As discussed in our solar energy article, switching over to solar power bestows a lot of advantages. However, there are so many types of solar panels it is difficult to decide which one is the most appropriate for your needs.
So how does one select the most appropriate solar panel for his personal and family needs?
As said, there are numerous configurations and types of solar panels available today. It takes a great deal of knowledge to identify the right one for installation in your home and that would be perfect for your needs.
The first step is to call a reputable solar company to evaluate the amount of power used in your home and determine whether a solar panel system is actually suitable for your needs. Some companies will send a specialist to do a solar evaluation for free. The following video demonstrates what to expect from such an evaluation.
After determining whether solar power is suitable for you – (after all, it is possible that from one reason or another, solar panels might not be appropriate for you), you should research the leading companies that supply these panel systems. Check out Solar Panel section for a decent selection.
There are several types of solar panels: solar roof tiles, solar patio covers, roof mounted solar panels and ground mounted solar panels:
Solar roof tiles are placed over your existing roof tiles and expertly made to interlock with them. These tiles are aesthetic and tastefully designed and tend to look very sleek. They come in different sizes and shapes and provide a much more sophisticated look than the traditional roof mounted systems. Both the installation and the solar roof tile materials are expensive. If you can afford it, this is one of the best solar panels which not only makes your house more aesthetic, but is also highly efficient in solving your energy problems.
Roof mounted solar panels also come in various styles. These are the most popular variety of solar panels as they are highly functional and versatile in comparison to the other types. These types of panels are placed on a frame which is fixed onto your roof. As a result, they do not require any major alterations to the roof. Moreover, they also protect your roof from the harsh weather elements thereby extending its life.
Solar patio covers. These are the smallest type of solar panels. Solar patio covers are placed on the garden patio and are practically invisible. They serve two purposes: they provide shade in addition to supplying energy. If your home does not have a roof, then this is might be the ideal solar panel for you.
Ground mounted solar panel system. This type of of solar panel is ideal if you have a lot of land space around your home that is unusable or unproductive. These are large scale systems and are usually stationary. They can also be motorized (to move in the direction of the sun) in order to ensure efficiency enhancement by at least 39%. You can opt for ground mounted solar panel systems that can be placed on ballasts. This system generates the largest amount of energy output and efficiency.
Again, although these guidelines can certainly help you make a decision, asking for the advice of an expert will certainly help you decide which of the above solar panels is the most appropriate one for you.
In conclusion, going for a solar panel offers not only efficient and free energy, but is also good for the environment. Whether you decide to install your own solar panels or call in for an expert, you will certainly benefit from this decision. In case you’re considering installing the panels yourself, here is a video that will give you a taste of what to expect in a solar panel installation.
This provides an excellent hands-on explanation on how solar panels can be installed. Note that if you have any doubt as to how this should be done, the best thing to do is to consult a professional. Safety comes first!
Although going green is a noble goal worthy in its own right, and choosing this lifestyle generally helps people save money, these days it is even more worthwhile than before. Thanks to president Obama’s Stimulus Bill, going green can actually help you save a lot more money than before. It’s a win-win scenario: by going green and saving money on energy, you will be getting even more money though tax-cuts. All this while helping to save our environment – sounds like a pretty good deal to us!
Here is a summary of things you can do to qualify for getting this money:
Install energy-efficient doors, windows, insulation or roof and get 10% off or $500 tax credit.
Install skylights or eco-friendly exterior doors and get 10% or $200 back.
Install central air conditioner units, biomass stoves or energy efficient heaters and get 30% off or up to $1500 tax credit. (Get a free residential solar evaluation)
Buy a hybrid car and get up to $3400 refund, based on the amount of gas saved and weight of the car.
Install gas, propane or oil furnace or hot-water boiler, and get $150 tax credit.
Use mass transit instead of your own car, and get up to $230 pre-tax money per month.
Before making your new energy-saving home improvements make sure they are eligible for the tax cuts or credits. Also make sure you check your specific state’s tax break, as each state laws can be slightly different. And finally, you can always arrange an audit with a specialized consultant, many times also offered by the utilities department free of charge.
