Solar and Renewable Energy for our Homes

­You've probably seen calculators that have solar panels (albeit quite small ones) -- calculators that never need batteries, and in some cases don't even have an off button. As long as you have enough light, they seem to work forever. You may have seen larger solar panels -- on emergency road signs or call boxes, on buoys, even in parking lots to power lights.

Solar cells are being empoyed more and more often, as they have several benefits:

1. They are a cheaper source of power. In fact, once installation costs have been met, there is no further charge.

2. They can aleviate the need for wiring to certain areas, such as in remote parts of the world, and power will still be available. Note that the cost of copper, used in electrical cabeling is going up considerably as well.

3. Further, the technology emplyed in solar cell si getting better, so they are able to transfer the sun's energy more efficiently, or put out more volts or current, than previous designs, so either more power can be stored and then used, or less panels are needed for a given application.

4. Solar panels are being trialed on some electric cars as well nowadays, so this will aid in cheaper transportation too, in the very near future.

5. Some panels are becoming so efficient, they are also being installed in businesses.

Our homes, next to business, would represent the greatest energy consumption, and this is certainly an area where we can achive massive savings, bith financially, and environmentally.

We can look at the installation of solar panels, not only for power, but also for hot water.

Power (electrically driven) hot water systems use a massive amount of power, in relative terms.

Further, we can also save dramatically, when we switch many of our appliances to economy mode. This will typically apply to newer kitchen, and laundry appliances.

I realise that many power companies provide an off peak power rate, but that is still using the main city grid, on coal or nuclear power. The sun's power is free of charge.

Much better!

There are specialist companies that can remodel and redesign your popwer systems for solar power, or you can do much of the research yourself, and save a fortune.

Many companies are cashing in on the increased demand now for solar power.

However, there are reading materials, and courses on solar installation, where much of the installation can be easily esxplained, and done by yourself for a much reduced cost.

I am only referring to the main panel installation here, and the like.

If you are unfamiliar with electrical wiring, that may best be left to a qualified installer.

However, I have provided a link below to a very good expalnation kit on the installation of solar energy.

It would be well worth your reading.

The link is below.

I trust this has provided you with a brief introduction to solar energy.

Please note that there are other renewable types of energy, including wind power as well.

However, from a practical standpoint, it is most likely that solar power is more feasible as an option for most residences.

In some countries, typically in Europe, many homes have had solar hot water for the last few decades. It is important that we are all catching up now, as we need to save money, as well as look at ways to save the environment.