Solar Power Home

A solar powered home was only a thought a couple of decades ago. It’s no longer strange as many countries have adopted this technique to make use of nature’s resources that is available in plenty and free to use. The name solar powered home might sound scientific and put people off to try this method. The fear that it is difficult to understand and is expensive keeps people away from trying it out.

In a solar powered home the only necessary equipment required is a solar panel which is installed on the roof of the house or kept in the garden or in the back yard. This panel directly faces the sun and draws the heat from the sun and stores it. This stored heat is converted into electricity and lights up the house, heats the swimming pool, water heating systems and can even charge a mobile phone. Surprised? Don’t be. The energy from the solar panel can be stored in batteries and these batteries are used to even drive a car.

The garden area can be lighted with solar power in a solar powered home. Even the air-conditioner can be used by using solar power. The awareness is slowly spreading and solar power kits are manufactured in large quantities now in countries like US, Australia and Africa. India also uses solar power homes in their villages and mainly for farming and agricultural purposes. The greenhouse where plants regularly need a slow but steady supply of heat can be made solar friendly.

In developing countries like Africa and India there are villages where there is no electricity or water supply. People walk miles to get a pot of water. Here solar energy can be utilized to light up their houses and illuminate the villager’s lives.

A solar powered home is environmental friendly and does not pollute the surroundings. During winters the solar energy stored in batteries can be used for heating the water and heaters in the homes. Water heating accounts for approximately one-fourth of the total energy used in a typical single-family home. An electric water heater is the single biggest energy user of all appliances in the home. A solar powered home can bring down the cost of electricity bills considerably.

When a solar hot water heating system is included in the financing for a new home, the typical cost of the system ranges from $13 to $20 per month and because the system is included in the home’s mortgage, the homeowner can take advantage of a federal income tax deduction. Having a solar powered home can save a lot of money for homeowners.

At least nine states in the United States now have lenders who offer “energy mortgages”. Over 1.5 million Americans who have invested in solar power for their homes and businesses consider the investment a wise decision. The main advantage is a ‘wireless home’ where fear of fire is not there. This reduces the risk of leaving kids or elders alone at home.

There is also this advantage of selling your renewable energy to the company that is providing electricity in that area. This way pollution free energy is obtained at a price that is cost effective. This is called ‘green pricing’. A solar powered home is not only useful for the home owner but also to the area living in.