel, you are definitely affecting the efficient utilization of your solar plant.

By: Editor22

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The article is contributed by a professional content writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on solar installers and solar panels for homes please visit www.getsolar.com/

Buying A Home Solar Power Kit
A home solar power kit can prove to be very effective in making use of solar energy to light up and heat a home and in fact, home solar power does not also require using a generator and the operation is silent as well.

Build Your Own Solar Panels
These homemade solar power kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panels so that you can make free energy for your home. These solar panel kits are easy to find thanks to the internet.

The Solar Energy Home Kit
Alternative energy sources provide the answer to the problems of CO2 induced climate change and the imminent energy crisis. A good solution is to build your own solar energy home.

DIY Solar Power Kits

A number of companies are now producing homemade energy guides, available for instant download on the internet, which give you step by step instructions on how to assemble the materials for your own DIY solar power kits.

How to Build a Solar Panel

Building a solar panel that is effective in capturing the solar energy involves a lot or research. And building it at home does not need any professional expertise. All you need is a DIY kit which has a step by step instruction.

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Residential Solar Power Is Cheap And Easy To Set Up

Solar panel is a device used to convert solar energy into other forms , such as light energy and heat energy. In this article, we will try to find out the answer of the question…"How do Solar panels work?"

Solar panel is a term used to describe the devices used for the conversion of solar energy in to other forms of energy like electrical or heat or light. This can be broadly studied under three categories.

1. Panels used to generate electricity
2. Panels used to generate heat
3. Panels used to heat water in homes.
How do solar panels work is nothing but knowing how the above panels work.

Panels used to generate electricity
Solar cells are common examples in this category of electricity generation. They are also known as photovoltaic cells. A combination of individual PV cells forms the Photovoltaic module. A collection of photovoltaic modules, which are tied together with a wire and are so designed to install it in a field readily, is known as photovoltaic panels or simply solar panels. The installation includes the photovoltaic modules, an inverter, a battery all linked to each other with a wire. Depending upon the no of cells and their arrangement there are three types of modules in this viz., crystalline silicon modules, rigid thin-film modules and Flexible thin-film modules.

Panels used to generate heat
The heat in the sun light is collected in this type of panels. They are called Solar thermal collectors. They are specially made to absorb the sunlight to provide the heat. It may appear that they are simple solar hot water panels but in reality they are more complex installations.

Though heat is generated out of sun light in these models, the heat energy is ultimately converted into other type of energy mostly electrical energy as in the case of solar power plants. The heat produced in the solar power plants is used to heat water, which in turn produce stream. A turbine connected to an electrical generator is made to drive for producing electricity.

There are three types of thermal collectors namely; solar parabolic, solar trough and solar towers which are mainly used in solar power plants. In domestic and light industry applications, flat plate and box type panels are used. Apart from that, some more types like evacuated tube, pool or unglazed, air and parabolic dish are some of the other types of panels used. Some advantages of this type of solar panels are getting high temperature enough to generate electricity, higher efficiency of these panels and wide area coverage with the use of inexpensive mirrors

Panels used to heat water in homes
In solar hot water panels, sunlight is used to heat a fluid, which is then transferred to a heat storage vessel. Heating of potable water in the sun light and storing is in hot water tank is a common example of this. How solar panel works is explained below:

Flat absorber plates are placed on the top roofs of the buildings usually residential buildings. These absorbers are coated with darks selective surface which converts the sun’s radiation into heat. The heat so produced is carried by the fluid in the tubes attached to the absorbers. The heat is taken away and stored or used. In the process the fluid gets heated up. To take away its heat and for reuse, the fluid is directed to a heat exchanger, where it gives off its heat and the cooled fluid is reused.

A mechanical pump can be used for circulating the fluid by means of a solar cell. Alternatively the principle of thermo siphon which works on convection can be used to circulate the fluid by mounting the storage vessel higher in the circuit.

How solar panel works lies in the effective use of active solar or passive solar technologies or solar combisystem. While in active solar technology electrical or mechanical devices such as pumps are used, passive solar technology does not employ any other source of energy. Solar combisystem uses the auxiliary non-solar heat source.

