Are you looking to generate Energy for your home through the power of the sun?

The development of Solar energy technology has brought a wide range of innovative Solar Solutions to your home. You can now power anything under the sun with solar energy.

As a renewable energy, solar is an abundant resource of which we should all make use.

By adopting solar solutions to power your home, you can lower your carbon footprint while making financial savings.

Everyone knows that solar makes sense for the planet. But many people don’t realize that there are financial reasons to switch to solar too.

The rapid growth of solar technology in recent years has seen many homeowners become interested in the energy source. But switching to solar energy can be a confusing process.

So you can understand what you need to consider when it comes to solar, we’ve put together this guide to help you when choosing the best solar solutions for your home.

What is the Solar Potential of Your Home?

It may seem obvious to say – but you need to have access to the sun to get the benefits of solar. This is something to consider before you embark on any investment in solar solutions.

The amount of solar energy that you can generate for your home depends on how much exposure to sunlight your home gets.

This means that if your home is not in a suitable location to take advantage of solar solutions, it could be a waste of money for you.

To avoid any problems, you should consider the following:

• Does the roof of your home get enough exposure to sunlight?
• Are the sunlight conditions of your home suitable for generating solar energy?
• What is the coverage area of my home?

For further information about the solar potential of your home, check out the solar mapping resources at the Department of Energy.

Off or On-Grid?

One choice you have to make when it comes to switching to solar is – do you wish to be off-grid or on-grid? Keep reading to find out the difference between the two options.

1. Solar on the Grid

On-grid simply means that you’re connected to the utility grid.

Switching to solar energy on-grid is definitely the safer option. If the solar energy system cannot meet demand at any point, you’ll still receive power.

Therefore, if you have solar panels set up at your home, the utility provider will purchase any of the surplus energy that you generate.

By sticking to on-grid, you can also save on the costs of installing the solar panels in the first place.

2. Solar off the Grid

The second option you need to consider is off-grid solar energy. This could be the best option for you if you live in a remote area. If access to the utility grid is limited it makes sense to choose off-grid systems.

However, this would mean that you’re reliant on the energy that you generate yourself. Many people who choose this option also have another energy source to power their home as a backup.

If you’re considering the off-grid option, make sure you have a large exposed area that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Types of Solar Solutions

Now that we’ve established the solar potential of your home, the matter of whether you want to go off-grid or on-grid, you’re ready to learn more about solar energy.

There are many types of solar solutions available on the market, as well as clever solar solutions for you to try out at home.

1. Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels

Have you ever wondered how the energy of the sun is converted into electricity that keeps the lights on in your home?

This is carried out through a photovoltaic (PV) system. The PV system is made up of a set of solar electric panels that absorb the sunlight.

This process is called the photoelectric effect. The electrical current that is generated through this process is then contained in the electrical circuit. This subsequently carries electricity into your home.

By installing PV solar panels on the roof of your home, a significant amount of the required power for your home could be provided through solar.

In fact, during the daytime when the sun is at its brightest, you could generate even more energy than your home requires.

If your PV system generated surplus energy, you can sell the surplus electricity back to the energy grid. This is called “net metering”.

The bad news is that PV systems can be quite expensive at first. But the good news is that if you’re searching for more affordable solar solutions, there are other options.

2. Thermal Solar Systems

Are you just looking to dip your toe in the world of solar solutions?

Thermal solar systems are a cheaper alternative to PV systems. They generate electricity through a thermal solar water heater.

Do you have a swimming pool for the summer months? Thermal solar systems are a great way to heat your pool.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, thermal solar systems can cut your water heating bills by up to 50 percent.

Thermal solar systems have to link up with your plumbing system rather than your electrical. Therefore, while they’re a cost-effective alternative to PV systems, you need to factor this into the costs.

3. Solar Solutions Through Design

There are also solar solutions that relate to the design of your home. This is usually called passive solar technology.

You can install the technology into the structure of your home, such as the walls, floors, windows, and doors.

They absorb the power of the sun and store the energy until a suitable time to release the heat to warm your home. Alternatively, the technology can also release the heat outside the home, to keep your home cooler during times of warm weather.

There are many other forms of passive solar technology. This includes insulating your walls and ceilings and sealing air gaps.

There are also landscape techniques for increasing the efficiency of your home.

Uses for Solar

Now that we’ve been through the different types of solar energy, let’s focus on the potential uses of solar for you home. You’ll be suprised by the many ways that solar energy can serve your energy needs.

1. Solar Lighting Outside and Inside

Do you like to come home at night and see your yard and walkway lit up with lights?

This provides your home with extra security and allows you easily to get to your front door. But the best part of solar lighting outside is that it’s free. While you have to pay an initial cost, it makes sense to get outside lighting in the long-run.

With LED (light emitting diodes) lighting, you can also install solar lighting inside your home.

By charging the solar panels during the daytime, the batteries will then release light when it gets dark.

2. Cooking with Solar

Did you know that there are ingenious ways to cook using solar power too?

The normal utility costs of cooking are probably a huge proportion of your monthly electricity bills. However, you can cook with solar energy much easier and cheaper than you may realize.

You just have to think outside of the box – quite literally.

You can build your own solar-powered cooking box. To make a home-made solar powered box all you need is a box, aluminum foil, some duct tape, styrofoam insulation, a thermometer and a cooking bag. After this, throw your food in a pan and get started cooking with solar.

3. Ventilation of Your Home

Does your home get warm and stuffy in the summer months?

You could ventilate your home better with solar energy. Solar can power fans on the floor or ceiling throughout your home.

Fans can heat or cool your home. By opting for solar power, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars on your energy bills.

Fans can also work to move air around your home to prevent moisture and smell developing.

The Future of Solar Solutions is Bright

As we’ve covered, there are so many different types of solar energy and solutions that choosing the best solar solutions for your home isn’t easy.

But by following this guide to selecting the right solar ideas for you and your family, you can make sure you’re benefiting from the power of the sun.

The increasing speed of development of solar that is taking place makes solar almost certainly the energy of the future. Solar is being used across the world to solve energy problems. It may be that in the future we will ask ourselves, what can’t be solved by solar?

If you’re interested in learning more about solar solutions, read one of our blogs on solar energy facts, or leave a comment below.

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