Solar energy is an efficient and clean way to provide power. Though it is not widely available for residential or business use, you can make modifications to your own home to use solar energy for part or all of your electricity needs. Making the switch doesn’t require a degree in electrical engineering, but it does require some planning and perhaps a few lifestyle changes. Here are some of the steps you will need to take in order to solar power your home:
Determine Energy Needs
A great number of solar panels are required to power the typical energy needs of a home. To determine how many you will need, you will first have to determine how much power you use. Not only do you use power for your lighting and appliances such as your refrigerator and television, but you also likely use it to heat your home and your water (including your washer, dishwasher, and shower). If you have gas heat, you can save significantly on energy needs and the cost of solar power set up. If you don’t have gas heat, you may want to weigh the pros and cons, as well as the expenses, to see if it would be better to switch to gas before you make the switch to solar power.
Reduce Energy Needs
A typical home can use anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 watts-hours per day. Providing enough solar power for this type of usage would cost a large initial investment. To keep solar power affordable, it will likely be best to find ways to reduce your energy consumption first. Switch to energy-efficient lights, consider wood heating options, and purchase RV-compatible appliances. Whatever steps you take to reduce consumption will lead to a lower initial investment.
Buy Solar Panels
To make solar power a reality in your home, the main investment you must make is purchasing enough panels to power your home. Unfortunately, these panels may have to cover quite a large area and will cost you tens of thousands of dollars – depending on your energy consumption. You can make significant cost cuts depending on the changes you are willing to make to your lifestyle. You must also remember that the panels will not work at night, meaning that you will have to purchase a battery bank and other equipment to store electricity during the day.
On Grid or Off?
If you make the switch completely to solar power, you will be operating "off grid," meaning that you will not be connected in any way to an energy infrastructure provided by your county or city. Choosing to remain totally off grid may require that you replace some of your appliances, as the power will be supplied differently. You may also choose to convert mostly to a solar-powered system but still remain on the grid to use the energy provided during the night or during long stretches of inclement weather. You will have to contact your power company to find out what is required to do so. You may even learn that you qualify for some energy credits under this system.
Once you have determined the answers to these questions and are ready to move forward, you can transition your home to solar power yourself either by purchasing guidebooks or solar-powered home kits, or you can hire a professional to help you make the transition. Though the change may require a significant investment in the beginning, you will be saving yourself in the long run and will be helping to conserve natural resources.
Bio:
Born and raised in North Carolina, Heather Green has worked as a fashion and beauty consultant as well as freelancing for various wedding, fashion, and health publications. She currently acts as the resident blogger for Online Nursing Degrees where she’s been researching healthcare admin degrees as well as online bsn degrees.
IMAGE : Some rights reserved by Earthworm
About Guest Writer
How would you like to write for us? We accept quality posts of 500 words or more. You can include two links in your resource bio box. In addition, If you can prove that you are an established and recognized expert writer in the field then we are willing to pay for your articles.
Web | TwitterFiled under: Solar Energy
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Heather, I am glad to see an accomplished alternative energy expert like yourself writing such high quality articles about alternative energies. I believe that a matrix of alternative energy technologies can be utilized to totally get off the “grid”.
Pacific Domes International recently launched an exciting new alternative energy patent…the bio energy dome ‘ The bio energy dome is a specialized greenhouse geodesic dome that qrows special aquatic plants. The plants grow at a faster than normal rate due to the “eternal spring” environment of the bio energy dome .
The aquatic plants are harvested and bio digested to produce methane. The methane powers an electrical generator to power a house, agricultural building, etc. The exhaust of the generator (CO2 and water vapor) is piped back into the bio energy dome to expedite the growth of the biomass.
Along with the biomass; vegetables, legumes, herbs, and aquaculture (tilapia & freshwater shrimp) are raised hydroponically in the bio energy dome .
Due to the aerodynamics of geodesic domes, wind generators are also available to produce additional electricity. The combined matrix of these two alternative energy technologies will amply power the average sized house.
Heather, we stand at the threshold of a dynamic era of alternative energy technology and implementation. Every day brilliant scientists are discovering newer, cheaper,better, and “greener” methodologies and components to lower our dependence on fossil fuels. I feel very fortunate to have found your website.
Respectfully,
Positively Truman
Truman “Bobby” Anderson
Mobile Phone #: 409 599 7112
P.O. Box 1389
1166 N. Jacks Rd.
Crystal Beach, Texas 77650
honesttruman@yahoo.com
truman@pacificdomes.com
bobbyanderson101@gmail.com
http://www.TrumanAnderson.com
http://www.eliteindoorbonsaitree.com
http://www.islandwinddesign.com
Skype ID: truman.anderson