The Basics of Residential Solar Power Energy

Many people want to find ways to lessen their dependence on fuels, cut back on carbon emissions and lower monthly energy bills. One solution is switching to residential solar power since it offers a lot of functional benefits. But before making the decision to set up solar panels, it is helpful to study the basic information about solar panels and the different ways to connect it to your existing system.

The sunlight will be converted to electric current as they pass through the photovoltaic systems. These cells do not use the heat of the sun to generate electricity but will produce some energy every time the sun shines. More energy is produced if the rays of the sun are directly hitting the solar panels.

Electric current is created when there is an interaction of the semiconductor materials found in solar cells and the sunlight. Generation of residential solar power is made possible by the material called semiconductor, which has two general types --- the negative electrical charge and the positive charge. If these two are put together, energy is produced which is almost the same with a battery having negative and positive poles. PV cell is the device which will grasp these semiconductors together. Solar cells generate power by the method called photoelectric effect. Rays of the sun absorbed in the cell will be transferred to the electrons found in the atoms of the cells.

PV cells in a residential solar power unit normally give between 0.5 and 2 watts thus they are attached in parallel strings or series to build modules to generate up to 300 watts. The voltage will increase as the series and parallel connections in the system boost the flowing current. The modules will be connected together into bigger formation called as arrays. With this in mind, you will be able to produce more energy if you have larger array with more modules.

Reasons Why You Must Consider Investing in Residential Solar Power

Getting solar power at home has a lot of benefits to offer. In this regard, the environmental benefit is just one among them. Opting to use residential solar power will surely offer tons of functional and useful benefits to its users. It is over a million year tested technology that really works. The first benefit you can get from solar power is the cost and tremendous electric power savings. Once you have solar power set up in your home, you will no longer need to pay for expensive electric bills every month. This is a great advantage and people like the idea of harnessing sufficient electric power that does not eat up a big percentage of their monthly budget, hence why many decide to invest in this efficient alternative source of energy.

Another benefit offered by a residential solar power unit is that you can have power wherever you are as long as the sun shines. Moreover, some states and countries offer great incentives to people who use solar power. The outcome is that you don’t need to spend much money in getting this incredible means of generating power to satisfy your residential electricity needs. Some agencies of the government can assist you in installing the solar panels that your home needs, while at the same time enjoying the incentives given to you.

Residential solar power can also provide you the benefit of earning extra income. Numerous places all over the world have created standards to a great extent of the green energy they would like to produce. Thus, many power companies normally purchase this green energy from people who have micro power station. Residential solar power units will not only provide you free electricity but can give money back as well through the excess energy that your solar panels generate.

With the benefits mentioned earlier, there is no reason for you not to install solar power in your own home. Think of the many benefits that you will get to enjoy when you decide to invest in one, use this as an assurance that installing solar power at home would be one of your most sound decisions. So setup one now and enjoy a green energy that is sustainable, environment friendly and very much renewable.

Knowing The Different Wind Mill Designs

Windmills are environment-friendly and clean sources of renewable energy that can generate electricity, which can save you thousands of dollars in utility bills. There are many different windmill designs to choose from but you need to know which one will best suit your energy demands at home.

The two principal types of windmill design are vertical and horizontal. Vertical windmill design can stand up to very high winds and a breeze to maintain. They don’t even need to be facing the direction where the wind is coming from.

Horizontal windmills, however, are more efficient and work a lot more quietly. The downside is, unlike vertical windmills, if the wind direction shifts, it can significantly affect its performance.

The area where you live and the size of the surroundings will determine the type of windmill design that will best suit your requirements. A windmill is made up of a tower, wind-activated blades, a shaft that connects the blades to the rotor, and a generator that stores and produces renewable energy.

The wind speed in your location will determine the height of your tower. In areas with low wind, you will require a taller tower in order for the blades to capture the wind and rotate the blades. You should also be aware of any trees or structures that can obstruct and affect the wind strength. There are usually three blades on a windmill but this is dependent on the various types of windmill designs available.

Before settling down on the type of windmill design you are going to build, you need to understand wind speed as well as wind direction that will work well with these renewable energy sources. You can use an anemometer to achieve this. Take readings everyday at the same time over a period of two weeks or more. Plot the readings on a graph where you can determine the average wind speed. This is a very crucial step that you must perform and not overlook to ensure that you will be able to come up with a functional wind mill that is capable of supplying you with sufficient electrical energy that you need.

Sanyo Panasonic hotovoltaic Modules Prices, Higher Efficiency

Sanyo-Panasonic, together with Sharp and Mitsubishi, is considered one of the best brands manufacturers of pv panels for residential solar power. Based in Osaka (Japan) it was acquired by Panasonic Corp in 2009 and now continues to work with the right specialization in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar energy.

Sanyo Photovoltaic modules prices are more expensive than competitors but are considered the best with Sun Power because they have the highest efficiency that guarantees higher returns (10-15 percent more compared to other competitors in terms of electricity production).

Sanyo has invented Hit (Heterojunction with instrinsic Thin layer) technology, solar cells based on a thin silicon wafer surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon films. In this case panels take advantages of both technologies to increase energy efficiency.

The graph on this side shows the results of a test conducted by SANYO in Garching (Germany) during 1 year. The test starts the first January 2009 and stops 31th. Sanyo engineers used HIT-240/235 HDE4 photovoltaic modules near others competitors in the same condition: the roof facing south, 30 degrees of slope, SMA Inverter AC 1700. The diagram shows that the Sanyo HIT modules have an efficiency significantly higher than the other (from Sanyo webiste).

