How to Use Solar Power at Home

As the environmental costs and limited supply of power sources such as fossil fuels are realized, solar power is rapidly becoming a much more viable alternative. It is an excellent alternative for many reasons.

Instructions

1. Know that solar power relies on photovoltaic panels (PV’s)--the large ones you see on rooftops or the small ones on calculators. These work by capturing some of the radiant energy form the sun and converting it into electricity. Each PV cell is made of two slices of silicon, mixed with a little bit of either phosphorous or boron since pure silicon. The cells absorb the sunlight, then the layers of silicon separate the electrons out into positive and negative charges, creating electrical current. The current can either be used immediately, or stored in batteries for later use. The reaction only produces direct current electricity however so it must be passed through an inverter to be converted into an alternating current so it can be used in our homes. A typical PV cell can last up to 40 years with no maintenance other than a yearly clean.

2. Use solar pool heating systems to heat pool water. This will extend the swimming season and eliminate pool heating costs. In the US over 300,000 pools are heated by solar power.

3. Use solar hot water heaters. Coupled with radiant panel flooring they can replace existing conventional water heaters, dramatically reducing utility bills by up to 85 percent.

4. Use a solar wall. Solar power can provide additional heat to any kind of heating system by using hot air panels or a “solar wall.” This adds heat to the building directly during hours of sunlight.

5. Pump your water the solar way. Solar power can be used to power high efficiency water pumps which can be linked directly to PV cells. The water can be stored in tanks for use on cloudy days or at night.

6. Use solar power to heat your outdoor jacuzzi.

7. Use solar power for your outside lights and to power your fountain or water feature.