Solar Power For Home - “How To Run My House On Solar Power?”

March 17, 2009 · Filed Under Solar Power

Many people are now asking the question “how to run my house on solar power?”. Before joining the bandwagon and hastily switch to using solar power for home, here’s some basic information about this renewable source of energy:

• Solar power is also called PV or Photovoltaic solar systems, with PV referring to the process of converting light energy to electricity. There are currently two systems of solar power for the home available; there’s a stand alone solar power system that is not connected to a local grid. Batteries are employed, and as they get charged and store the converted energy as long as sunshine is available. The other solar power system, the grid locked system, is connected to a local grid, where the converted energy is diverted to if the solar powered house is not using all the energy.

• All areas with different climates can enjoy solar power. However, the amount of energy that a system can convert will depend on how much sunlight an area receives. So, when it is summer in an area near the equator, a solar power system there can generate more electricity.

• Solar power systems (grid locked type) usually cost a total of a maximum of $40,000 in the USA. As you “sell” electricity to the grid and “buy” electricity back when you need it, the payback on your investment can reach 20 years.

• For equipment, you will need solar panels arranged in an array placed in a roof. Other equipment needed may depend on which system, whether stand alone or grid locked, you are planning to install. You can either hire a professional to install the equipment for you or you can get a solar energy kit to install solar power for your home.

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