| Many Americans have decided to become more | | | | initial cost is hefty, but depending on how you use |
| energy independent, and want to play a part in | | | | it, the system may pay for itself in as little as |
| avoiding a very foreseeable energy crisis. They've | | | | five years. The return is greater when you factor |
| decided to go solar. Creating a solar powered | | | | in rebates and incentives offered by states and |
| home is an endeavor that requires an initial | | | | local governments. |
| investment, but the costs are being lowered | | | | Solar Pumps- Depending on where you live, |
| everyday. Solar power provides long term | | | | especially in remote areas, the cost of traditional |
| benefits. Not just for the home owner, but the | | | | water piping may be exorbitant. Unless you install |
| environment too. | | | | a solar water pump. A solar power panel collects |
| Now that solar power is more efficient, you can | | | | solar energy and powers a battery which can |
| reduce or even eliminate your electric bill, increase | | | | keep a consistent and plentiful water supply. |
| your home's value and contribute to a cleaner | | | | Solar Paneling-The most obvious way to break in |
| environment, all at the same time. It's a great | | | | to the solar age is to install solar panel cells on |
| time to join the move to renewable energy | | | | your roof. Solar cells, also known as PV cells, or |
| resources, and the perfect time to take | | | | Photovoltaics, come in many sizes, colors, and |
| advantage of the generous government and local | | | | performance characteristics, made to fit a variety |
| utility financial incentives that can cut thousands of | | | | of homes and lifestyles. Another important factor |
| dollars off the price. And now that solar power is | | | | to consider is that when PV panels are used in |
| becoming even more main stream, it is growing in | | | | conjunction with energy efficient appliances, not |
| accessibility. Manufacturers of solar powered | | | | as many panels may be needed to power your |
| products have realized the potential for a solar | | | | home! Large scale home improvement stores, as |
| age, and are creating new options for those who | | | | well as smaller, independent energy groups, offer |
| are considering a solar powered lifestyle. If you | | | | installation. But if you are a savvy do-it-yourselfer, |
| are ready to step into the solar age, you are | | | | you may decide to undertake the project on |
| probably wondering how and where to begin. | | | | your own! |
| Below is a list of ways to make your home a | | | | But don't bust out the screwdriver just yet. |
| solar one. | | | | Whether you do it yourself, or hire someone to |
| Solar Attic Fans- Solar attic fans are a great | | | | do it for you, there are a couple of technicalities |
| example of a simple way to make your home | | | | to be seen to before solarizing your home. Such |
| more energy efficient without spending a lot of | | | | as building permits. In order to legally install |
| money. The need for air conditioning is reduced | | | | renewable energy sources in your home, you |
| by venting hot air out of your attic. Installing a | | | | must contact your city or county building permit |
| solar attic fan may also increase the life of your | | | | agency to obtain permission. You will be able to |
| roof materials by keeping them at a lower | | | | learn about requirements specific to your |
| temperature which also reduces moisture buildup | | | | neighborhood. Don't forget about property and |
| in your attic. This prevents mold and rot in your | | | | sales taxes. Depending on what state you live in, |
| home, and can also reduce allergens and pollution. | | | | you may or may not be exempt from these |
| Solar Heating- Solar heating systems are | | | | when it comes to the purchase of your |
| composed of solar thermal collectors, a fluid | | | | renewable energy system. |
| system to move the heat to its point of usage, | | | | Although it is not difficult to keep up your solar |
| and a reservoir for heat storage. The systems | | | | systems, frequency of replacement should be |
| may be used to heat domestic hot water, | | | | considered. Solar thermal systems need valves |
| swimming pool water, or for space heating. If you | | | | replaced every 3-5 years and storage tanks |
| live in the southern half of the United States or in | | | | replaced every 10 years. Luckily, solar PV |
| an equally sunny area you could potentially save | | | | systems typically do not require maintenance, |
| between 50% and 80% on your water heating | | | | other than a yearly cleaning of the solar panels. |
| by implementing a solar hot water heater. The | | | | PV panel life is typically 25 years. |