Sanyo photovoltaic modules prices:

-Sanyo HIT-H250E01; H245E01-HIT: 250 watts, it has an efficiency of 18%, from 245 watts to 17.7%. Price about 450 Usd each module.
-Sanyo HIP-214NKHE5, N235/240SE10 HIT, HIT-210DNKHE1, 205DNKHE1-HIT, HIT-200DNKHE1 (from 400 to 500 Us dollars).
HIT-N220/215 (price around 450 Usd)

Sanyo also has in its catalog Hit Double solar panels that increase yields even further thanks to the double irradiation. How they work: the sun's rays strike the panel, but also the area where they are installed (for example the roof), that must be reflective. Thanks to "bounce effect" there will be more sunlight that guarantees a return of 20 percent plus of efficiency.

The Practical Uses of Solar Power in Homes

People nowadays are becoming more and more concerned about the environment. We are now aware of the harmful effects of fossil fuel on the environment. And for more than a decade now, research and new developments with what is called “green energy” has been underway. One of those is solar power, and specifically, residential solar power.

Contrary to popular belief that solar power is not available to homeowners and is only used by large plants and industrial establishments, there are in fact quite a lot of ways that solar power has penetrated the residential world. Truth of the matter is that there are various ways that this type of power can be utilized in homes. Here are just some of the many uses of residential solar power.

As you know, solar energy can replace almost all the electricity needs in a home. It is just a case of using solar panels to collect the sun’s heat and converting it to electricity. Now, when these panels are already installed in the home, it is just a matter of what items to use.

One of the most popular uses for residential solar power is for pool heating. In areas when the cold weather can interfere with the homeowners’ enjoyment of the pool, heating its water to a comfortable temperature can use up a lot of energy and will make your electricity bills sky rocket. This is where the use of solar power comes in the picture and saves the day. You can look for a pool heating system that can accommodate batteries from your solar power system. Or you can have it designed to connect directly to your solar power system.

Another practical use for residential solar power is water heating. Water heating can take up a lot of your utility bills, sometimes this may need an entirely different type of power (usually gas power) to keep your home’s water heated when you use the shower. You can, instead, opt for solar powered water heating systems to get more savings in the long run while still being assured that you will be able to effectively heat the water you use at home but minus the expensive energy cost, of course.

More About The Different Types of Solar Panels

As solar power has recently become more popular in a larger range of uses, the basic part which is the solar panel has had many different alterations, or in other terms has been produced in many variations. These modifications have lead to the three different types of solar panels. And these are definitely usable in residential solar power systems.

The first type and probably the most efficient among the existing optionsis the monocrystalline solar panel, or more commonly called as the mono panel. This type is named so because it utilizes a single large sheet of crystalline silicon (single crystal, the crystal lattice of the entire sample is continuous and unbroken to the edges of the sample, with no grain boundaries.). This sheet is then cut out to fit the size of the panel, making one large single cell. The conductors that catch the electrons are metal strips that are laid over the entire cell. This type of panel is used in most residential solar power systems because of their efficiency, not to mention that fact that they are not really that expensive.

The next type is the polycrystalline panel, or the poly panel. This, on the other hand, uses a lot of small crystalline silicone cells instead of the large sheet of the mono panel. There are also two types of poly panels, the cast polysilicon and the string ribbon silicon.

Another type of panel used in residential solar power systems is the thin film panel. This type of panel is very different from the other two discussed earlier as it does not use any type of crystalline silicon. Instead, the silicon it uses is not in any crystalline form but rather it is applied directly on the panels, which allow it to use different types of semi-conductors. This is the cheapest among the various types of solar panels available because the manufacturing process is easier and costs less. Flexible panels are also possible to create. But this type of solar panel is known to be less effective than the crystalline silicon based ones because it has higher levels of impurity.

The Three Popular Kinds of Residential Solar Power

If you are looking for ways to install a residential solar power system in your home, there are different types that you can actually choose from. These different types have their own advantages and drawbacks that you can use to determine which type is suitable for your home and which one will be able to satisfy your energy demands.

The grid inter-tied residential solar power system is one of the most common types used in residential houses today. Here, the solar power system is directly attached to both the home and the conventional electric utility grid. This type of power system gives the homeowner the freedom to easily switch from solar power to the electric utility system and vice versa whenever they need to. What makes this advantageous is that when the home needs more energy than what the solar power system is producing, it can easily draw the power from the electric utility. It also has fewer required components, so it costs lower than most of the other power systems sold in the market nowadays.

The next type is the grid inter-tied residential solar power system with battery back up. This generally works like the grid inter-tied system, except that there is an additional slot installed for the batteries. The batteries act as back-up power in times of power outages. And when there is excess solar energy collected by the panels, this can be stored in the batteries. In cases when there is more energy needed than what the solar power system can provide, the batteries can automatically be used before it draws energy from the electric utility. But this type of solar power system is more complicated to design and install, not to mention the fact that it is more expensive to purchase.

The last type is the off grid residential solar power system. As the name suggests, it is not directly connected to the home and the conventional electric utility system. It, instead, makes use of batteries and an electric generator. The solar panels collect energy and then store them in the batteries. After that the batteries become the main source of energy. But in the event that the home’s energy consumption is more than what is stored in the batteries, there is a need to use an electric generator to compensate for the increase in energy demand.

