The sun's energy is one of the most abundant and important forms of energy on the planet. In nature it is used for photosynthesis; in ancient temples it was used as a natural light source, and in arid countries it is used to purify water.
But, more importantly it can also be used on a domestic level, as a clean source energy for various households.
So far people have discovered how to solar power their homes in 4 ways:
Solar Cookers:
Using a solar oven is a really inexpensive and healthy way to cook food. It used to be used in poor, underdeveloped nations where electricity was not freely available. But now a lot of travelers, campers and environmentalists use it during summer as a green alternative to a conventional oven.
The solar oven works where reflective material is constructed in a bowl-like shape, and concentrates the sunlight on a single point, that heats up a pot. A number of meals can be cooked in this energy saving oven, from roast chicken to soups to bread. Depending on the design, enough food can be made to feed a family of five.
The disadvantage of using a solar cooker is that it can up to four times longer than a conventional oven to cook your food. But if you think that the food it cooks is healthier, cheaper (since no power is used) and it is portable, that extra time should not be such a big issue.
Solar Water Geyser:
Thanks to extensive research and development, a solar water geyser is an affordable and clean alternative to using the typical gas or electric powered boiler to heat your water.
How it works is water passes through solar panels that convert the sun's energy into heat, that is then used to heat the water. This water is then stored in a cylinder for use in the home. With the larger solar water heater, the water can get extremely hot and has to combined with cold water to cool it down.
Passive Solar Design:
What people do not realize is how much power they consume just to heat and light their homes. And if they could just see the benefit of using natural lighting and heating from the sun, they could save a lot of power and money.
With this form of solar power employment, sunlight is used as a natural heat and light source. The ideal passive solar home would have large double-glazed windows, with the length of the house facing the sun, and designed with materials that absorb the sun's light and radiate heat even after the sun has set.
And like the Romans used the sun to light up their temples, careful placing of windows and mirrors in our homes can increase natural lighting, helping us reduce the need for electric lighting.
A natural air conditioning solution would be to plant deciduous trees on the sun-facing side of your home. This would provide cool shade in summer, but allow warm sunlight though in winter.
A solar chimney can be installed for ventilation, where the air in the chimney is heated by the sun and rises, causing fresh, cool air to rush in through the home and up the chimney.
Solar Electric Power:
Also known as photovoltaic power, many homes are starting to make their own power at home with solar electric panels. These panels are made up of small silicon cells and need to be directly aimed at the sun to be most effective.
As the sun's rays penetrate the solar panels, electrons in the cells become charged, creating a current that is stored in deep-cycle batteries. When electricity is needed, the stored power is passed through an inverter to change the DC to AC, which can then be used to power various household appliances or connected to the grid for net metering.
What's great about this form of solar power is that it is relatively affordable, clean, and easy to implement at home. Furthermore, many diy fanatics have discovered how to build their own solar power systems for a fraction of what it would cost to get a commercial system installed.
And these are the 4 ways how to solar power your home. If your are willing to learn how to use these methods at home, you will not only be living a greener life, but you will reduce your power needs and costs, receive renewable energy tax incentives, and lower the burden on our vanishing energy sources. So take the initiative and enjoy the sun's free, clean, abundant energy now. - 16477
But, more importantly it can also be used on a domestic level, as a clean source energy for various households.
So far people have discovered how to solar power their homes in 4 ways:
Solar Cookers:
Using a solar oven is a really inexpensive and healthy way to cook food. It used to be used in poor, underdeveloped nations where electricity was not freely available. But now a lot of travelers, campers and environmentalists use it during summer as a green alternative to a conventional oven.
The solar oven works where reflective material is constructed in a bowl-like shape, and concentrates the sunlight on a single point, that heats up a pot. A number of meals can be cooked in this energy saving oven, from roast chicken to soups to bread. Depending on the design, enough food can be made to feed a family of five.
The disadvantage of using a solar cooker is that it can up to four times longer than a conventional oven to cook your food. But if you think that the food it cooks is healthier, cheaper (since no power is used) and it is portable, that extra time should not be such a big issue.
Solar Water Geyser:
Thanks to extensive research and development, a solar water geyser is an affordable and clean alternative to using the typical gas or electric powered boiler to heat your water.
How it works is water passes through solar panels that convert the sun's energy into heat, that is then used to heat the water. This water is then stored in a cylinder for use in the home. With the larger solar water heater, the water can get extremely hot and has to combined with cold water to cool it down.
Passive Solar Design:
What people do not realize is how much power they consume just to heat and light their homes. And if they could just see the benefit of using natural lighting and heating from the sun, they could save a lot of power and money.
With this form of solar power employment, sunlight is used as a natural heat and light source. The ideal passive solar home would have large double-glazed windows, with the length of the house facing the sun, and designed with materials that absorb the sun's light and radiate heat even after the sun has set.
And like the Romans used the sun to light up their temples, careful placing of windows and mirrors in our homes can increase natural lighting, helping us reduce the need for electric lighting.
A natural air conditioning solution would be to plant deciduous trees on the sun-facing side of your home. This would provide cool shade in summer, but allow warm sunlight though in winter.
A solar chimney can be installed for ventilation, where the air in the chimney is heated by the sun and rises, causing fresh, cool air to rush in through the home and up the chimney.
Solar Electric Power:
Also known as photovoltaic power, many homes are starting to make their own power at home with solar electric panels. These panels are made up of small silicon cells and need to be directly aimed at the sun to be most effective.
As the sun's rays penetrate the solar panels, electrons in the cells become charged, creating a current that is stored in deep-cycle batteries. When electricity is needed, the stored power is passed through an inverter to change the DC to AC, which can then be used to power various household appliances or connected to the grid for net metering.
What's great about this form of solar power is that it is relatively affordable, clean, and easy to implement at home. Furthermore, many diy fanatics have discovered how to build their own solar power systems for a fraction of what it would cost to get a commercial system installed.
And these are the 4 ways how to solar power your home. If your are willing to learn how to use these methods at home, you will not only be living a greener life, but you will reduce your power needs and costs, receive renewable energy tax incentives, and lower the burden on our vanishing energy sources. So take the initiative and enjoy the sun's free, clean, abundant energy now. - 16477
About the Author:
Tim McDonald has been harnessing the sun's free energy at home since June 2008. If you are willing to make your own diy solar power for under $200 and cut your electricity costs, then try earth4energy for free - a sneak peek at the Internet's no.1 rated solar/wind power guide.
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