Skyrocketing cost of grid power is fueling the demand for solar energy as it is clearly a clean stable source of electricity for homes as well as businesses. More and more consumers are taking a serious look at solar energy especially homemade solar heater systems as a way to combat the rising cost. If you are considering installing a system in your home, make sure to read our homemade solar heater review of kits available for do-it-yourselfers who want to convert to solar energy. Billions of dollars have been spent in the United States over the past couple of decades in promoting and developing this technology. We discuss some of the benefits of solar energy and homemade solar heater in this article.

It is estimated that the cost of the equipment to power a home with solar energy is 90 per cent cheaper than it was in the 1970s. And with energy bills rising rapidly it is now an increasingly attractive source of electricity.

In most cases, using solar energy to provide electricity for a home involves installing special solar photovoltaic cells in the roof of your home. It is true that the initial investment is quite expensive but this money should be recouped in savings on electricity bills over time and significant savings can be made in the long-term.

In regions of the country that see more sun, solar power can meet or supply in abundance the electricity needed for a household during certain times of the day. Surplus energy can be accumulated in batteries. In certain states, it can even be resold to power companies for a profit.

Here are some of the main benefits of solar energy:

* It’s cheap - Once you make the initial investment to have solar technology installed in your home it is a free source of energy. Once it has paid for itself you can make make significant savings on your energy bills. There may be tax incentives to help you cover the expense of going solar. As an added bonus, this will dramatically increase what your home is worth. Green homes are becoming ever more popular in today’s environmentally aware climate so this investment will increase your home’s value and make it easier to sell if you ever move on.

* It’s pollution-free - Energy from the sun is the cleanest and most emission free source of energy available. If you want to do your bit to combat climate change solar energy is the way to go.

* It is simple - homemade solar heater systems and solar energy have very little maintenance needed. Once the system is installed you will have a constant source of energy and you won’t have to worry about adding extra fuel, paying bills and the other chores associated with conventional sources of energy.

* It’s consistent - If you use solar energy you do not have to worry about power failures. If there is a power failure, you will still have a source of energy. In addition, if you live in a remote area that does not have easy access to centralized sources of electricity solar is an excellent alternative.

* It’s tidy - Even if you live in a region with dense population, you won’t have any problems putting in solar panels. Since they slot easily into the roof of your home there is no need for them to take up precious garden space. Also, while the panels themselves are costly, they are very easy and quick to install.

* It’s wire free - There are a number of stand alone solar-powered appliances available today that eliminate the need for wiring. For example, you can install solar powered garden lights that you simply place in your garden that run of the sun’s energy. These also have sensors that detect light so they automatically turn on or off according to the light.

Photovoltaic cells in the home can be spendy if you don’t know how to build a good one. However, it is not the only way to make use of the sun’s energy. More and more, homes built in cooler parts of the country are being built to leverage the sun’s energy for warmth. This involves sensible design of houses by using methods such as having large glass windows on the south side of the home which will help warm the home during the winter. The home will need to be protected from too much sun in the summer so trees can be used for this.

Providing the home with hot water is another alternative for making use of sun energy. This method simply involves using thin water pipes, painted black, and running them through a ‘greenhouse like’ box that is exposed to the sun on the outside of the home. In warmer areas this can provide hot running water throughout the home for free.

Solar energy may not be right for everyone. Where you live will determine whether or not it is the right choice for you. If solar panels are not viable for you, or you are unsure if you are ready to take the plunge, you should still consider buying solar appliances when possible. There are any number of solar appliances available today including video cameras, watches, radios, fountains and much more. These all eliminate the need for batteries and/or wiring.

~Ralph Somers, Editor

Ralph’s Green Energy Guide

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