Solar Power for Home

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

- With the help of mirrors, thermal solar collectors can amplify the heat of the sun and pass it on to water or other substances

- Photovoltaic cells: sun light can be converted into electricity to be used in the home

Passive Solar Power: this simply refers to taking advantage of and controlling the heat and light displaced by the sun. When done properly and effectively, this can have a great impact on your monthly utility bills. Some easy things that can be done to ensure your home makes the most of the passive power of the sun:

- A well insulated home. This should result in an inside temperature that stays fairly constant. It is vital to have properly insulated ceilings, walls, and floors. Other key areas include around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. This is the most important step in taking advantage of passive solar energy.

- Another effective technique for keeping warm air in or cold air out is using curtains. Similarly, window shutters or clear insulating strips can also do a good job at regulating inside temperatures.

- 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.

The Basic Explanation of Light for Electricity: the lights energy is captured by photovoltaic panels, and is then converted to electricity by the said panels. As soon as the suns rays are turned to electricity, it can be used just as we normally use grid supplied electric.

About the author: Miles Novak is a writer and enthusiast of home energy. Visit his webpage for more info on Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.

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1. Home Solar Power
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3. Heating Your Home and Solar Power Efficient Appliances
4. Thermal Storage Banks and Thermal Solar Power
5. Thermal Collectors and Thermal Solar Power Systems