Preparing For Home Solar Power Installation

How should homeowners prepare for the installation of home solar power systems? This article provides useful tips on how one can correctly and safely install an alternative power source in their home, which harnesses the power of the sun to provide the much-needed electricity to power up household appliances.

Primarily, you must check the regulations on home solar power installation in your area. Although not illegal, tapping into an alternative source of electricity is usually governed by certain mandates stipulated by the country where you live. Furthermore, your government may be offering incentives for residents who use alternative energy sources, so it is better if you are aware of these in order to avail of their incentive programs.

Once you have researched your country's regulations governing solar energy and determined that it is all right to go ahead with the installation, the next thing that you have to do is estimate the size of the home solar power system that can supply electricity to your home. There are different ways of determining this, with various websites providing step-by-step instructions. Or, if you are at a loss of how to determine the size of the system that your home will need, you can ask for assistance from qualified solar panel installation companies.

After estimating the size of the residential solar power system that will provide electricity to your home, you can now choose the type of solar panel that you should use. By this time, you would probably already have a good working relationship with a solar panel installer. The installer can help you choose the most appropriate system for your home, as well as set it up to your specifications.

Solar power has now become one of the most widely considered alternative energy source that will supply electricity for the whole world in the coming future. Installing this type of power system in your home simply prepares you for what lies ahead.

Best Solar Power Brands and Prices

The renewable energy business gets bigger. In 2010 were invested 211 billion dollars, 31.8% more compared to previous year. Each new year new manufacturers start to produce solar panels, but they are actually very small. The 25 largest producers of solar power panels in the world can cover 50% of the total requirement.

The world's largest manufacturers of solar panels are: USA, Germany, Italy, China, Japan and Taiwan.

Here is a list of the best brands divided by nationality:

China:Sungrow Power Supply,Samil Power, Solartech, JFY-tech, Guangdong Shengda,Eversolar,Macsolar,Han’s INV, Jiangsu Zof New Energy, Kstar New Energy,3EFC Electric & Electronic, Adson Electronics Technology, Aero-Sharp Electric, Afore New Energy, AIOPower, Alenson Electronic,Anhui Changyuan, Beijing Automation Institute Cina, Beijing Epsolar, Beijing Hepuyu Cina, Beijing Jingyi, Beijing United Power, EHE New Energy,Eifesun, Emerson Network Power, Enrichsun Solar, Evergo Power Technology Cina ,Eversolar,GHP solar, Goland Century, Gold Power, Goodwe, GORZI Electrical, Green Energy Technology,GSPV Cina, Guangdong East Power,Guangdong Shengda ,Guangdong Zhicheng Champion, GuanY, Heilongjiang Jinri, Hubei Surpass Sun, Hyndai (Korea), Jiangsu Zof New Energy Co.,Just Communication, Macsolar, Ningbo Cinco Solar, Rijia Power, Sanken L.D.,Shenfu Power,Sinexcel,Solarpro Technology, Solartech, Sungrow Power Supply , WanPeng S&T, Yifine Electrical, Yinhuan New Energy , Yt Power, Zhejiang Sunenergy, Zhejiang Yongsheng, Zhejiang Youguo Solar, Zhengyang electronic.

Germany: ACE Ingenieur, AEG PS, apambu solar, APtronic AG, BaySolar AG, Büttner Elektronik, Concentrix Solar, Conergy, Delta Energy Systems, DIEHL Controls, Dometic WAECO, Dorfmüller-Solaranlagen, EAI, Fecon GmbH, G&H Elektronik, Kaco, KOSTAL Solar, LTi REEnergy, Meyle, Oelmaier, PADCON, Pesos, REFUSOL, REW Solartechnik, Rudolf Fritz,Siemens Industry, SMA, SN Solartechnics, Solar Konzept, Solar-Fabrik, SolarArt, SOLON SE ,SolteQ GmbH, Solutronic, sTECA, Sunset Energietechnik, Sunways, SVS Nevelin, Voltwerk, ZSD.

Japan: ALINCO, GS Yuasa, Honda Soltec,Meidensha Corporation,Mitsubishi Electric,New-Era,Omron,Power Tite,Sansha Electric,Sanyo Denki,Sharp Corporation,Shindengen Electric Manufacturing,TMEIC,

Italy:Answer Drives, Aros Solar Technology, AROS-SIRIO, Astrid Energy, Bonfiglioli Riduttori, Carlo Gavazzi, Eclipse Italia, EEI, Elettronica Santerno, FVG Energy, G-Tec Europe, Helios Technology, IREM, Italcoel, Layer Electronics Italia , Lef, MX Group, RPS, Senso Tecnologie, SIAC S.r.l., SIEL-SIAC, Socome, Solarig Italia, Valenia

Usa: 1st Sunergy, Advanced Energy, Advanced Solar Photonics, Amptronix, Apollo Solar,Beacon Power, Bioenergy, Chilicon Power, E-Village, Eaton Corporation, Eltek Valere, Enphase Energy,EXELTECH, GE Energy, GreenRay, IES Instant Energy Systems, Inverter Unlimited, Magnetek,Magnum Energy, Morningstar, O2Micro, OPTI-Solar, OutBack Power Systems,Patriot Solar Group, Power-One, PowerBright, PV Powered, SatCon, Schumacher Electric, Silent Power, Sinergex Technologies, SolarBridge Technologies U.S.A., SolarEdge Technologies, Solectria Renewables, Sun Power, SunWize Technologies, Total Energy, TerraWatt Power, ThOR manufacturing Inc, Tyco Electronics, Yes! Solar.

