solar power

Solar power - the natural way to power your home

Solar power comes from the heat and light energy of the sun.  Properly harnessed, just one hour of sunlight can provide enough solar power to run the world's homes for an entire year.  Solar power is generated by large utilities using solar thermal technology and photovoltaic cells, and also by homeowners with solar panels on their rooftops. 

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Residential solar power

Residential solar power is growing very quickly in the US..  A new 30% federal tax credit has created a dramatic boost to the home solar power market.  Falling solar panel prices have also added to the financial incentives.  In some locations, with combined federal, state and local incentives, the payback on the initial investment can be as short as 6-7 years.  Since the beginning of 2009, residential solar energy installations have grown by 50%.  Solar power in the home is utilized in three different ways:

• Passive solar heating - homes designed and positioned to leverage solar gain
• Solar thermal heating - solar thermal collectors transfer heat energy for use in the home
• Photovoltaic cells - solar panels convert solar energy to solar powered electricity

The economics of solar power

With power utility rates increasing substantially every year, estimates are that the average homeowner will spend over $100,000 in the next 25 years on electricity.  With costs that high it makes sense to turn that expected cost into an investment that yields numerous dividends.  Returns on a residential solar power system can be as high as 20-25%.  This figure reflects the lower cost of investing in a solar power system now - combined with the increase in value to your home.  According to the National Appraisers Institute, the value of your home increases 20x the annual savings in electricity. So if you save $1,000, your home value increases $20,000 without increasing property taxes.

Solar Power payback - Net-Metering and feed-in tariffs

Most residential solar power systems will be connected to the grid through a meter enabled for net-metering.  This means that when your solar panels are generating more power than you are using, the excess power will be fed back into the grid and your meter will actually spin backwards.  Your electric utility will give you credit for the power you generate, deducting money from your bill.  In some locations that are using feed-in tariffs, the utility company is required to pay consumers up to 300% more for the power generated.  While feed-in tariffs are not currently widespread, you can see the impact they have on consumer demand for residential solar power.  Ask your solar installer if there are feed-in tariffs working in your area.

Solar power - types

Solar photovoltaics - solar panels

When most people think of solar power, they think of electricity and solar panels.  Solar panel installation can be completed relatively quickly by trained solar installers after an initial consultation and signing of contracts and rebate paperwork.  Solar panels can be placed on the roof of your residence or garage, or elsewhere on your property depending on space requirements and shading.

Solar hot water heating

The most cost efficient way to implement solar power is through a solar water heater.  Because most household energy is used to heat water for showers, laundry or dishwashing, having the sun heat your water for free is a great way to save money.  Solar water heaters don't create electricity - they simply collect the heat from the sun and store it in a tank for later use.  Solar heating works the same way the hose in your backyard works when it's exposed to a few hours of sunlight.  The water gets very hot - typically rising 10 degrees per hour of sunlight.  These systems are also fairly simple mechanically.  The solar installer who implements these types of residential solar power systems has a background in plumbing.

Solar water heating is also a great way to heat your pool and spa.

Solar powered hot air

Another extremely simple use of solar power for your home is a solar hot air collector.  A solar collector made out of thin metal and painted black is fastened to the side of the home and air is circulated through it with a fan.  Check out the video of the professionally manufactured solar hot air collector made out of used soda cans on the DIY solar page.

Solar powered cooling

Yet another efficient use of solar energy for your residence is for cooling.  A solar attic fan is inexpensive, simple to install and requires no energy to operate.  It can significantly lessen the air conditioning required to cool your home in summer by lowering the ambient temperature about 10 degrees.

Solar powered lighting

Solar lights are inexpensive and simple to install.  Solar lighting is a great way to get started with solar power.  There are many different types of solar lights for your garden, pool, or to enhance security.  Solar lights are unique because there are no wires and can be placed in remote areas that lack existing power sources.

Solar power for cooking

Cooking with a solar oven is a great way to slow cook food using only the energy of the sun.  Solar ovens are simple, light weight and are great for camping, RVs or on the back deck.

Passive solar design

Residential solar power advocates are always quick to emphasize the benefits of passive solar design.  Passive solar is truly free energy.  Its as simple as it gets.

Soler Power by any other name

Occasionally people misspell things.  One might spell it, soler power, or solr power.  We usually drop the "e" in power to spell it solar powr.  It doesn't matter though, solr powr means free, clean energy from the sun.

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