Home Solar Power

Posted under residential solar panels by Miles Novak

Light emitted from the sun can be used in a variety of different ways to produce usable energy. A few options include:

- Taking advantage of the heat given off by the sun to regulate home temperature (passive solar energy)

- With the help of mirrors, thermal solar collectors can amplify the heat of the sun and pass it on to water or other substances

- 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:

- Insulation! This is probably the most important step in taking advantage of passive solar energy. Make sure that your walls, ceilings, and floors are appropriately insulated. Also check around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Proper insulation in a house should result in an inside temperature that stays relatively constant

- As mentioned in the “energy saving tips” section of my home page, curtains are another effective way of keeping warm air in or cold air out. Along these lines, clear insulating window covers or shutters also play a strong role in maintaining inside temperature.

- Vegetation placed strategically around the home can also greatly effect the inside temperature of the house. For example, plants located near windows and doors can absorb a great deal of summer heat, in addition to providing fresh air.

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.

About the author: Miles Novak is an experienced writer in the field of home energy. Visit his webpage for more info on Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.