Taiwan: Ablerex Electronics, Asian Electron, Centralion Industrial, Cotek, Darfon Corporation, Drow Enterprise, Geoprotek Tech Inc., Hon Turing Tech,SunPower Solutions,Sysgration,Voltronic Power Technology.

High Performance Pv Panels

There are two brands in the world that produce high-performance solar panels. The Californian Sunpower and the Japanese Sanyo (now owned by Panasonic). What do we mean by the word "high efficiency". It' photovoltaic modules with efficiency that approaches or exceeds 20%. Normally the low cost panels (eg Chinese ones) stop at a yield of 13-14%, a little higher for the expensive ones.

Take for example the Hit series of sanyo, look here for the datasheet. Hit stands for Heterojunction with intrinsic Thin-layer, a mix between crystalline silicon and thin film. In this case Sanyo utilizes both technologies to increase the energy yields.

Pic on the left shows the results of a test carried out by SANYO in Garching (Germany) during 365 days between the first 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2009. In this test were used HIT-240/235 HDE4 SANYO PV modules compared with other pv competitors in the same conditions: the roof facing south, 30 degree incline, SMA 1700 BC inverter. The diagram shows that the SANYO HIT modules have an energy efficiency significantly higher than the other (source Sanyo website).

Sunpower: the E20 series (modules with power ranging from 333 and 327 watts) comes to reach an efficiency of 20%, compared to an average of 14-15% of the other competitors.

Sunpower modules got a 25-year warranty also solar panels allows you to produce more energy on the same surfaces compared with conventional models. This results in a greater conversion of sunlight into electricity, and then a smaller space occupied by the modules.

Pro:
the High Performance Pv Panels offer maximum results with minimum effort, it is certainly the best solution, both for family pv implants and for company. By installing a system by Sunpower or Sanyo-Panasoni you will be certain to enjoy efficient solar plants, covered by a warranty of 25 years.
We also talk about a brand that offers solutions for all brands and needs and able to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability and a guaranteed return over time. Quality materials, tested repeatedly, a guarantee in the long run.

Prices: about 1,5 dollars per watt (2014 prices).

Ranking of the best solar modules in the world for performance:

1. Sunpower 20.40% E20 / 333 pv
2. AUO 19.50% PM318B00
3. Sanyo Electric 19.00% HIT-N240SE10
4. Jiawei 18.30% JW-S100
5. Crown Renewable Energy 18.30% Summit 100LM
6. Idea Solar 17.50%
7. Winaico 17.15% WSP-285M6
8. PVT Austria 16.88%
9. JA Solar 16.84%
10. Zytech 16.84% ZT 215S

DIY Solar Power - Pros and Cons

Solar power is a more beneficial source of energy as it does not give off toxic pollutants into the atmosphere unlike oil. For this reason, a growing number of homeowners are starting to switch to the use of residential solar power as their main source of energy in their homes.

Because of the continually rising cost of utilities, many individuals find it hard to pay their bills or feel the need to cut back in their consumption in order to accommodate their budget. Switching to solar energy by constructing your own solar panels to produce electricity is a more earth-friendly solution to rid yourself of costly monthly bills. This can be accomplished without altering your lifestyle or restricting your consumption to make ends meet.

How to make a solar panel:

the prohibitive cost of materials and installation of solar panels is one of the major downside to get solar power completely off the ground. This situation, however, is no longer an impediment to the wide scale use of residential solar power with the DIY approach. The disadvantage of doing it by yourself can take much longer than hiring professionals. You may also make mistakes that may be difficult or impossible to undo.

Kits and instructions are available online with easy to follow step by step videos so you can construct your own solar panels at home. The cost of these kits won’t even go beyond $200 if you decide to build it yourself.

One typical downside, however, is that residential solar power is only useful when the sun shines. It won’t produce energy at night or during overcast days. However, there are monocrystalline panels that can work even in low light conditions and can make the most out of the available daylight hours.

During these hard financial times, especially if you are not too sure to bring home your next paycheck, every little bit of savings help. Building a DIY residential solar power unit is a great move in freeing yourself from the bondage of the rising prices.

Stuff You Need To Know About DIY Home Solar Power Systems

Installing a homel solar power system on your own is not as difficult as it seems. But there are indeed certain things that you have to be aware of and some additional stuff to consider.

First, you must get the estimated size of your home solar power system. There are ways to compute this, and there are websites that will teach you how. Once you have the estimated the right size, you can now consult with a reputable solar power system installer to help you determine other essential things that you will need in preparation for setting up your home's new power source. A reputable installer will also be able to tell you any state-mandated requirements that you have to complete prior to installing the solar power system.

As another option, DIY solar kits are now available in the market for homeowners who would like to try building their own residential solar power system. An understanding about electrical systems is a requirement in order to assemble kits like this.

There are different advantages to be derived from using the power of the sun as a household's main source of electricity. The main advantage is related to the savings that homeowners can have in their utility costs. The home powered by solar energy is no longer largely dependent on the electricity generated by a utility company. Thus, great savings is possible and highly desirable, especially during these times when the entire world is beleaguered by skyrocketing oil prices and the inevitable depletion of traditional fuel sources.

Another great advantage attributed to home solar power is its friendliness to the environment. Here is one power source that does not require numerous machines and equipment to set up and operate. Furthermore, the generation of solar power does not necessitate the destruction of land areas. Most importantly, there are no carbon emissions when this type of power source is used.

