| If you're ready to invest in green energy at | | | | Next, think about whether you're going to use |
| home, you now face the difficult task of deciding | | | | photovoltaic panels for your solar home power. |
| upon the option that is best for you, your family, | | | | These are the ones you probably see most often. |
| and your house. For many people, this is a | | | | They're usually placed atop the home using |
| discouraging challenge. There are so many | | | | specially designed mounting racks, and they |
| different types of solar home power systems, | | | | gather the sun's power using silicon cells. These |
| and new ones are being developed all the time. | | | | are best if you have a small yard or if you live in |
| Ultimately, your decision must be based on your | | | | a city and don't have much room to spread out. |
| specific needs. | | | | In other cases, this may be the only system |
| Think about what you want to get out of green | | | | allowed by your local government. |
| energy. Is your main purpose to save money? Or | | | | Home solar thermal power systems are an |
| are you trying to reduce your carbon footprint? | | | | alternative to the typical photovoltaic solar home |
| Are you trying to increase the value of your | | | | power. Thermal systems are cheaper and they |
| home? Are you interested in selling power back | | | | take up less space. The downside is that they |
| into the grid? Whatever your reason, this will play | | | | function primarily for hot water. This is important, |
| a large role in deciding which type of solar home | | | | however, as water heating is usually one of the |
| power to use. | | | | most significant sources of home energy costs. |
| First of all, decide upon whether or not you're | | | | Finally, there have been many solar-wind power |
| going to have utility-interactive solar home power | | | | systems to hit the market recently. The idea |
| system. In other words, is your home energy | | | | behind these is simple: They gather sun energy |
| system going to be plugged into the grid, or will it | | | | when it's sunny, and they gather wind energy |
| remain separate? If it's plugged in, there's a | | | | when it's windy. These are typically a little more |
| chance you'll be able to sell bonus power back into | | | | expensive and take up more space that other |
| the system, but you'll have to check into what | | | | solar home power systems, but if you have the |
| exists in your local area, as availability varies from | | | | cash and room to spare, solar-wind power may |
| place to place. | | | | be your best option. |