Solar Power For Homes - The Cost and Return on Investment

If you've been considering solar power for homesany small appliance. And you can build as many as
and haven't taken the plunge, chances are you'reyou like. The energy is stored in batteries so it will
concerned they will be expensive and wonderturn the lights on and keep the fridge running at
whether they actually pay for themselves. Below,night.
you'll find a run down of three common types ofPayback: The cost of a 100 watt solar panel
solar systems and the payback you can expectvaries widely. A standard commercial panel can
from using them.easily run $750 to $1000 plus installation, though
Solar cooker: A solar cooker is basically a systemyou can buy at discount sites for much less. You
of nested boxes that concentrate the sun's rayscan make them yourself for around $200. The
on food containers. A small box will cook food forpayback is the reduction in your power bill. It could
up to five people. They require no fuel excepttake a few years to payback a system you buy.
direct sun and give off no emissions. You canHomemade systems can payoff much faster.
bake, boil, and roast a wide variety of food asSolar thermal system: A solar thermal system, or
long as you have the time.solar heater, uses the sun to heat a tank of
Payback: You won't replace your oven or stove,water. You can use the hot water as you would
and certainly not your microwave. But theseany hot water or blow air over it and heat your
cookers cost only a few dollars to build and cookhouse. Modern systems are quite attractive.
healthy meals.Payback: These are the most ambitious of the
Solar generator: A solar generator turns sunshinesolar power systems. They usually pay for
into electricity. This is done via photovoltaic cells,themselves over 3-4 years and operate
or solar panels. A panel will run lights or just aboutessentially free after that.