Getting To Know More About Residential Solar Power Kits

Because of the increasing costs of electricity bills, there is no doubt that many people are searching for other alternatives to provide efficient electric power to their homes. Residential solar power has been a good topic for years but has been unattainable for most people since they can be costly to install. However, it will pay for itself within a few years of using the said system, which will come in the form of the money saved on monthly electric bills.

To save a few bucks, many homeowners are turning to the use of the DIY residential solar power kits. This permits homeowners to set up their own solar panels so they can reduce their expenses by eliminating the need for a professional installer. These kits come with a detailed setup guide that is made to guide homeowners throughout the assembly process of the solar panels.

Before going out to buy a solar power kit, you need to consider a few different things: decide what benefits you would like to receive from buying a solar system. You also need to consider if you might need additional energy source that will decrease your utility bill. Thus, you have to know what kinds of advantages you want to obtain from the use of this amazing alternative power source. No matter what residential solar power system you opt for, the system will definitely include a photovoltaic collector unit that will collect the rays of the sun and turn them into electric power. You might want your photovoltaic solar panel to collect the maximum quantity of sun rays so you can accumulate enough solar energy to power your home.

More and more individuals are opting for residential solar power kits for their homes because of its many benefits. Also, this renewable power source is capable of heating water as well as other electrical appliances. Remember that with solar power, there is no fuels used, the energy is free, there is no energy wastage and you will not release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Therefore, this type of kit is absolutely a better means for you to go for when you want to make the most out of the sun’s energy.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Solar Power in Homes

There are just too many advantages of using solar power as an alternative form of energy in your home. Like most systems, it also has its share of disadvantages. Fortunately, the disadvantages of using residential solar power are few and won’t have a bad effect on the environment.

Power from the sun is a renewable source of energy. It does not emit any kind of harmful gas or pollute the environment as it produces energy. This alternative energy source can help save our ailing planet. With the use of this green technology, we can achieve a cleaner environment and gradually eradicate our dependence on fossil fuel.

Many homes across the country are converting to alternative fuels and other sources of renewable energy like solar power, not just due to the skyrocketing prices of oil every hour, but because the disastrous effect of global warming is starting to be felt.

The advantage of solar power is not only restricted to environmental issues. The price of electricity is nearly as high, if not higher, than fuel prices. In this case, the monthly cost of electricity can be significantly reduced with the use of residential solar power.

Solar panels are now being sold in major hardware stores all over the US and Western Europe. A major disadvantage is that these panels are quite expensive for the average homeowner. It even gets more expensive when you have to hire a team of professionals to install and equip your home with this system. The system can be minimally useful at night and during overcast days when the sun won’t come out.

However, many homeowners are not daunted by the high price of solar panels. They simply construct and install their own solar panels and power their homes with this easily obtainable energy. With the proper materials and instructions, anyone can construct their own residential solar power system and reduce or even eradicate their dependence from big electrical companies, while at the same time lessening the harmful impact of fossil fuel to the environment.

Different Types Of Solar Cells: Some Important Facts

Solar power has been touted as the major energy source of the future. Residential solar power systems are now in great demand as homeowners worry about the sky-rocketing prices of other fuel sources. Many articles have discussed the benefits of having this type of alternative energy source powering one's home. However, how does the system really works? For instance, are there different types of solar cells out there? You bet, and this article introduces you to some of the different types, which provides quite a bit of useful information.

A bit of background information first. The first solar cell was created in 1883 by a man named Charles Fritts. Good ole Charlie used selenium as the base for his photovoltaic cell, which paved the way for other inventors and band-wagon jumpers to develop their own types of solar cells.

Selenium fell out of use, bowing out when the world turned its affection to the silicon-based solar cell. Until now, the use of silicon-based photovoltaic solar cells persists. Nonetheless, the evolution and discoveries in this field of science and technology will produce other types of solar cells, which include those that are based on amorphous silicon, copper, and cadmium telluride. Each new development promised to harness the power of the sun better than their predecessor solar cells did.
These days, carbon-based solar cells are preferred over silicon wafers for residential solar power systems. These solar cells are also being tested for space applications.

Harnessing Power from The Wind: Focusing on Wind Energy

You can get tons of benefits by harnessing the wind’s energy and using it as a renewable energy source to generate usable electricity. It will not only help in lowering monthly utility bills, but will also allow people to play their part in saving the environment. When used in tandem with solar power, wind power can even eradicate altogether the dependency on harmful fossil fuels.

One of the most outstanding features of using wind energy is that the power is free and continuous as long as there is wind. Living in a world where energy is generated through the use of fossil fuel, we are in constant struggle with the likely prospect of this energy source being depleted, while at the same time dealing with the skyrocketing cost of crude oil which impacts energy costs. Unfortunately, the costs only seem to travel on an upward course as power companies increase prices quickly yet are slow to roll back price adjustments.

The benefits of harnessing wind as a renewable energy source significantly increase each day, thanks to technological advances. Wind turbine kits can now be purchased inexpensively by do-it-yourself enthusiasts for construction at home.

While commercial wind turbines may cost a regular homeowner thousands of dollars, you can now be able to construct a residential wind turbine of your own using components that cost less than $100, which can easily be purchased in hardware stores or through the internet.

Space used to be a big concern when shifting to an alternative energy source. One of the major advantages of utilizing wind energy is the fact that you will no longer require a wide area to get one up and working anymore. There is a range of designs that will allow DIY homeowners to set up these renewable energy sources on their rooftops. Their efficiency may not be as great as the commercial turbine design but they are sufficient enough for average home use.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Solar Power in Homes

There are just too many advantages of using solar power as an alternative form of energy in your home. Like most systems, it also has its share of disadvantages. Fortunately, the disadvantages of using residential solar power are few and won’t have a bad effect on the environment.