Solar panels are mainly used to exploit the potential of solar energy, which is rampant is availability and is cheap to use as no money need to be paid by anybody for the use of sunlight.

In the depleting conventional energy source day by day, solar energy is the right substitute for that. But, for that, we need to be cautious in keeping our environment and thereby the atmosphere clean and un-spoilt. Because, the role of atmosphere in the use of solar energy is that of a filter.

It eliminates certain harmful gases and materials from the sunlight before it reaches the earth’s surface. It acts as a checkpoint. If that is damaged the entire earth will be damaged. Global dimming, global warming etc., are some of the phrases coined by the environmental conscious people to warn the adverse effects of our atmosphere getting into nowadays. Let us be more conscious in not polluting our atmosphere so that not only we, the future generation is also able to derive the advantages of solar energy.

By Jayashree Pakhare Published: 7/31/2007

Is DIY Home Solar Power Right For You?
This is often the cheapest method of building a DIY home solar power system. I have recently reviewed a great ebook that guides you through all the steps of building solar panels in a single weekend. All materials are easily available.

DIY Solar Power, Make Your Own Solar Power
They also have loads of information on other cheap DIY electricity subjects, that help to keep the environment clean as well. For instance wind power, building your own batteries to store the electricity you produce, and much more.

Home solar power system - Say goodbye to energy bills
Not only will installing a home solar system help you to cut down on energy bills, but is also something that is good for the environment. By installing a solar power system in your home, you will be contributing towards saving the environment.

Cheap Solar Power
How to Build Cheap Solar Panel. Power up your house for 4 days FREE

Do It Yourself Solar Power System - What to Do
Many things can be done with the solar power. It is free and can be readily used. In fact you can use it to power your home by creating your very own do-it-yourself solar power system.   

Technorati Tags: cheap, cheapest, cost, diy, do it yourself, electricity, energy, equipment, heat, Home, kit, panels, power, residential, solar, wind

Solar Power Energy has powered the Earth and today, there are various techniques you can use this form of energy, to translate into a regular and cost-effective option, for your homes. A look at how residential and passive solar energy can be used to help you make a difference towards Mother Nature.  With various guides on how to install home solar and wind energy systems it is easier and cheaper to take advantage of this technology than ever before.

So, what exactly is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is an environment friendly form of energy that uses the energy, which is available naturally. The best feature of this energy is that it is free and is available anywhere on earth. Unaffected by rising prices, solar power energy, is the most effective and renewable source of energy available. The sun is the main source in this case and it is the only powerful source of heat and light. In the face of ever increasing bills and the rise in global warming, it is now mandatory for individuals to use this solar power energy to the fullest.

Some facts about Solar Energy:

• It helps the environment.
• It is a renewable source.
• It can be used and translated into many forms for use (Cooking, heating etc.)
• It is the cheapest source for electricity.

Residential Solar Energy:
As the name suggests, residential solar energy is the use of solar energy for the home. It also depends on the different ways the homes are structured today. Various homes are designed to use the residential solar energy for diverse purposes. Considered to be an expensive affair, residential solar energy, once set up in the complex requires very little maintenance. And once it is implemented, it will obviously save the use of electricity that results in humongous electricity bills.

There are homes that may use the residential solar energy to heat water or for the use of outdoor lights. There are others that completely rely on this form. For example, residential solar energy can be utilized through various mechanical methods. This is an active solar form of energy and can be sourced by using solar panels and solar cells.

Passive Solar Energy:
The use of passive solar energy proves to be different from the one mentioned earlier. Here, the home is structured to reduce the use of energy in the house. For such cases, the buildings are designed to absorb the energy. This is then later distributed and circulated with the use of various features. The passive techniques employ the use of walls, windows, floors, roofs etc. Passive solar energy methods ensure that the building designs create a beautiful balance in terms of the energy requirements. Unlike residential solar energy, passive solar energy mainly used the features of the building to convert the energy of the sun for better use.

