| Solar Power Might Be A Solution For Rising | | | | battery bank required will depend on the storage |
| Electricity Costs. | | | | you need, the maximum discharge rate, the |
| Why should you be considering using solar power? | | | | maximum charge rate, and even the temperature |
| Solar power can now heat our water and power | | | | at which the batteries will be used is a factor. |
| our homes wherever we live on planet earth, | | | | There are shortcomings to using batteries, such |
| even where there are no power lines. Solar | | | | as high initial cost, limited useful lifespan and |
| power can now be a practical power source when | | | | environmentally safe disposal problems. These |
| using today's advanced photovoltaic equipment. | | | | problems can be overcome. (See Resources) To |
| Solar powered homes have been a reality for | | | | avoid these problems completely the power grid |
| decades, but at a tremendous upfront cost. Solar | | | | itself can be used as a kind of huge storage |
| power has also been widely used by owners of | | | | system -- excess power generated during |
| recreational vehicles (RV) and luxury boats for | | | | daylight can be sent down the grid to other users |
| years. Solar powered lights are quite common for | | | | and power generated from other sources - the |
| garden and pool lighting and some people are using | | | | power company - can be drawn back at night. |
| it even for indoor lighting. Solar has a somewhat | | | | But remember, if you decide to install a |
| large one-time installation expense, then running | | | | photovoltaic system with battery storage, you |
| cost is about zero because the power companies | | | | establish independence from power interruptions, |
| haven't found a way to put a meter on sunlight, | | | | such as ice storms, HURRICANES and any sort of |
| yet. | | | | future shortage in the power supply from "who |
| The Best Reasons To Go With Solar Power | | | | knows what." Yes, you can buy piece of mind. |
| You take control of your utility bills. Solar power | | | | Do I Have To Work On It All The Time? |
| can be wired to your existing home's electric | | | | Solar power systems and panels require little or |
| meter and the power companies in most cases | | | | no maintenance, have no moving parts and have |
| are required to "buy" your extra production. Spin | | | | no emissions. Manufacturers usually guarantee the |
| your meter backwards and save. Net metering | | | | photovoltaic (PV) panels for 20 years or more. |
| programs give these system owners a credit for | | | | The major drawback of solar power is it takes a |
| the electricity they deliver to the grid. Home solar | | | | lot of panels to power an average sized home |
| power systems are extremely durable, often | | | | and a large bank of batteries for storage. |
| lasting for 30 years or more. You can create all or | | | | Cost |
| some of your electricity with solar power. Existing | | | | The high cost of solar cells limited use throughout |
| homes can be retrofitted with a solar attic fan, | | | | the 1960s except for the space program. |
| solar water heating systems or a complete solar | | | | However, the continual decline of manufacturing |
| power system including photovoltaic panels for | | | | costs (dropping at 3 to 5% a year in recent |
| electricity. Result - NO POWER BILLS! | | | | years) is making solar photovoltaic panels for |
| Panels | | | | electricity in the home a real alternative. As fuel |
| The four primary components or a solar system | | | | costs rise, this sticker shock factor will disappear. |
| that can provide common 120 volt AC power for | | | | In fact the do it yourselfer can now install his/her |
| daily use are: Solar panels, charge controller, | | | | own system quite cost effectively. Just let your |
| batteries and an inverter. Solar panels produce the | | | | system grow and as you save money on |
| electrons - the current, and the charge regulator | | | | electricity, install more panels. Let the system help |
| insures proper charging of the batteries. Solar | | | | pay for itself! (See Resources) |
| panels can be wired in series or in parallel to | | | | Free Energy - No Fuel Costsolar energy is free, |
| increase voltage or amperage respectively, and | | | | clean, and limitless and it is all yours when you go |
| they can be wired both in series and in parallel to | | | | with a solar energy system. With 20%2B year |
| increase both volts and amps. The result is that | | | | warranties and an estimated life of 70 years, a |
| voltage stays the same, but amperage becomes | | | | durable photovoltaic system can give you |
| the sum of the number of panels. In addition, the | | | | decades of free energy and peace of mind. |
| panels can then be wired in parallel to each other | | | | Some Drawbacks |
| and gradually increased to make a larger array. | | | | Solar energy is not available at night, and the |
| Like solar panels, batteries are wired in series to | | | | performance of solar power systems is affected |
| increase voltage to the desired level and increase | | | | by unpredictable weather patterns; therefore, |
| amp hours. The inverter takes care of converting | | | | storage media (batteries) or back-up power |
| the DC power produced by the panels to AC | | | | systems are a good idea. The problems are |
| current we can use in the home. | | | | relatively few and with so many Tax credits |
| Storage | | | | available at the state and federal level you may |
| Battery backup systems provide the power even | | | | find that this is the best time to go with solar |
| during outages and at night. The size of the | | | | power. |