Solar Power Information - Part 3

Solar power information on solar systems for solar energy houses is the topic we were discussing in the Part 2 of this article.

Solar power can be both passive and active. In our last article, we discussed passive solar power. We turn now to active solar power.

Active Solar Power

Active solar power does utilize photovoltaic (PV) panels on house roofs. It involves other solar systems, too. Active solar power can reduce the amount of electricity you need from the power grid. In some cases, active solar power will give you energy to sell back to the grid.

Here are a few ways you can install active solar power as you work to create a solar energy home.

1. Solar Water Heating: Install water heating panels on your roof, and run water through them to use solar energy for heating the home’s water. Some convert any water heater into a solar water heater.

2. Solar Swimming Pool Heating: Large solar water heating panels placed near your pool can use solar energy to heat the pool water.

3. Solar Air Heating: Install a simple, do-it-yourself solar system to heat your home’s air in winter. Air flows out into the solar heating system where it is warmed before re-entering your home.

4. Solar Electric: Solar power collected by photovoltaic (PV) panels is converted directly into usable electricity. Batteries can store this solar energy for later use. Purchase energy efficient appliances for even greater electrical savings.

5. Solar Outdoor Lighting: Use solar garden and pool lights to cut electric usage. Solar power flows through PV panels on these light fixtures, and is stored. At dusk, the lights automatically turn on. Even remote parts of your property can have light from solar energy.

6. Solar Cooking: Purchase a solar oven for cooking outdoors and saving energy. Solar energy provides all the heat you need.

7. Solar Pumping: Use solar power to pump water from a well.

For even greater efficient, combine solar power information on solar systems for solar energy houses with information on wind power. The combination of the two natural energy sources will meet most needs you have.