Types of Home Solar Power Systems

Many people have decided to become more energy independent and want to avoid any possible future energy crisis. These people will do well to install a home solar power system. Creating a solar house will require an initial investment, but the costs have been getting lower. Home solar power systems provide long-term benefits for the owner of the house as well as for the environment.

Now that home solar power systems are more efficient, you can reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill, increase your home’s value and contribute to a cleaner environment, all at the same time. This is the ideal time to make the transition to renewable energy sources and a great time to take advantage of the generosity of government and local utilities which are giving monetary incentives that can cut thousands of dollars on price. Furthermore, solar energy is becoming increasingly user-friendly. The manufacturers of home solar power systems have realized the potential for a solar age, and they are creating new options for those considering a lifestyle fueled by a home solar power system.

Solar heating

Home solar power systems for heating are composed of a solar thermal, a fluid to move the heat to its point of use and a storage tank for the heat. The home solar power system may be used to heat domestic hot water, a pool, or for heating the interior of the home. If you live an area that gets plenty of sunlight, you could save between 50% and 80% on your water heating by using a home solar power system. The initial cost is high; but, depending on how you use it, the system may pay for itself in less than five years.

Home solar power systems: pumps

If you live in a rural or very remote area, the costs of piping in water may be exorbitant unless you install a home solar power system to pump water. An array of solar panels will do the collecting of solar energy and powers a battery that can keep a pump running consistently with an abundant water supply.

Attic fans

Attic fans can be solar powered, and solar attic fans are an excellent example of a simple way to make your home more energy efficient without spending a great deal of money. The need for air conditioning is reduced by pushing the warm air from your attic, and installation of a solar attic fan may also increase the life of your roof materials by lowering the attic and roof temperature, which can reduce the accumulation of moisture in your attic. This helps prevent mold and rot in your house and can also reduce pollution and allergens.

The home solar power experience

The most comprehensive and useful way to go through the home solar power system experience is to install solar cells or solar panels on your roof. Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, come in many sizes and colors with a variety of performance characteristics to meet the needs of just about everyone’s house and/or lifestyle.

When photovoltaic panels are used in conjunction with energy-efficient appliances, fewer panels may be required to power your house. For a large-scale renovation, consider using a company that specializes in this sort of work. On the other hand, if you are a well-informed do-it-yourself type of person, you may decide to do the project on your own.

If you do the job of installing solar panels yourself or hire someone to do it for you, you should contact your city or county building permit agency for permission to do the work. Also, they can tell you the requirements for meeting the local codes.

Since the life of a photovoltaic panel is usually 20 years, there is not much to do to maintain the system. Solar thermal systems do have valves that need to be replaced every 3-5 years and storage tanks should be replaced every 10 years. Fortunately, photovoltaic systems usually require no other maintenance besides an annual cleaning of the solar panels.