Here, the buildings may need to include large windows that can help to illuminate the interiors better. This would in turn also help in proper distribution of heat. As mentioned earlier, due to the design features of the building, it absorbs the heat naturally. Passive solar heating occurs when the sunlight is let in and the heat is translated into different forms of energy. But one of the factors one must consider is the problem of overheating. For example: You can use a double layer of gypsum boards on the walls that will absorb the heat during the day and emit the heat once the sun sets.

The use of passive solar energy can also minimize the use of air conditioners or even completely eradicate the use of them. One can use simple methods such as adjustable shades that can reduce the flow of the radiation caused by the sun. This can in turn cool down the interiors. When the building is being planned, one can also use various techniques such as reduction of the size of the windows or implementing the use of reflective materials. This can help those people, who experience a warmer climate.

Ways to achieve Passive Cooling Using Passive Solar Energy:
Keep the windows open for cooling when needed.
The windows should be located in the upper floor. This would ensure it is heated well.
Ensure that you let the cooler air enter through the ground floor. This can in turn slowly pass on to the other rooms through ducts.
Consult a professional for the installation of proper windows. The right size and materials used, can help in better utilization of light and the sun’s energy.

Thus we can see that solar power energy can be put to use, in different ways to give us a very practical and cost-effective application of energies in our homes today. This technology of using the light from the sun can be translated into various techniques that will help us reduce not only the electricity bills but also the harmful effects caused by global warming.

By Kashmira Lad Published: 12/3/2007

Below you will see an example home wind turbine built using the Earth 4 Energy Guide:

The Pros and Cons of Residential Solar Power
Another big advantage is that solar energy is a non-polluting form of energy. The fact is that you will not hurt the environment in any way when you use residential solar power. And there are so many ways you can use it.

Living Off Grid with Solar and Wind Power Can Save You Money

You can beat the energy crisis and fire your energy company with residential solar power. This article will show you the basics of what renewable energy can do for you.

Residential Solar Panels For Home
Residential solar panels are becoming more and more popular as our search for alternative energy sources expands. As the gas prices go up, many Americans are starting to realize just how finite our supplies of oil and coal really are.

Alternative Energy Solutions for the Home

After all, if you plan to produce energy at home then through the solar panels and wind turbines, you will only consume what you produce. Therefore, this will make the alternative market very lucrative.

Home Wind Energy
Done right, home-based wind turbines can be an effective way to produce energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Technorati Tags: diy, do, electricity, energy, generator, guides, heating, it, kits, panels, power, renewable, residential, reviews, solar, turbine, wind, yourself

Are you puzzled by the various terms solar power installers use when describing a residential solar power system? Does it make you head spin? Find out how solar power works. Learn the basic terminology so that you can make an informed choice on if residential solar power is the right renewable energy source for your home.  With so many kits available today, how do we know which is the right one for us?  I chose Earth 4 Energy, and for around $200 was able to build my own home energy system with reletive ease.  To find out more visit Earth4Energy.com

With the rising cost of electricity purchased from the local electric company, people are starting to explore other ways of powering their home. Solar power in the form of electricity generation is also known as   converts sun light into electricity. The most commonly associated component of a solar power system are the photovoltaic panels or solar panels that you see mounted on roofs.

Why are solar panels mounted on the roof?
In order to get the maximum electrical output from photovoltaic panels they need to be oriented to solar south in the northern hemisphere and solar north in the southern hemisphere. The solar panels need to be facing toward the equator to get maximum sun exposure.

Most solar photovoltaic panels are set at home latitude plus fifteen degrees or home latitude minus fifteen degrees. Depending on if you want a summer or winter bias to the angle of the solar panels. In higher latitudinal areas it makes more sense to have the photovoltaic panels set on a winter bias, so that during the winter the solar panels still get enough sun light to produce electricity.

How does a photovoltaic cell produce electricity?
A solar panel consists of a collection of photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic cell is made up of silicon wafer. During the manufacturing process, an impurity is added to the silicon to make conduct electricity. The sun’s photons strike the solar cell and cause an electron to break free. This action creates a small electrical charge. The metal grid that you see on the surface of the photovoltaic cell captures the electrical charge and channels it to the solar panel’s terminals.