Power from the sun is a renewable source of energy. It does not emit any kind of harmful gas or pollute the environment as it produces energy. This alternative energy source can help save our ailing planet. With the use of this green technology, we can achieve a cleaner environment and gradually eradicate our dependence on fossil fuel.

Many homes across the country are converting to alternative fuels and other sources of renewable energy like solar power, not just due to the skyrocketing prices of oil every hour, but because the disastrous effect of global warming is starting to be felt.

The advantage of solar power is not only restricted to environmental issues. The price of electricity is nearly as high, if not higher, than fuel prices. In this case, the monthly cost of electricity can be significantly reduced with the use of residential solar power.

Solar panels are now being sold in major hardware stores all over the US and Western Europe. A major disadvantage is that these panels are quite expensive for the average homeowner. It even gets more expensive when you have to hire a team of professionals to install and equip your home with this system. The system can be minimally useful at night and during overcast days when the sun won’t come out.

However, many homeowners are not daunted by the high price of solar panels. They simply construct and install their own solar panels and power their homes with this easily obtainable energy. With the proper materials and instructions, anyone can construct their own residential solar power system and reduce or even eradicate their dependence from big electrical companies, while at the same time lessening the harmful impact of fossil fuel to the environment.

A Simple Guide in Designing A Windmill

A windmill is a renewable energy source that converts the wind’s force into mechanical energy, which can in turn be transformed to electrical energy. If you need to design a suitable windmill for your home, then a number of considerations should be made before you start to build your windmill.

The number one consideration is unquestionably the wind speed. Once you have determined the average wind speed in your location, choosing the right design is simple.

If the wind speed averages around 8 mph in your location, then you can benefit from a vertical windmill design. Vertical blades turn easier even on the presence of the slightest wind. You can also add a gear box to speed up the rotation at the generator if required.

If the wind speeds average around 12 mph in your area, or rather a little faster than that, then a horizontal windmill design is highly recommended. The three blades horizontally facing the wind will enable you to catch more wind energy which will in effect turn the generator shaft faster, usually at speeds of 600 rpm.

Location is your next important consideration for when considering using this renewable energy source. This element is crucial, particularly if during the first step you have decided that a horizontal blade design was most suitable. As the blades face the wind, and often with a rotational perimeter of six feet or wider, the entire turbine should be able to get up into the wind. If trees, buildings or other structures block the wind, it would be better to choose a vertical blade design.

A vertical blade design requires only a little wind to get it turning, and will be the best option if some issues are preventing your turbine from turning properly. The disadvantage of vertical blades is that they don’t turn as fast as they should and thus won’t be able to generate enough renewable energy without the help of a gearbox to speed up the rotation at the generator.

Factors To Consider When Looking For The Right Residential Solar Power System Installers

The installation of residential solar power systems is a highly complicated process. It is much more so if your home's system is going to be part of the tied grid system in your area. It is therefore necessary to find the most qualified installer who can accomplish the job in the safest, most efficient way possible.

Scout around for contractors specializing in the installation of residential solar power systems. If you can't find one in your area, the internet is a good source of information on where to find contractors that can provide service in your location.

The installation of solar power systems, as mentioned, is not a simple task. There are certain regulations to be followed, especially if you wish to hook up your system to a local utility company's grid-tied network. The work can be done successfully by an installer who has obtained proper training for this type of job. Make sure that the installation company you contact has the necessary certification. This certification should attest to the competency of the personnel responsible for installing your residential solar power system.

A company that has a good reputation for reliability does not subcontract the job you hired them for. Subcontracting is only done by unscrupulous firms, and you should be wary of this. Make sure that the firm only uses their own personnel when performing the installation of your home's solar power system.
A good company provides warranty for all the work that they accomplish.

This is not to say that there is something faulty with the installation of your residential solar power system. This is to safeguard your investment just in case some faulty piece of equipment cause issues in your photovoltaic system. Make sure to understand the terms of the warranty, and you should also know what is covered in the agreement.

Is It Expensive To Install A Residential Solar Power System?

Recently, residential solar power has gained popularity as a viable alternative for other energy sources. However, many homeowners are still skeptical as to the real benefits of using energy harnessed from the sun to power their appliances. Skeptical homeowners are primarily concerned about the cost of installing photovoltaic power systems.

Residential solar power systems help wean homeowners from their dependence on the fluctuating prices of oil and other non-renewable energy sources that most nations are still using. In fact, some countries have already recognized the advantages of using solar power and are now offering incentives to entice homeowners to switch to this alternative energy source. Various governments now merit tax deductions for citizens who use renewable energy power systems in their homes. Moreover, properties that are solar powered can demand a higher asking price on the real estate market.

Ethically, a solar-powered home generates less carbon footprint, thereby contributing positively on the whole world's fight against global warming. Furthermore, the sun's power is infinite; so there is no fear that this power source will eventually run out like what is now happening to petroleum and other traditional fuel sources.

It is true that the installation of a residential solar power system can cost up to several thousand dollars. Proponents of solar power, however, suggest that the homeowners see this expense as a long-term investment. Once the system is in place, the homeowners can immediately save about 30% of their utility cost (even more). If the system was designed to power up all electrical appliances and fixtures in the home, then the home owner can be completely independent of the electricity generated by a power company. The expense of putting up the solar power system in the home will eventually be paid off by the amount homeowners save on their utility bills over a few years. Any amount reduced from their utility bills beyond that will count as genuine savings.

