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Free and Renewable Energy
If you are considering solar energy for your home, there are some interesting facts you need to know. The big thing you should know is that contrary to popular belief, residential solar installation is very affordable. I will go into this in more detail, but first a brief understanding of the real power of solar, is warranted. We all know how intense the sun’s heat is. But what about the energy it provides? Did you know that the small amount that hits your roof, greatly surpasses all the energy that is transported through the utility company electric wires? That is the reason many people who have switched over to solar power, either go off grid, or sell back to the utility companies for a profit. Here is another fact that will astound you. The entire total of fossil fuels on Earth can be matched by the solar energy output of the sun on Earth, in less than three days. Keep in mind that it was solar energy that created all the fossil fuels in the first place.
For your purpose, the history of solar is not as important to recap, other than to understand the advancements in Photovoltaic applications. Photovoltaic, also referred to as PV, is according to Wikipedia, the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting solar energy (sunlight, including ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity.
The development of transistor and accompanying semiconductor technology, has drastically increased photovoltaic power and efficiency. Today, commonly available solar panels are 12% efficient, which is four times greater than only a few years ago. Photovoltaic, where electricity is produced directly from the sun with no moving parts is just one form of solar power. The other form, thermal solar, where the heat of the sun is used to heat water or another working fluid, which drives turbines or other machinery to create electricity. Unless you live near a small body of water, Photovoltaic power is the correct way to proceed residentially.
Photovoltaic Power and You
Advantages and Advancements
The obvious reason for considering solar is fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy. You should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.
Say Hello to the Sun and Goodby to the Grid
You Do Not Have to Be a Builder
So now if you have decided to seriously look into solar power for your home, there are some guides available to help you save thousands of dollars, by doing it yourself. You must be careful however, because many instructional books and guides are confusing and have complicated diagrams. So before getting started you must find the correct step-by-step instructions. You don’t need to be a builder. Anybody can make solar panels. It’s really quite easy to make solar panels once you know a few industry secrets. You must make sure that the guide you chose has step by step instruction, detailed diagrams, plenty of pictures and video teaching aids.
So how much will it actually cost to make your own solar panels? You can, with the right instruction, build your solar panels for less than $200 each. I suggest that if you don’t have the time or you’re just not willing to put in the effort, you can hire a couple of competent handy men to implement the project, and still save thousands. Real people, not corporations, have come up with efficient and extremely affordable programs that walk you through step by step instructions, on how to build and install renewable energy for your home.
My own extensive research has helped me narrow down the best of the best instructional guides, complete with blueprints, photos, and in the case of my number one choice, video for that do-it-yourself solar power project you might be considering. Obviously, I can’t go into great detail in this article, but if I have piqued your interest, you can get all the facts of this or many other ideas on how to go green at my site Possibly GREEN. There you’ll find the right ways to live a greener life, including information on how to convert your car inexpensively, and even find green jobs in your area.
About the Author:
At 57, I consider myself to be a Jack Of All Trades And Master Of Nothing. I was a struggling actor for 25 years. During that time I learned a little about a lot of things, and would like to pass along some of that knowledge. I live in California with my beautiful wife and a menagerie of pets.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Solar Energy…More Than Affordable for the Home
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