Home Solar Power
There are many different ways to make use of the light and heat energy emitted by the sun. Some common ideas include:
- Passive solar energy: taking advantage of the heat displaced by the sun to help regulate home temperature
- By using mirrors and thermal solar collectors, it is possible to magnify the heat energy of the sun and apply it to different substances, including water
- Photovoltaic cells: sun light can be converted into electricity to be used in the home
Simply taking advantage of or controlling the heat given off by the sun is known as Passive Solar Power. Although most of these techniques are relatively straight forward, they can have a substantial impact on monthly utility bills. Some easy things that can be done around the house include:
- The most important step in taking advantage of the suns heat is to have a well insulated home. Ensuring that walls, ceilings, and floors are adequately insulated can have a tremendous effect on maintaining a constant home temperature. Also check for insulation in spots such as around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
- Along the lines of insulation, curtains can have a strong impact on maintaining a consistent home temperature. Shutters and clear insulating window covers can also play a role in keeping warm air in or cold air out.
- 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.
Solar Power to Heat Water: since the sun is the hottest thing around, it makes sense to use its tremendous temperature output to heat your home. By concentrating this heat output, one can easily warm water or a space (temperatures can reach up to boiling point!).
With the help of a device known as a thermal collector, it is possible to use the suns high temperature output to heat water or air. A thermal collector essentially houses metal plates covered by a sheet of glass. The warmth is absorbed by these plates and then transferred to the substance that needs to be heated. This substance can then be collected in a well insulated storage tank or used immediately.
In conclusion, light can also be converted to electricity through the use of photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar panels. A very basic description of what happens inside these panels is that the light displaced by the sun causes a reaction within the cells, resulting in charged electrons. These can then be used directly as electricity in a home, or stored in a deep cycle battery for later use.
About the author: Miles Novak is a writer and enthusiast of alternative energy. Visit his webpage for a guide to Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.
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