Solar panels produce a form of electricity known as DC or direct current. The voltage produced is considered low voltage in the range of 6 to 24 volts. Photovoltaic panels have a nominal output voltage of 12 volts and an effective operating voltage of 17 or more volts.

A solar panel’s electrical output is affected by several factors. They are angle of the photovoltaic panels to the sun, time of day, time of the year and weather conditions. Solar photovoltaic panels produce the most electricity during the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead compared to the early morning and late evening when the sun light is striking the solar panel at a shallow angle relative to the panel’s face. Think about it, in the summer in the middle of the day doesn’t the sun feel hot? However, in the evening the sun does not feel as hot. This is because in the evening the sun’s light has to pass through more of the atmosphere which is diffusing the light and energy.

Residential solar power system
A residential solar power system consists of four components are: photovoltaic panels, charging controller, battery pack and an inverter. The photovoltaic panels convert sun light into electricity. The electricity is sent to the charging controller who keeps the battery pack fully charged, but not over charged. The battery pack sends the electricity to the inverter who converts the DC voltage to household AC at 120 volts and 60 hertz.

Photovoltaic panel
Solar panels are rated by their wattage. The higher the solar panel’s wattage the more expensive it will be. Since there are so many different factors that affect the amount of electricity produced by a solar panel many manufactures provide the wattage in terms of peak sun hours. Peak sun hours are the hours when the sun is directly overhead and shining directly on the photovoltaic panel.

Charging controller
Charging controller or charge regulator controls the charging of the battery pack. It continually monitors the battery pack’s charge state. If the batteries are low, it will feed electricity from the solar panels to the batteries. It also prevents over charging of the battery pack.  When it is night time or a cloudy day the charging controller prevents the electricity from flowing from the battery pack to the solar panels. If it did not do this, at night the solar power system would run in reverse and drain the batteries.

Don’t allow someone to convince you that a charging controller is not really required. Directly connecting the photovoltaic panels to the battery pack can permanently damage the batteries and possibly cause them to explode.

Battery pack
The battery pack’s purpose is to store electricity generated by the solar panels during the day. The battery pack is also connected to an inverter which in turn is connected to the house’s electrical network. When it cloudy or at night, the electricity stored in the batteries is used to meet the power needs of your home.

The battery pack typically consists of lead acid batteries. Lead acid batteries are relatively inexpensive and readily available. There are many different types, sizes and capacities of batteries available. The most popular types of lead acid batteries are gel cell and AGM deep cycle batteries. This is because they are maintenance free and last a lot longer compared to wet cell lead acid batteries.

The most important thing to remember about the batteries is that they need to be deep cycle. Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged to nearly empty and slowly recharged. They can handle this cycle thousands of times before the battery is worn out.

Some residential solar power system owners think that they can replace the deep cycle batteries with automotive batteries. The automotive battery cost significantly less than the deep cycle battery. The problem is that automotive batteries are designed to discharge quickly and then immediately be recharged. The act of starting your car drains a significant amount of power from the battery. Once the engine starts the alternator begins to recharge the battery.

Inverter
An inverter converts the DC electricity stored in the battery pack into household 120V AC. Almost everything in your home is powered by 120V electricity. A few things are powered by 240V such as the air conditioner, electric dryer, electric stove and oven.

There are two main types of inverters sine wave and modified sine wave. The power company provides electricity as a sine wave. The electricity’s charge value goes smoothly from positive 120V to 0V to negative 120V and then back up to 0V and finally up to positive 120V. Then the cycle begins all over again. The time it takes to go through the entire cycle is one second.

Modified sine wave is also known as a square wave. Here the electricity’s charge value goes from positive 120V to negative -120 volts in effectively zero seconds. The advantage of the square wave inverter is that it is more energy efficient than the sine wave inverter.

