Solar Systems

Their Are Various Uses For Solar Systems

There is a famous quote by American naturalist John Burroughs, “Leap and the net will appear”.  For anyone who is  considering solar systems for an alternative home energy source or commercial business, now is the time to leap.  Taking advantage of commercial solar power systems doesn’t have to mean shelling out thousands of dollars for a full array of solar panels and their accompanying equipment. There are several small steps one can take to begin conserving energy – and saving money – to begin a home’s transformation from traditional electric and gas powered sources to nature’s most renewable energy source: solar systems.

Passive Solar:  Passive solar refers to the ways a home can store and use sunlight for light and heat without requiring energy conversion or storage. Upgrading windows to  maximize (or minimize) the sun’s warmth and installing skylights or solar tubes to direct sunlight into windowless rooms and corners can be an economical way to save money while making the most of daylight hours to provide light and to increase heat retention during the winter.

Landscaping:  Gardens and exterior landscaping are great opportunities to install solar systems to enhance overall curb appeal. In addition to watching the benefits of the sun as it feeds flowers and shrubs, homeowners can use solar systems to power fountains and large water features using solar water pumps.This eliminates the expense of extensive digging for wire installation, future electrical maintenance bills, and creates obvious utility bill savings.  Solar lights can be used as decorative safety lighting to line outdoor pathways, stairways, and to illuminate garden features, without ever costing a penny to operate.

Solar Water Heaters:  Solar water heaters are a simple and economical first step for any homeowner interested in dabbling in solar power but not quite ready to make the leap into a full photovoltaic solar system.  Heating hot water accounts for an average of 1/5 to 1/4 of American household energy consumption.  The average cost of domestic solar water heater systems is between $3000 – $6000.  The average family will be repaid in energy savings within 4 – 6 years. This is a variable factor depending on a family’s hot water consumption and the percentage of sunlight exposure on a daily average. Tax Credit Potential: up to 30% of the total cost.

Home Solar Systems: Installing a photovoltaic system for your home’s energy needs has never been more affordable.  Many solar vendors offer financing options, when combined with the government tax incentives of 30% of the total cost, can mean a very low monthly payment balanced by utility bill savings.  Many people envision the big bulky panels of the 70’s and 80’s and think, “no thanks!”.  But solar technology has grown by leaps and bounds. Thin film panels – often made of amorphous silicon-  are slightly less efficient than their crystalline silicone counterparts but they’re also more affordable and now comprise about 25% of the residential solar panel market. A local reputable solar vendor will be happy to find a system that will work with any home’s needs and budget.