Home Solar Power Systems Introduction

February 19, 2009 · Filed Under Solar Power

Fossil fuels, the common source of power for the world’s energy needs is dwindling rapidly. Unless we find new reserves or devise new power sources, we are in deep trouble. A few alternatives have been cropping up. These are sun, wind, water, earth, and biomass. Believe it or not, they can be used as power sources.

Sunlight can be converted to electricity and heat with the use of special solar panels. Converting wind power to electricity can be done with wind turbines and generators. Water power is used by hydroelectric systems. Heat from deep under our earth is harvested by geothermal systems, and biomass is what you call the conversion of organic matter into fuel.

These alternative energy sources have been developed with power systems that can be attached to residences, whole buildings, and even communities. The home solar power system is the cleanest, most popular, and most available method. It has two different systems of utilizing the sun. These are the water heating system and the (PV) photovoltaic system. A water heating system is not the electricity generating kind; it merely uses heat from the sun without converting it. A PV system is the electricity system. It has the option to be attached to the local power grid. The power company then pays you for excess power from your system. Off-the-grid residences use battery systems for storing electricity on cloudy days.

Grants & rebates from some countries are available for the use of alternative energy sources, especially in home solar power systems. This is in line with green programs to help alleviate the effects of global warming.

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