Everything About Solar Panel Installation

During the past few years, residential solar power has gained popularity because of its economical and environmental benefits. With the use of photovoltaic cells in solar panels, the energy of the sun can be easily converted to electric energy that can be used for heating purposes and energizing homes as well as electrical devices.

This can either be stored in a battery or transmitted directly to electrical devices. Even though this can be a hard job, the installation process can be obtained easily with appropriate electrical and assembly knowledge. The cost of installation depends mainly on the solar panel that you will use. These panels are mostly set up on the home’s rooftop yet they can be installed as free standing units near the building as long as there is sufficient space to accommodate them.

Residential solar power needs mounts for both ground and rooftop installations. The panels have to be angled properly so that they will be able to get sufficient sunlight to generate enough power that you can use up. Bear in mind that the system can only generates solar power in full capacity only when placed appropriately placed in the proper location (facing directly to the sun).

Moreover, it is essential to get rid of all obstacles that will block direct sunlight or else the solar panels will not work effectively. The panels have to be tilted to some extent to make the greatest quantity of sunlight. Once installed, the solar panels have to be examined to guarantee that it is leak proof and protected. After testing, the panels have to be connected to an inverter using a battery power or electric circuit box.

There are many benefits that one can get by using a residential solar power unit. The onetime cost of installation will be taken back after a few years of using the solar power. It is both user and environmentally friendly. This energy does not give off any dangerous pollutants to the atmosphere and does not require the use of any kind of fuel. Solar energy systems require less maintenance and are easy to use as well. The most important benefit is that you will save on your monthly electricity bills. That being said, the use of a solar power systems is absolutely a cost effective option for everybody, since it is designed to produce green and clean energy.

Price of photovoltaic panels, the trend in 2014

The prices of photovoltaic solar panels in the last five years have fallen heavily. It 'a trend not only for the United States, but which involved all the world. The strong decrease was related to the success of government incentives (especially in Europe) distributed in time, the demands of solar modules have increased and the price has dropped, partly because in the 'arena have entered the Chinese manufacturers that have flooded the market with low cost products (Trina, Yingli, Suntech).

What is expected for 2014? What will be the price of solar panels? We will see a further decline? For many people we are now close to the so-called "grid parity", it means the same price between obtained a kilowatt of electricity through photovoltaic and the cost of a kilowatt of electricity sold by the company. We should probably get to pay less than $ 1 for each watt of PV CSI module.

As you can see from the picture the average price in 2012 of a module amounted to $ 2.29 per watt. We can of course pay 1.5 dollars for Chinese panels or 2.5-3 dollars for high yield-such as Panasonic or Sanyo Sunpower of California. Solar Buzz notes that the European markets have absorbed about 80% of global demand for PV over the past five years. However, in recent months, there have been severe cuts to incentives in Europe, this has reduced the race to purchase PV implants and as a result the prices have decreased less than what was expected.

The cuts to the incentives are the result of government programs that have been successful in the past in creating a strong demand, but, importantly, have helped to bring down the unit cost of the panels.Another factor contributing to the reduction of the retail price of modules has been caused by a change in those who produced them.

Over the past five years, the European, Japanese, and U.S. manufacturers have lost market share compared to the Chinese and Taiwanese.

What to expect in the near future: the fall in prices will continue steadily, but not as strong as before. Only a strong incentive program could dramatically bring down the prices of the modules, or a technological innovation that is currently not yet been developed in a commercial manner.

Click here to read the complete solar price module analysis done by Solar Buzz.

Why Should You Consider Using Solar Power in Your Home

More people these days are realizing the far-reaching benefits of solar power. Although life on this planet has thrived because of the sun's life-giving energy, it is only now that the world has turned to solar energy, which they predict will be the major source of electricity in the future. There are now homeowners who recognize the advantage of installing residential solar power systems on their properties. If you are searching for an alternative energy source for your home, here are some of the benefits that you can reap from using solar power.

Residential solar power systems use a renewable energy source. As long as the sun shines, there is no way that this power source could be depleted. Even if the sun disappears at night or hides behind clouds in some days, it is generally available in full force. Also, technological advances have now made it possible for homeowners to harness the sun's energy and store it for later use.

Unlike setting up a power-generation site for other energy systems, setting up a solar power system designed for home use does not require intricate machinery or clearing up large swathes of land. In fact, once the photovoltaic cells are set up, there is very little maintenance required to keep the residential solar power system running.

The main advantage that convinces homeowners to switch to solar power is the fact that they save a great deal on their utility bills. Their savings on utility costs becomes greater if they use electricity derived from the sun to power up all their electrical appliances in the home.

Many countries are now offering incentives (in Italy for example energy produced by home solar power is payed for 20 years 50% higher then standard prices) for homeowners to switch to solar power. Some of the incentives include: tax deductions for using an alternative and renewable energy source, and financial compensation if the homeowner sells surplus energy to a utility company.

Things To Consider When Designing Your Own Residential Solar Power System

With the rising cost of gas prices these days and the realization just how finite the world's fossil fuel resources are, many people are now searching for alternative sources of energy from which to derive electricity. Residential solar power systems are currently being viewed as viable alternatives to traditional power sources.

With the recent developments in residential solar power technology, harnessing the power of the sun for electricity is no longer an expensive endeavor. Thus, solar power can be utilized in homes located in the suburbs and the cities when, before, only those residences that are not encompassed by the power grid are forced to make use of alternative energy sources. Prior to the installation of a residential solar power system, there are several things that you must consider.