Energy efficiency is an important factor to keep in mind in a residential solar power system. The more efficient the system will result in more of the electricity produced actually being used by you instead of being lost in the system.  Most household devices will function on a modified sine wave power. Light bulbs and motors will work, just not quite as efficiently as they would on sine wave electricity. Compact fluorescent light bulbs will give off a hum and motors will run warmer that normal.

However, there are some electronic devices that will not work on square wave electricity. It will be necessary to check with the manufacture to determine if the device will work on square wave electricity or not before having your residential solar power system designed and installed.

Another function of the inverter is to stop draining the batteries when the batteries have been discharged to a certain level. Most of the time the inverter will stop draining the battery pack when the battery pack has about 40% of its capacity remaining. Completely discharging a lead acid battery will shorten its lifespan significantly.

Whew, that was a lot of material about photovoltaic panels, batteries, inverters and charging controllers. With this basic understanding of solar power how it works, you are in a better position to determine if residential solar power is right for your house. Also, when talking to solar power installers and contractors you will be able to understand what they are talking about.

Eco Self Build - Wind Power
Constant winds and the very simple yet efficient technology of wind turbines lead to a very clean and renewable source of electricity. Once again, the abundance of the source of energy is so great that it is difficult to put it in perspective. A study by Stanford University in 2005 showed that there is enough wind energy worldwide to satisfy 7 times the global demand. And that’s if only 20 of all the wind is captured!

So why is it that the human beings on the planet have not collectively headed toward using solar wind energy to meet global demands on a large scale and fully replace fossil fuels? Why haven’t large energy corporations and all governments invested trillions in wind and solar power by now? We all have a pretty good idea why, but that’s a whole other article. The purpose of this article is to inspire a call to action for solar and wind power, and to inform the reader that the revolution toward renewable energy starts with you the individual! How you may ask? By making your own solar wind home energy system.

Making your own solar wind energy system is totally doable today in a very cost effective way. Home solar power systems these days can run between $20 and $50 thousand depending on capacity. But there is a resource where you can learn how to make your own photovoltaic panels and your own wind turbines for under $200. If you are interested or inspired to supplement your electricity and cut down costs, you have to check out Earth 4 Energy’s manual for generating your own electricity. Remember the massive abundance of these energy sources, and you’ll be inspired to help yourself and the earth as well.

By Rob Clifton Published: 5/17/2007

See what others are saying about their experiences with do it yourself solar power systems:

How To Build A Home Energy System
The wind and sun are resources that cost no money to use; they give you and totally natural method of power to operate your appliances and provide heat to your house.

Your Introduction to Home Energy Systems
Home energy systems primarily are associated with the sun. The most popular residential energy system is the conversion of solar energy for electricity or water heating. There are two main types of solar energy, light and thermal.

Getting to Know Solar Energy
Solar energy systems are virtually maintenance free and therefore will last for decades. Once installed, there are no recurring costs. It operates silently and it does not release offensive smell.

Home Solar Power System - Say goodbye to energy bills
An increasing number of people around the world are realizing the importance of using solar energy. Not only will installing a home solar system help you to cut down on energy bills, but is also something that is good for the environment.

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Solar Power For The Home Information

From the effects of fossil fuels to energy debates, the world is in need of alternative energy sources. Luckily, we don’t have to invent or try to discover a new fuel, but rather to use what we got! Solar power for the home is one way to make this happen, and without too much pro environmentalist notions, let is look at what that equates to you.

* The 2 Ways Of Looking At Solar Power For The Home
* Benefits Of Solar And Wind Power For Residential Homes
* Problems With Solar Energy For The Home
* What You Need To Solar Energize Your Home

The 2 Ways Of Looking At Solar Power For The Home
There are 2 ways to look at solar power for the home. We can either take the stance that we are environmentalists, and by getting solar energy into our homes, we have taken a step to reducing our carbon emissions.

The second view is that of energizing your home with a source of power that will last for infinity, compared to human time scales. This has many benefits not to mention that you likely won’t have to pay for electric again!

Benefits Of Solar And Wind Power For Residential Homes
Solar and wind power for residential homes provides many benefits. You have suddenly turned green. You have reduced your carbon emissions on the environment, and that is a very positive thing indeed.

