residential solar electricity
Windmill and solar panel energy systems are examples of renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources are becoming popular options for home energy systems for the potential cost savings. Wind and solar systems capture naturally occurring, renewable energy and convert it for electrical use.
The federal government offers tax incentives for windmill and solar panel home energy systems. Most states allow homeowners to sell unused power back to electric companies. A well-designed renewable energy system can reduce or eliminate your monthly energy bill.
To Grid or Not to Grid
When considering a home renewable energy source, your first decision will be whether you’ll cut the cord to your electric company. A system connected to a local power company is called a “grid-tied” system. A system that runs separate from the local power company is called “off the grid.”
A grid-tied system can draw power from the power company when your system isn’t generating power. A grid tied system can also sell surplus energy to the power company where states allow.
If your system is off the grid, you’ll be responsible for your own power when your system is offline. This means your system will have to have a battery backup system in place.
Where The Winds Come Whipping Down The Plain
Windmill home energy systems use a fan-blade powered turbine (called the wind generator) to convert wind energy into electrical energy. Most wind generators use three blades in an up-wind design. Up-wind generators have blades that face the direction the wind is blowing.
A charge controller regulates the voltage of the electricity generated and delivers it to your home and the power grid.
Windmill home energy systems must be carefully placed to be effective. The wind generator is usually installed on a tower and must be at least 30 feet above any obstructions within 500 feet of the tower.
The Power Of The Sun
Home solar energy systems uses photovoltaic cells to convert light energy into electrical energy. Once a home solar energy system is installed, it runs exactly like a traditional electrical system.
The main advantage of a home solar energy system is that the sun generates some or all of your electricity. At times of peak generating capacity, you may even see your electrical meter spin backwards!
Home solar energy systems work best when installed on a south-facing roof. The pitch of the roof changes the efficiency of the system slightly, but improper facing will have a big impact on efficiency. Typically, you should plan to install 1-kilowatt hour worth of solar panels (about 100 square feet) per 1000 square feet of living space.
Residential solar panels are available in a number of forms including rigid and flexible panels or as shingle replacements. In some installations, it is possible to combine solar water heating with solar cells for extra energy savings.
For more information on solar energy, visit the home and garden section of Life123.com.
Deng Ltd, Ghana, Solar electricity for rural communities
|
|
P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
$50.00 Empowers You to Save Hundreds on Electric Bills Electricity bills are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your elec... |
|
|
Sunforce 50033 15-Watt Solar Charging Kit
$94.95 Works with Automobiles/Boats/Tractors/ATVs/Electric Fences/Deer Feeders/Telemetry and More. Maintenance Free / Easy Installation. Pre Cut Holes for Easy Installation. 4 Stainless Steel Screws. Battery Clamps. CLA Adapter. 12ft Wire. 7 Amp Charge Controller. Works in All Weather Conditions. Ultra Bright Blue LED Provides Charging Indication. Built-in Blocking Diode Protects Battery Discha... |
|
|
Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit
$279.95 Dead batteries got you down? Soak up some sunshine with this 60 - watt Solar Kit! Solar power: efficient, abundant and FREE. Looking for a little juice? Solar may be the answer! These super-efficient crystalline Solar Panels were designed for use with cabins, outbuildings, RVs, boats... anywhere running electrical line is not practical. A 7-amp charge controller and 200W inverter help use the sun'... |
|
|
A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems
$46.55 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob's bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri... |
|
|
AIMS AGM 6 Volt Battery - 220 Amp
$319.00 The Deka Solar series of batteries is designed to offer reliable, maintenance-free back-up power for renewable energy applications where frequent deep cycles are required and minimum maintenance is desirable. We offer AGM and gel technologies to fit all of your solar applications including: Solar Panel Electricity Collection, Water Pumping, Wind Generation, Cathodic Protection, Lighting Navigation... |
|
|
Deka 12 Volt Gel Battery - 225 Amp
$735.99 The Deka Solar series of batteries is designed to offer reliable, maintenance-free back-up power for renewable energy applications where frequent deep cycles are required and minimum maintenance is desirable. We offer AGM and gel technologies to fit all of your solar applications including: Solar Panel Electricity Collection, Water Pumping, Wind Generation, Cathodic Protection, Lighting Navigation... |
|
|
Deka 6 Volt Gel Battery - 80 Amp
$350.99 The Deka Solar series of batteries is designed to offer reliable, maintenance-free back-up power for renewable energy applications where frequent deep cycles are required and minimum maintenance is desirable. We offer AGM and gel technologies to fit all of your solar applications including: Solar Panel Electricity Collection, Water Pumping, Wind Generation, Cathodic Protection, Lighting Navigation... |
|
|
Instapark® NEW All Black 100W Mono-crystalline Solar Panel, 100 Watt
$279.90 Tired of all the noise and smell from your diesel generator? The Instapark SP-100W solar panel offers you a quiet, clean while carbon-free alternative. Capable of converting virtually unlimited solar energy into clean, green, most importantly, free electricity, this solar panel is made of high efficiency mono-crystalline solar cells embedded in transparent vinyl acetate behind tempered glass wit... |
|
|
Ensupra Grid Tie Inverter 500W,New Design,1Yr.Wrnty,25-46VDC to 110V/120VAC,Power from Solar Panel, Wind Generator, Hydro or Storage Battery,1 Year Full Warranty
$229.00 Ensupra grid tie power inverter can obtain the solar energy from solar panel, and can tie to the grid through its output cable with no extra equipment. The installation is Do-It-Your Self (DIY).When the sun shines, the PV panel will produces DC voltage, and the grid tie inverter will change the DC voltage to AC voltage and puts out power to the home grid, saving electricity. INSTALLATION: 1, Conne... |
|
|
Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual
$29.00 Producing electricity from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a major industry worldwide. But designing, installing and maintaining such systems requires knowledge and training, and there have been few easily accessible, comprehensive guides to the subject.Now, with Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, a world-class solar energy training and education providerâSolar ... |