The primary consideration is the system's size. If you own household appliances that run on electricity, you must determine the amount of energy each appliance requires in order to function. Alternatively, you can calculate your home's annual average electricity usage by gathering your utility bills from the past 12 months. Get the average of your household's electricity consumption by adding the actual kilowatt-hours used and then dividing the sum by 12. This is now your household's average monthly kilowatt-hour consumption.

Then, divide this amount by 30 to obtain the average kilowatt-hour used in a day. Divide this result by 5 (which is the average number of hours the sun shines fully in the United States). Lastly, multiply the result of the last calculation by 1.43 (this will account for the system losses). The final result will be the kilowatt-hour size of the solar-generated system that you will need for your home. Once you obtain the size of the residential solar power system required for your needs, a reputable solar power installer can help you set up the system that will harness the sun's power to provide electricity to your home.

How To Choose The Best Residential Solar Power System

More and more people are becoming aware of the rapid depletion of our fossil fuel sources. Furthermore, the continuing escalation of gas prices has spurred many people to search for alternative means of energy to power their homes. Residential solar power systems have become the most popular alternative power source throughout the world.

Not only does residential solar power has the potential of halting the further depletion of fossil fuel sources, it seems to be the most viable solution to wean homeowners' dependence on deregulated gas prices that continue to plague the entire world. Furthermore, the recent developments in relation to solar energy have made the installation of photovoltaic systems an affordable venture. Thus, it is no longer just homes off the power grid that are utilizing solar-powered systems for their electricity; residents in the suburbs and the cities are now also harnessing the sun's energy to power up their homes.

With the potential of residential solar power to save the environment and lower monthly utility costs, how can a homeowner choose the best system to meet their needs? The following factors should be considered:
Does the location permit for maximum exposure to sunlight? Keep in mind that solar power systems harness the energy of the sun. Thus, in order to reap the maximum benefits that can be derived from this alternative power source, photovoltaic cells should receive maximum exposure to the sun's rays. True, there are photovoltaic cells that can capture the sun's energy even during cloudy conditions.

However, the system cannot actually function to its full maximum.

Will the solar power system be used to power all appliances and electrical fixtures in the house? Considering the amount of energy needed can greatly influence the size of the residential solar power system to be installed. The homeowner has to decide if solar energy is going to be the main source of electrical power for the entire household or if there are only specific fixtures and appliances that are to be powered up with electricity generated from the sun.

Things You Need To Know About Residential Solar Power Regulations

Interest in residential solar power systems has risen in the past few months, owing to the increased awareness of homeowners about the depletion of fossil fuel sources and the global chaos sparked by increasing oil and gas prices.

Many people now realize that they have to seek alternative energy sources in order to wean from their dependence on oil, gas, and other traditional sources of energy. Thus, they turn to solar power. Even governments have acknowledged that now is the time to turn to other means of energy.

What is residential solar power regulation? How will it benefit homeowners who have turned to solar power as a means of supplying electricity to their homes?

In the United States, there are regulations that protect the right of homeowners to acquire sunlight to operate their residential solar power systems. Furthermore, the regulations are in place in order to ensure the safe installation of systems that harness the power of the sun. Some of the major issues surrounding solar-power regulation are the identification of the entities officially qualified to install solar power systems in homes and buildings; recognizing who approves the installation of solar power systems in specific areas; pinpointing the appropriate procedures of storing solar energy in a power grid; and the appropriate connection of a solar power system from a residence to a utility company's power grid.

In about 2 dozen American states, net metering is practiced. Solar power generated by a household is transmitted to a utility company's power grid for a specified compensation. Regulations surrounding this metering arrangement ensure fair treatment for all entities hooked up to the grid tied system.

The competence of solar contractors is another issue under the scope of solar power regulations. Currently there are 10 American States that require contractors involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of photovoltaic systems to possess professional licenses. This ensures that clients will receive competent service from this category of tradespersons.

Residential Solar Power: How Can Your Home Benefit From A Grid Tie System?

Solar energy is being looked upon as the most viable alternative source of electricity used to power homes. Recent developments in this technology have made it possible to install affordable residential solar power systems not only in homes that are off the power grid but also in residences located in cities and the suburbs.

Furthermore, through residential solar power systems, utility companies have come up with ways that help homeowners to lower their household utility costs. 

The grid tie system is one such way. Essentially, a solar-energy-powered home generates direct current (DC) electricity. This DC power is run through an inverter to transform it into alternating current (AC) energy. The AC power is then transmitted to the utility company's power grid. This is what they call as the grid tie system.

So, how can you benefit from a grid tie system? Considering that you will be supplying electrical power to the utility company's power grid, you are compensated. The compensation is usually in the form of "net metering." For example, every month your household feeds an equivalent of 300 kilowatt-hours of electrical power to the utility company's grid. From the same power grid, your household consumes 100 kilowatt-hours. The utility company will compensate you for the 200-kilowatt-hour difference. It would be as if your electric meter is running backwards!

In the United States, arrangements for the grid tie system are covered by special provisions in the National Electric Code. Throughout the rest of the world, there are 16 other countries that legally allow this type of electrical system, including Hungary, Japan, and Australia.

If you are interested in tapping your residential solar power into a grid tie system, there are certain components that you will need. The essential components include your residential solar panels, a combiner box, an inverter, a DC breaker box, and a grid disconnect. Setting up a grid tied system requires the services of a professional solar power system installer.