Because solar energy is solar energy, the source is from our Sun. This is fantastic, considering that if we could collect all the light emitted onto Earth in 1 hour, we would have enough energy for humanities entire needs for a year! That is big, and when you do your bit, and utilize solar power, you ultimately help in creating a better world, with free energy!

What I find amazing with solar energy for the home, is that you could put on all the lights in your home, all your appliances, and it would not cost you a cent! That is as long as enough Sun rays hit the solar panels, and that they are big enough to cater for all your energy needs.

You can also sell your electric to electric companies. This is fantastic, as not only do you use free energy, but the excess you can resell, making your part as a power plant!

* Problems With Solar Energy For The Home
Installing solar and wind power for residential homes is not a cheap solution. Where you buy electric from a company, it is a simple process, and doesn’t require an outlay. With solar and wind power for residential homes, you can expect to pay for the equipment, and will have to wait for as much as a decade to recoup your investment.

* What You Need To Solar Energize Your Home
You can go 2 ways with getting solar energy into your home. You can either have a company provide you with all the equipment and they will set it up for you. Or you can do DIY solar energy, and buy all the separate parts such as solar power panels, charge controller, and inverter.

By: Kozen Huseyin

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Discover more about solar power for the home, and solar and wind power for residential homes. Visit www.homesolarenergysystems.info/

DIY home solar power - an attractive alternative?
The cost of solar panels can be quite high (even with Government rebates), which makes DIY home solar power a very attractive option. Why would you do it? If you want to contribute to saving the environment and save money at the same.

Do It Yourself Solar Power Kits for Your Home
Renewable energy is more accessible than ever for homeowners who want to start generating their own clean power with a "do it yourself" solar power kit.

How Solar Panels And Wind Power Could Power Your Home
The sun and the wind are free resources; they provide a natural way to power your appliances and heat your home. The tradition sources of energy are nonrenewable and depleting at a fast rate, as a result, prices continue to rise.

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Residential Solar Power is Easy to Install and Maintain

Energy is either termed as being non-renewable or renewable, and scientists today assert that the continued use of non-renewable energy is depleting the planet each and every single day. The cost of non-renewable energy is soaring due to the spike in coal, diesel, and petroleum demands. Soon the whole segment of non-renewable energy resources will vanish entirely.

Non-renewable sources of energy, such as oil and coal are being rapidly and inexorably depleted, according to scientists. There will come a time in the very near future when all such energy sources will disappear altogether. Even before this, the cost of such sources will rise at a startling rate. Because of this, the need for renewable energy sources is growing at a steady pace.

However, with a little intelligence, we can definitely prevent this disaster from striking our lives. Renewable energy sources are available everywhere. Some of the examples of renewable energy are solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and energy from biomass. Solar energy is available almost everywhere. No one likes to pay those soaring electricity bills which are delivered to your doorstep every month.

It is easier than you think to harness solar energy. With modern technology and sophisticated gadgetry, the power of the sun can be tapped and converted into various other useful forms of energy. Residential solar power kits are manufactured by several companies. If you decide to purchase such a kit, be certain that the residential solar power kit features sturdy and efficient photovoltaic solar panels. The photo voltaic cells, found in solar panels, absorb the rays of the sun, and then convert the sun’s energy into electricity. For this process to be most effective, a solar panel needs to be placed strategically so that it faces the sun directly. Adjustable solar panels are recommended because they enable the absorption of solar energy to be maximized.

Residential solar power kits are beneficial in many ways. They need comparatively very little maintenance. Also, solar energy is free of charge and today the solar panels are available without wires. Taking into account the serious problems of pollution in the world, solar panels are highly recommendable as they don’t create pollution.

It is possible to buy and get information on solar power kits with the help of internet. You will find many companies offering you help to understand the details regarding solar power installation for your home. So, it is advisable to stop using the non-renewable sources of energy and be happy with efficient solar energy.

By Peggy Loe Published: 3/27/2008

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