| The sources of energy that we have come to | | | | Some people are concerned that using solar |
| rely on in the last 100 years are finite and running | | | | power for your home will turn your house into |
| out as worldwide demand explodes. It makes | | | | some type of gadget factory, or that it will be |
| sense, therefore, to take advantage of the free, | | | | too expensive of an investment. The truth is that |
| renewable energy available to all of us. Solar | | | | we're probably more concerned about what the |
| energy for your home can free you from fossil | | | | neighbors might think. In just a few short years, |
| fuels, and protect you from rising energy costs. | | | | having solar panels on your roof and a small wind |
| Solar energy is always on, and if we could | | | | turbine in your back yard will indeed be |
| harness just a tiny fraction of the energy that | | | | commonplace. |
| hits our homes everyday, we could completely | | | | The Solar Cooker: this is a utensil that has |
| eliminate the need to purchase power from the | | | | absolutely no need for fuel when cooking. You can |
| utility company. Up until recently, solar power for | | | | cook food for up to five people in the small box. |
| your home was thought to be too costly and | | | | Don't worry that using a solar cooker will reduce |
| difficult. While complete professionally installed | | | | your chances of making a nice meal with a lot of |
| systems cost well into the thousands, many | | | | variety: it can actually roast, boil, and bake foods. |
| homeowners have been taking advantage of the | | | | It is a very versatile device, and requires zero |
| low cost and relative ease of do it yourself solar | | | | external electricity. However, unlike your |
| installation. Taking on a project like this will save | | | | microwave, it does take some time to cook. As |
| moneyand help the environment at the same | | | | we are exploring all sorts of options here, the |
| time. | | | | solar cooker is worth mention, and a great idea |
| Let's discuss a few types few types of residential | | | | for cutting electricity costs and saving a bit of |
| solar energy: | | | | power. |
| Solar Home Lighting: this is a system that | | | | People may be concerned about the investment, |
| converts the sun's energy into electrical energy | | | | but that would change very rapidly if energy |
| for your home. By using photovoltaic cells that | | | | costs doubled or tripled. Times are changing, and |
| capture the sun's energy and storing it in solar | | | | we are lucky to have alternatives available to us. |
| cells, you can have access to stored electricity | | | | Other countries are already far ahead of the US |
| whenever you choose. In other words, the sun | | | | in their use of solar energy. And it's no wonder: if |
| doesn't have to be shining in order to have power. | | | | you had to pay $7 for a single gallon of gasoline, |
| Some folks have even drastically cut electric bills | | | | that would probably change your thinking. And if all |
| by powering all the lighting in their house with solar | | | | of your neighbors starting using solar panels on |
| energy. | | | | their houses, there's a good chance you would |
| The Solar Heating System: Installing a solar | | | | quickly convert as well. Expect for both of these |
| heating system accomplishes two things: cutting | | | | scenarios to become real in the very near term, |
| down on your energy bill every month, and | | | | and solar power for your home to be the norm. |
| conserving the earth's limited fossil fuel supply. | | | | |