Solar Power– A Must for Homes

‘Going green’ is the trend these days since the world is facing a lot of environmental problems specifically global warming. Electricity comes from fossil fuels which are being burned. The emissions contribute a lot to global warming and one way to address this issue is by using solar power for homes. Even the federal and state governments are now encouraging many homeowners to utilize solar power by offering grants and loans. Solar power is a must for homes and it is not just for the rich people.



Are you familiar with DIY solar power kits? The DIY kits are widely available in online stores and perhaps in local stores. All you need to do is shop around and find a suitable system that can work for your home.



Why is the solar power system a must for homes?



As mentioned earlier, the government is also supporting green energy through grants and loans. Aside from that, there are also incentives. For instance, if you spend around $20,000 on system installation, the state government will give you a 30% credit. This means that your next tax bill will decrease by 30% of $20,000 which is $6,000. The credit can also be extended to the following year as long as the amount is covered fully.



Once you install the system, it requires minimum maintenance. Make sure that you also clean and clear it properly. You can consult a professional who knows a great deal about solar power systems and have yours checked annually. Most homeowners do little work on their systems and this is a great advantage.



Sunlight is available for all and since fossil fuels are depleting, it is an excellent option. If you install a system for your home, you will simply need to invest once and after that, you can now benefit as long as the system is working properly. Your electricity bills will surely be reduced and so you will have smaller bills every month. You can use the solar power system for your outdoor lights, garden lights and features, and even for indoor use as long as the inverter is big enough.



Solar panels are one of the most popular solar power systems used today. If blackouts are quite common in your area, it would really help a lot if you install solar power. That way, even if other homes don’t have electricity, your home can still have electricity. Solar panels are reliable as well as the other systems available today. Most manufacturers also provide warranty and so you can expect the solar panels to be durable. You won’t hear any noise since the panels are working quietly while producing the needed energy.
Most of all, with solar power systems, you can help in saving the environment. You can help in decreasing pollution and the degradation of the environment. The power systems can last for decades with proper maintenance and care. If you’re interested to go green, don’t hesitate to install a solar power system for your home. This is the best time to make a choice – a choice that can have a significant impact to the world. After installation of the system, you can now enjoy a continuous supply of green electricity.


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Common Solar Power Systems for Homes

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Solar Panel Advances

Solar Panel Advances
Thin Film Photovoltaics (TFPV)

The newest frontier is solar cells belongs to the "thin film" category and is dye-based. It uses materials that are much less expensive than silicon-based or other thin-film solar cell technologies. Research and development is currently underway in several countries around the globe to produce dye-sensitized solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity as efficiently as the solar cells which are currently available in the consumer marketplace. Once this efficiency is reached, this new generation of cheaper and smaller solar cells will be able to be incorporated into to be consumer products such as windows and exterior paints.



Thin Film Shingles

Thin film shingles are a type of solar panel that can be integrated into existing composition or tile roofing systems. They are the same size as a roofing shingle and eliminate the need for a separate solar array and racking system. For this reason, they are a good choice for tract or custom housing developments which have strict design guidelines prohibiting large solar array installations on the roof or on the ground. As long as the roof faces the sun for enough hours during the day to produce electricity, they can be successfully used in areas of high density housing. Thin film technology has advanced far enough that it can produce electricity even in geographical areas which experience a lot of cloudy or foggy weather.



Thin Film Laminates

Thin film laminates encapsulate solar cells into a flexible, lightweight polymer product that allows light transmission but is resistant to ultra violet rays so that it does not break down like many plastics under long term exposure to direct sunlight. It is manufactured in rolls (like rolled roofing material) and can be easily applied to the types of flat roofs that are commonly used in commercial buildings. Unlike conventional solar array mounting systems which require anchors, the thin film laminates are made with self-adhesive backing that does not require penetrating the roof with screws or bolts.



Thin Film Windows and Walls

Semi transparent photovoltaic panels that can be used as a substitute for glass in windows, walls and skylights is already being commercially manufactured and used successfully. The technology is formally known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (or BIPV) and currently it's most effective application is when used on large scale surfaces such as business, government and educational campus offices and classrooms.



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