Solar Power for Home

Posted under residential solar panels by Miles Novak

Over the course of a day, the sun emits huge amounts of potential energy in form of light and heat. This energy can be harnessed in a few different ways, including:

- Passive solar energy: taking advantage of the heat displaced by the sun to help regulate home temperature

- Thermal solar collectors: with the use of mirrors, the suns energy can be intensified and used to heat water or air

- Photovoltaic cells: sun light can be converted into electricity to be used in the home

Passive Solar Power: this simply refers to taking advantage of and controlling the heat and light displaced by the sun. When done properly and effectively, this can have a great impact on your monthly utility bills. Some easy things that can be done to ensure your home makes the most of the passive power of the sun:

- A well insulated home. This should result in an inside temperature that stays fairly constant. It is vital to have properly insulated ceilings, walls, and floors. Other key areas include around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. This is the most important step in taking advantage of passive solar energy.

- Another effective technique for keeping warm air in or cold air out is using curtains. Similarly, window shutters or clear insulating strips can also do a good job at regulating inside temperatures.

- Something most people do not realize is that plants can play a strong role in determining the temperature of a house. In addition to providing fresh air, plants placed effectively around windows and doorways can function as a sort of heat barrier, keeping a house cool in the summer.

In addition to taking advantage of the sun in a passive way, one can use a more active approach. As mentioned above, a thermal solar collector is a great tool for using the suns tremendous temperature output to heat water or a space.

A thermal collector is a device that features an array of dark metal plates, covered in a sheet of glass. The sun warms these metal plates, which absorb the heat and transfer it to a substance, for example water or air. This heated substance can now be used immediately, or stored in a well insulated container for later use.

Finally, light emitted from the sun can be captured and converted to electricity. Basically, this is achieved through a reaction that happens within the photovoltaic panels which results in charged electrons creating an electric current. This can then be stored in a battery or used directly.

Author Miles Novak is an experienced writer in the field of alternative energy. Check out his site for a guide to Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.