Solar Power Systems

Of course, solar energy in one form or another has been around for centuries already but nowadays it really is becoming increasingly popular.

While governments and business empires mull over ways and means of presenting solar power on a global scale, the average person like you and I can take advantage of solar power systems that are widely available to the public.

Economical Feasibility of Solar Power

Extremely interesting is the fact, that we currently only harness about 1% of the energy arriving from the sun. If in turn, we could manage to harness 50%, then the entire world could be powered by the sun and that is by all means, totally cost effective.

A system known as "passive solar energy" can for example reduce electricity costs by up to 90%. This system involves building the south facing wall of your home using absorbable materials. As the name implies, the wall absorbs the heat of the sun during daylight hours and then at night when temperatures drop, this heat continues circulating through the home.

Solar power systems as we know them consist of various components, all of which are essential to the proper functioning of the system. Nowadays, more and more homeowners are opting to build their own systems, thereby reducing costs significantly.

The three main kinds of solar power systems are as follows: -

1. Grid supported system
2. Grid supported system without backup battery
3. Off grid system

Grid Supported Systems

Essentially, a grid supported system is ideal for those who wish to reduce their energy bills by installing solar power. In this case, your home remains connected to the grid as the amount of power being created by your system is insufficient to power your home independently.

Generally speaking, the solar panels will be mounted on the south facing side of your roof unless of course, you choose to have them mounted on a tower instead. Power from the system is stored in a backup battery before being converted to AC which is necessary in order for it to be used in the home.

Grid Supported System without Backup Battery

Almost identical to the system mentioned above, apart from the fact that no battery is used. Instead, an inverter is used to convert the power before it ties in with the grid supply. Homeowners who have solar power kits working in conjunction with their grid supply can literally save hundreds of dollars each year as far as electric bills are concerned. You should however be aware of the fact that only qualified electricians can wire this system in.

Nowadays, in many areas, electric companies will be willing to compensate homeowners who supply them with their excess power. It's actually quite remarkable to see your electric meter spinning in the opposite direction, in other words, moving backwards as your excess power is fed into the grid.

Off Grid System

Off grid systems are especially beneficial to those living in remote areas and as many have discovered, solar power is more affordable than many other forms of alternative energy. Being completely off grid, those using this system nearly always have a battery bank in order to save all their excess energy. This stored energy can then be used during periods of severe weather when not much power is being created. For the most part, people living with off grid systems also learn to adjust their lifestyle to some degree with regards to electricity consumption.

Admittedly, solar power systems are still considered to be expensive but then again, they do pay for themselves within a few years and best of all, as long as the sun keeps rising each morning, you'll continue to have clean renewable energy for free.