From Guest Blogger Lizzie Weakly: How Solar Energy Can Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
While there is a running debate as to whether to go totally off-grid or partially off-grid, there is no question in people’s minds about wanting to save on their monthly electric bills. In fact, some are looking to either reduce or totally eliminate their dependency on fossil fuels by improvising their own electric system by the use of solar panels and other solar energy means.
Actually, by simply converting sunlight into DC electricity, an inverter in turn takes the DC electricity from solar panels and converts it into AC power. AC power is the kind of electrical juice that powers TV sets, computers and coffee makers when plugged into an electrical wall outlet.
Basically, there are several ways to use solar energy to make one’s home more energy-efficient.
– Electrical companies are today crediting their customers’ monthly bills with unused night or cloudy day electrical juice. By means of a tracking meter, the utility company merely records how much power one’s solar panel system produces and then returns it back into the grid.
– Using a solar panel system to power a water heater system is much less costly than conventional electrical coils.
– Getting in touch with your energy provider will normally produce alternative methods to cut energy costs; however, not all are going the solar route. That being said, it’s best to contact solar power providers, such as AMI Energy / 1800 Solar USA, for their insight as to what is a better option for you.
A good reputable dealer provides expert guidance on going solar and will even send a customized proposal to show you just how much in savings you can expect. Being empowered with home solar systems may save you between $500 to $1,500 annually.
If you are really serious about going solar, there is an additional method to do so without breaking the proverbial bank: passive solar energy.
– Passive solar energy does not involve photovoltaic cells; however, it does takes advantage of the sun to heat a house. This is primarily done by: direct gain, which collects a window’s light; indirect gain, which stores used thermal energy from the walls; and isolated, more commonly seen in sun room setups. In the end, window placements, insulation and shadow-producing trees prove to be optimal passive solar aids.
If one is building a home from the ground up, then factoring the following will be most beneficial:
- Choosing a well-insulated roof that lends itself to solar paneling design
- Placement of the house on a lot in relation to the positioning of the sun’s light
- Using solar-friendly building materials
- Installing windows conducive to natural light sources
All the above are viable ways to provide effective, energy-efficient solar power for one’s home. When coupled with solar panels, the energy savings can be even greater.
