How to Solar Power My Home
Many people want to use solar power to save money on their annual utility bills and help the Earth. So, why aren't they? Switching to all-solar energy can be expensive. Just because you can't afford to go completely solar doesn't mean you can't find simple (and less expensive) ways to power your home using the sun. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Simple Steps to Going Solar
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Understand your options. There are two main types of solar power: passive and active. While installing an expensive active powering system that will run your home completely off of energy supplied by the sun may be your ultimate goal, there are a number of passive ways to use the sun to your benefit and save money on those utility bills before you're ready to make a complete switch to sun-energy.
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Install insulated blinds. One of the best passive solar investments you can make is to install insulated blinds designed for your area's weather conditions. For instance, if you live in a colder region, you'll probably want to keep the warm air in the house most months, so you'll need blinds that absorb, or pull the sunlight into, your home. Those living in warmer climates will need light-reflecting blinds to push the sun (and its heat) back outside the house to keep it cooler.
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Install awnings. Awnings are another great way to use the sun's rays to your advantage. There are two main types to consider when using them as a passive heat and cooling option:
The Venetian awning features slats that adjust to the position of the sun in the sky so you can let the heat from the sun into your home during the winter (when it is needed) and block it in the summer to keep the house cooler.
The hood awning is the most popular style of awning, and for good reason: They are more decorative, and they work better in rainier climates since they keep moisture away from windows. This helps to eliminate any water-based convection heat loss in your home.
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Try solar screens. Versatile solar shade cloths are a great way to keep your home cool during the hotter summer months. Installed on the outside of the house (allowing summer heat to be dissipated outside, instead of inside, your rooms), they are made of a durable solar cloth that cuts the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that passes through.
Installing an Active Solar System
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Once you have utilized all of the passive solar techniques you can, you may decide to try the next step in solar-powering your home: installing a more active system. This, too, can be done in stages, depending on your budget. One of the easiest active solar additions you can make is the installation of solar tiles or shingles to the roof. Not as bulky as solar panels, they work relatively the same way, albeit on a smaller scale.
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Use portable panels. Have a hot tub, pool or RV that you'd like to power with the sun? Use a few portable solar panels to create the power you need for just that appliance. These are especially good for creating electricity for outdoor needs.
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Install solar thermal heating. A great way to produce heat for your home, swimming pool or hot tub is to use solar thermal heating panels and/or tubes installed on your roof.
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Install traditional solar panels. While the most expensive solar option for homes, adding enough solar panels to run your entire household load is also the most efficient.
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Tips & Warnings
While powering your entire home using solar energy is great for the environment, and your budget, it's equally important to conserve energy when you can. Some simple ways to cut back on your energy usage includes checking your windows, doors and ductwork for leaks; replacing older appliances with newer energy-saving ones; replacing older windows with more energy-tight ones; making sure that your current heating and air-conditioning system is in tip-top shape; and only using electricity when you need it.
