Solar Power Home

There are two types of home solar power systems that can be created to provide energy to the home. They can be categorized as passive and direct applications of solar energy. The passive systems are generally to do with utilizing the thermal properties of the Sun. So water or a room can be passively heated by the Sun. The water can be plumbed into the home to be used for everyday needs. By understanding how hot air moves, a heated room can direct heat energy to other parts of the home to provide warmth. However is going to focus on the direct home solar power systems that create electricity for use in the home.

Electricity is created by utilizing sun light energy. The technology that does this is known as the photovoltaic (PV) cell. A cell is made from a silicon compound that throws an electron loose of the atom whenever sunlight of a certain frequency strikes the cell. When many cells are linked together in series, this forms an electric current.

A number of PV cells in a serial configuration is known as a solar module. When numerous solar modules are linked together in either a parallel or serial configuration they are known as a solar panel.

You have probably seen solar panels dotted on roofs in your suburb. This is generally the most practical place to install them but they can go anywhere that their is plenty of sunlight.

Solar panels create direct current (DC) electricity. A power inverter is used to convert this DC to alternating current (AC). AC electricity is needed to power most of the appliances in the home.

An electrical service panel or breaker box then distributes the AC to various electrical points in the house or to the lighting system. A utility meter manages your electricity usage if you are connected to the grid.

An example of how this works is during midday. In theory this is the best time for your solar panels to create electricity. As you may be out or at work this will also be the time when you use little or no electricity. So the utility meter might go backwards indicating that you are generating electricity for the utility company.

A home solar power system can be either on or off the grid. On the grid is sometimes referred to as a net metering system or grid tied.Various states have laws that require utility companies to offer net metering programs to people using solar panels. This effectively means that they are fairly compensated for the electricity that they create rather than having to sell it at a wholesale rate.

An off grid system means that you are not connected to the utility company. All your electricity needs must be found by your home solar power system. This is more responsibility and work for you as you need a contingency or alternate power system if the solar system fails or cannot cope.

Gasoline powered generators are often used as a back up system as they are fairly reliable, however some people that have the space may opt for another form of renewable resource, like a water or wind driven power system. Another responsibility of an off grid system is keeping a battery bank to store DC from the solar panels for use at night times.

Most people start with a grid tied system as it is easier to use and there is less responsibility. As you gain more experience you may think about going off the grid. This form of home solar power system will save you money on monthly utility bills but more work to run and maintain.