| Why would we want to take a look at how solar | | | | The On-Grid Solar Power Home |
| power would work at home? And why now? Both | | | | The big advantage of installing an on-grid Pv system is |
| are very valid questions, and the answers to both are | | | | that, unless you're looking to be totally energy |
| wrapped up in more or less the same reasons. These | | | | independent, you can start off with a system that |
| are, getting that monkey off their backs, commonly | | | | covers a certain percentage of your electrical needs |
| known as their electricity bill, and avoiding the impending | | | | and the grid will make up the rest. Since PV systems |
| catastrophe that global warming represents. | | | | are modular, you can add to the system and increase |
| So, let's examine just how solar power would work at | | | | the amount of power it produces over time, at the |
| home. In fact, not only how it would work, but how it | | | | same time reducing the power you draw from the grid |
| does work in more and more households and | | | | along with the size of your energy bill. |
| businesses in the United States and throughout the | | | | To avoid spending more money on a PV system than |
| world. | | | | you need to, it's best to do a complete analysis of |
| What Are My Options? | | | | your energy usage and make your home as energy |
| There are various options as far as the use of solar | | | | efficient as possible, because the less power you |
| power at home is concerned, depending on one's | | | | consume, the smaller the system you'll need. |
| particular situation. If you live in a remote location, you'd | | | | Since the grid covers any shortfall in power from the |
| probably be most interested in an off-grid solar electric | | | | solar panels, it's not vital that you monitor which |
| system; if you get your electricity from your local utility, | | | | appliances and devices you use and when you use |
| an on-grid system would be most appropriate; if you're | | | | them. But, if you want to maximize the results you get |
| interested in heating your water, a solar thermal | | | | from your system, paying attention to such things |
| system would do the job. | | | | would be a wise move. |
| Let's look at each option in turn. | | | | Solar Thermal In Your Home |
| The Off-Grid Solar Power Home | | | | If you're only interested in heating water for your home |
| Due to the expense of a PV system for an off-grid | | | | or your swimming pool, a solar thermal system will do |
| home, most people installing this type of system are, of | | | | the trick. Solar collectors provide the power that heats |
| necessity, extremely energy conscious, and tend to be | | | | the water pumped through them from pipes, which |
| very careful about when and how they use appliances | | | | then carry the heated water to its destination, be it |
| and devices and just how much power each uses. | | | | your home or your swimming pool. |
| Since they are totally reliant on solar energy | | | | These systems are relatively inexpensive and can be |
| (sometimes with a generator for emergencies) for | | | | installed quickly. |
| their power, off-gridders first need to make their home | | | | Here we've discussed how solar power would work |
| as energy efficient as possible in order to keep the | | | | at home and the various options available. Since solar |
| initial cost of their new system down. They also need | | | | technology is in its infancy, there's no doubt better and |
| to ensure they have enough power coming in for large | | | | more efficient ways will be developed to supply solar |
| surges caused by starting up such things as a clothes | | | | power to homes, so, as amazing as the technology is |
| washer and power tools. | | | | now, what the future holds will be truly awe-inspiring. |