Solar Power - A Primer

There are many questions about solar power that have been answered, but of which most people are not aware of. Some of the concerns about this kind of alternative energy include:

How it works - There are different kinds of residential systems that provide solar power to homes. One of the more common types includes a few small or a couple of large panels being placed on the roof of a home. As these panels collect sunlight, the light is captured by photovoltaic cells. These cells then send the sunlight to a central area. Once in this central area, the sunlight is then transformed into energy. This then makes it possible for the energy to be used by the home to power lights, appliances and other devices.

There are times when this energy is used immediately by the home. However, there are other systems that allow this energy to be stored instead. When this energy is stored, this means that it can be used later. For example, if a home is empty while a family is on vacation, the energy will not be used, but when the family returns they are able to have energy in storage that is used.

However, probably the most popular way that people use solar power is through a process called net metering. Net metering occurs when a homeowner has his or her solar energy system tied to the local power grid. In these situations, a home sends the power it generates into the local power grid. In return for this, the owner of the home receives a credit on his or her bill for the amount of energy given to the company.

It is rare that a home creates enough energy to be able to power everything in a home that needs to be powered on a consistent basis. However, in those cases where a home is not using much electricity, the electricity meter can actually turn backwards as energy is being placed into the power company's grid.

Cloudy day energy - One of the concerns people have about this form of energy is the fact that they believe they will not produce any energy on cloudy days. While it is true that a cloudy day causes a home to not be able to collect as much energy, it is not true that no energy will be collected. The fact is that the photovoltaic cells collect UV rays, which are always somewhat prevalent, even on cloudy days.

Roof space - Some people fear that if they choose to use this kind of energy that they will ruin the look of their home. This also is not true. The fact is that many solar energy systems only need to place a couple of flat panels on the roof. These panels are much smaller and blend in much better than they did in the early days of solar energy.

Tax credits - While there were a few federal tax credits for people who utilized solar energy, most of these credits have now expired. There are some states who offer rebate and tax credit programs. Typically the states that offer these programs are those that have a lot of sunlight that can be utilized by solar power.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on renewable energy, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on solar power, please visit Solar Panels and Solar Power Kits, supplier of solar power panels, solar power kits and more

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By Anne Clarke

Solar Power - Renewable Energy - Make it at Home!

By Mickey Brundege

I know, you are going to say something like:

What? Solar Power is something that only people (or companies) with a lot of money and resources can do, I'm not one of those!

Let us take a look at Home Solar Power.

Valuable resources (electricity, Gas, Oil, etc.) are being used at an increasing rate, day by day. Your energy bills are going up at least every year. Depending on your utility company, it might be going up more frequently than that!

Our technology-based lifestyles require a certain amount of energy - I know you have been trying to cut back (I know I have) on your needs, however, there is still a basic level you need to maintain.

And, yes, a lot of companies and, indeed, entire industries are converting to a more Renewable, Green Solar Power systems every year for their basic needs.

What does that tell us?

1. Solar Power works!

2. Solar Power MUST be cost effective for these 'bottom-Line' executives to make the effort.

3. Solar Power must be efficient to use!

4. Solar Power must be fairly maintenance-free. (after installation)

5. Solar Power IS emission-Free.

6. Solar Power IS silent so it respects the communities they work in.

Isn't all of that something you would want to get in on?

You can; fairly Simply, relatively inexpensively (less than $200 US) AND, as we will get into, you can Do It Yourself!

So, how does a Solar Power system work?

Solar Panels convert sunlight (TOTALLY Renewable for the foreseeable future) into electrical energy. The term photovoltaic is applied to these long-life panels to describe what happens to them when they do all the converting of sunlight into something that you can use.

These Solar Panels are connected, together, in a 'Solar Array' to capture as much energy as possible. This, of course is affected by position, direction (which should be South, by the way), presence of shade, etc., etc.

This system is then sent to an Inverter. This converts the 12 volt direct current that you have produced to the 120 AC current that you need to run your home.

Within this system, there is the ability to store unused energy and/or do something else with it that is VERY interesting and I'll go into that in just a few more paragraphs

"Mickey, this all sounds real complicated!"

When you drive your car, do you HAVE to know how everything works to get you down the road?

If something goes wrong with your car and you have a very good step-by-step manual you can fix it, can't you?

A home Solar Power system is less complicated than a car.

And think about the benefits of being able to provide your own Solar Power to your family:

• Independence from the Utility company!

• Your Environmental Foot Print is reduced.

• Selling your excess energy to the Electric company!

• And, by building this Home Solar Power system yourself, you get the benefit of doing it yourself based on a very well researched, and applied, detailed Step-By-Step instruction guide with videos!

You can pride yourself on this accomplishment.

I don't want to gloss over item #3.

Without going into the possible tax credits and rebates, that are addressed, most municipalities require the utility companies to purchase all excess energy produced by their customers! You could be living Green AND get a check!

You need to strongly consider looking at a program that will have you producing your own Clean, Green, Renewable energy within the week for less than what you would think.

Thank You for your time.

Mickey Brundege lives in the Beautiful Pacific Northwest with his bride of 25 years. He has run a Recycling Business, worked in sales/bookeeping for a Typewriter & Calculator co. He is very interested in the environment as he believes everyone should be.

For additional information addressed by this article go to http://solarpowerformyhome.info

You will have access to Step-By-Step instructions as well as videos to help you every step of the way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mickey_Brundege