Is Solar Energy Right For You?

Chances are, you are already using solar energy in a variety of forms. It is the primary fuel source in the creation of food, fresh water, petroleum, and wood. The question we propose is “why use solar energy to power your homes”? Is it realistic for generating useful heat and electricity?

The answer is that solar radiation is the most reliable source of energy that we know. It is there each and every day. Almost nothing is for certain in life they say, except death and taxation. But most of us would probably bet with 99.99% certainty that tomorrow we will have the Sun.

The other great benefit is that solar energy is cheap. The Sun does not send out monthly bills, and last we checked there are no taxes on solar energy. If there is a less expensive source of energy on this planet, then we would like to know.

So what if your photovoltaic system is only 12% efficient, or your solar collectors absorb only 70% of the available heat? The truth is, your energy source is free! No gas stations, no utility bills, no black-outs, and no ups and downs with the economy. Once you’ve placed your solar energy system in service, there are no recurring fuel costs. All that could take you down would be a volcanic cloud or weeks of unstoppable rain.

Starting from scratch and installing a solar energy system can be a daunting task. But with a little thought, a little help, and a little power of will, you will find the experience not so bad. Here are a few thoughts to help you get started in deciding whether a solar energy system is right for you.

If you live in locations with good amounts of sun, then your prospects for energy independence are good. In addition, you could be saving money and promoting a cleaner environment. The decision is not so difficult.

The more rainy and foggy your climate tends to be, and the more north you go, then the more difficult the prospects for using solar energy. A little more calculation and investigation may be needed.

When it comes to making heat and hot water with solar energy – absolutely. We call this passive solar heating. These are low cost systems that can be designed directly into your business or home. The designs for passive solar heating systems can be relatively simple and inexpensive.

Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy refers to making electricity directly from the Sun. These special panels will take in radiation and produce steady DC electricity. Whether you could be making PV energy just depends on the circumstances of your situation.

If your household or business consumes lots of electricity then solar power is hard to justify. This is where local Utilities are good, they can kick out the juice for all the high power users and the heavy duty industries. But if you are simple in life and efficient in how you use energy, then the up-front cost of solar power can pay off over time. It could be as little as 5 years depending on the electrical rate of your local utility (i.e. California)

They will also pay themselves off if developing a new property and avoiding the installation of electrical transmission cables routed to your home. Depending on the distance, these transmission cable costs can be significant.

Emergency reserve energy systems are another potential benefit with solar energy. A person could charge a large bank of batteries and keep them on standby. When it comes to emergency reserve energy, for some of us the cost is no element. We just want to be covered in times of natural disaster.

We should and could be making great strides in cutting greenhouse emissions and capturing energy from the Sun. If it’s there then let’s use it. Whether for heating your house, your hot water, or making electricity, solar energy solutions can be both a money saving and environmentally friendly path toward energy independence.

Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar energy power systems. For a limited time you can get his free guide to solar energy from your own yard.