(3) The Alternative Energy Store: this store has free educational information on renewable energy systems and great prices on solar panels and wind turbines for your home.
Tags used: Green baby clothing, Green furniture, Green games, Green superstores, Green Apparel, Solar Panels, Wind Turbines
(1) GoGreenSolar website: at this store you’ll find Solar Panels, Global Sun Ovens, Solar Cookers, 80W Solar Electric Backup Generator Kit and more. Moreover, the store will help connect you with renewable energy professionals in your area, and help you get started with green energy.
(2) The Alt Energy Store: has a lot of information on installing Solar Panels as well as a wide variety of Panels to choose from. They offer help: in a simple phone call you’ll get all the information you need to choose the right Solar Panel for you.
(3) Amazon has several Solar Panels and related items in its stock. including:
There are numerous books that advise people on how to benefit from solar energy. We list here some of those we feel are relevant and useful. As you may notice, the level of technical capability that is required to benefit from the books greatly varies: that was done on purpose, to give some books for the novice as well as for the expert.
There is a great number of eBooks that advise people on how to benefit from solar energy. I give the top 5 (in my opinion) products.
(1) Earth 4 Energy – Renewable Energy Solutions – Wind And Solar Power ($49.97): This eBook provides a manual and several easy to follow videos that will teach you how to start generating your own electricity for less than $200! It will literally help you save thousands of dollars on your power bill. Also includes 8 weeks of Money Back Guarantee (so no risk involved).
(2) Green DIY energy – Solar & Wind DIY Guides ($49.97): provides a guide that walks you step-by-step on how to utilize Solar energy by building solar panels (according to the website, even complete beginners would be able to follow these steps). Also includes 60 days of Money Back Guarantee.
(3) Energy 2 Green – Wind And Solar Power System ($49.99): provides a manual that walks you step-by-step on how to create electricity using Solar Power or Wind Turbines (the website claims it’s so simple even a kid could follow the instructions). Also includes 60 days of Money Back Guarantee.
(4) Free Energy Options – Wind & Solar Power – Renewable Energy ($48.95): provides a step-by-step manual that claims to eliminate one’s electric bill completely by utilizing wind and solar power. The product website states that zero technical skills are required. Also includes 8 Week Money Back Guarantee.
(5) DIY Power System ($97.00): provides a complete Do-It-Yourself affordable program that enables one to create his or her homemade Wind or Solar Electricity Generators, hand made batteries and bio-diesel (that could run a vehicle). Also includes 60 day Money Back Guarantee.
The sun shines every day and yet few people ever stop to consider the vast amount of energy that it provides. We reap its benefits directly in the form of heat and daylight but solar energy can do so much more if only we take the time to harness it. Through the use of solar technology the energy of the sun can be turned into other useful forms of energy to power many of our modern needs. In our energy dependent society this underutilized resource can provide so much of what we need if only we harness its potential.
One of the first things that people think of when they consider using the sun’s energy is solar panels or photovoltaic cells that absorb sunlight and turn it into electric power that can be used to power houses, offices, factories and other buildings. Solar energy is also used in solar powered water heaters, most commonly for household use. There are even portable solar powered battery chargers and green batteries on the market which are a great boon for those who camp or who may need to charge up their batteries away from home.
Passive solar is another concept that is very useful in building design. By designing a home to allow more of the sun’s rays in during winter months heating costs can be greatly reduced.
Much has been said over the years about the environmental advantages of solar energy. It seems obvious that using sunlight for power is a smart choice. Other energy sources may belch smoke into the air or generate hazardous waste. They may burn up non-renewable resources, which does not bode well for the future when these resources run out. Not so with solar power! Each morning a new supply of the sun’s energy is available ready to be collected and put to use.
It is easy to see that whether solar power is used to heat water for household use, to generate electricity, or even to power an automobile it is a valuable option to supplement or replace our current technology and to protect the earth’s valuable resources. Over the long term the cost of solar energy both to the planet and to the pocketbook are much less. As more solar installations solar power begins to gain more acceptance and enthusiasm. This spurs on further development to make the solar technology that is available better and better.
