You are looking for solar power for homes. You’ve heard of DIY kits and it seems tempting and intimidating at the same time. It does not have to be like that. Below is information on the three common types of solar energy and how you can gradually increase your use.
When they hear the term solar power, most people think of solar panels, and they are often the most visible form, but not the only type of solar power you can implement. Its range of options includes three different types of solar components.
You can pick and choose the components that are right for you. Here’s a look at what’s out there.
solar cookers: You may not have heard of a solar cooker, but it is actually the most common implementation of solar power. You can think of it like a slow cooker powered by the sun. However, it is much more flexible: you can bake, boil or roast with the solar cooker. They are not expensive at all, just nested cardboard boxes. A small box will cook for a family of five with no fuel other than sunlight and no smoke or emissions.
solar generators: This is what most people imagine when they think of contemporary solar energy. The generator is a current inverter connected to a panel of photovoltaic cells. If you have heard of a solar lighting system, this is what they were describing. Solar generators store electrical energy in batteries for later use. These systems allow some users to use appliances without having to pay electricity bills. Solar panels are not that difficult to make and cost only about $200.
Solar thermal systems: These are the most ambitious systems. Thermal systems are upgrades to some of the older consumer technologies. Basically, it’s a solar panel that transfers heat from the sun to a tank of water. They heat your water. Blow air over the pipes and they will heat your home. When you think of the big, expensive systems of the 1980s, this is what they were installing. My dad put cells on his roof and heated a water tank made from an old gas tank from a gas station that occupied a bay in his garage. Systems are much more efficient and much less expensive these days.
If you Google these terms, you’ll find 1) systems aren’t that complicated these days, 2) you can find plans all over the internet, 3) the quality of plans and guides varies a lot and makes a big difference as to whether you actually you can carry out the project. Most of the plans you will come across are terribly drawn or very technical, complex and difficult to follow.
Get good plans, however, and you can start getting solar for homes cheaply and with just a weekend or two of your time.
