| Solar power is the fastest growing field in the arena of | | | | allowing for 100% off-grid charging, reducing emissions |
| energy technology. Given the growing interest in green | | | | to stunningly-low values. Additional energy can be |
| forms of energy, that makes solar power an incredibly | | | | saved by using solar lighting in outdoor landscaping. |
| exciting field. There are a few simple technologies | | | | Solar thermal panels can be employed to heat |
| available to outfit your home or office. | | | | swimming pools, or for general hot-water and |
| The easiest way to begin taking advantage of solar | | | | underfloor heating. |
| energy is the "solar kit." A typical kit includes all the | | | | While solar power equipment can be rather expensive, |
| equipment necessary to install a solar power system. | | | | there are programs in effect, in the United States, that |
| A quantity of solar cells, depending on space available | | | | seek to offset this burden through tax cuts. One such |
| and amount of energy required, absorbs sunlight and | | | | program covers 30% of the initial cost of equipment |
| converts it directly into electricity. This can be used to | | | | for solar electricity systems for the home. Another will |
| directly power equipment, or a grid-tie inverter can be | | | | cover up to 40% of equipment fees for solar heating. |
| used to convert it into AC electricity that can be used | | | | With solar technology being continually developed and |
| in the home and office, or stored in a battery for later | | | | improved, efficiency and cost can only improve. |
| use. Energy collected can even be sold back to the | | | | Studies coming out of R&D have achieved |
| energy companies at high peak-rates. | | | | efficiencies of 42%, while the current market average |
| Another exciting application for solar power is the | | | | is just 12-18%. With these figures in mind, it seems the |
| electric and hybrid vehicle solar charging station; | | | | sky, or rather, the Sun, is the limit. |