| If you've ever found yourself asking, "How does solar | | | | use solar energy to power their entire homes from |
| power work," there are really three main concepts you | | | | running their air conditioners and hot water heaters, to |
| need to understand: how solar power works, how | | | | powering their light bulbs and major appliances. If you |
| other people use it, and how you can use it in your | | | | generate more electricity than you use, you can |
| own home. In this article, I'll touch on each of these | | | | actually get your electric meter to run backward, and |
| concepts and you'll come away with a better | | | | the electric company will send you a check at the end |
| understanding of the way solar power is collected and | | | | of the month rather than a bill! |
| used. | | | | How Can You Use Solar Power In Your Own Home? |
| How Does Solar Power Work? | | | | If you're interested in installing solar panels and running |
| Solar energy is collected by photovoltaic | | | | your home on clean energy, you have two options: |
| ("photo-vol-tay-ick") cells which are made (partially) of | | | | you can either hire a company to install a commercially |
| silicone, are installed in panels, and are placed in areas | | | | made solar system, or you can build your own system. |
| that receive a lot of direct sunshine-- typically, a | | | | Installing a commercial system is hassle-free-- |
| person's roof. When the sun beats down on these | | | | someone else does it for you!-- and the cost greatly |
| photovoltaic cells, negatively charged neutrons are | | | | depends on how much electricity your household uses. |
| dislodged from the silicone of each cell. These | | | | Typically, a commercial system costs between $5,000 |
| neutrons are trapped by a magnetic field and then | | | | and $25,000. The cost of building your own system is |
| harvested by tiny wires in the silicone to form an | | | | much less-- about $200. The construction and |
| electric current, which can then be put to productive | | | | installation of such a system takes about two days. |
| use. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to live in | | | | If you've ever wondered, "how does solar power |
| a hot climate to be able to use solar power; you just | | | | work," now you know. And now that you understand |
| have to be in an area that receives a good amount of | | | | more clearly how it works and how it's put to use, |
| sunshine. | | | | you're in a much better position to weigh the options |
| How Do People Use Solar Power? | | | | available to you and make an informed decision on |
| The same way they use any other electricity! People | | | | how to best incorporate it into your own home. |