Residential Solar Power - Your Own Renewable Energy Source


Residential solar power is the most common alternative energy that people make use of today to free themselves from the expensive energy sources being provided by private energy companies. With these ever increasing energy prices and the effect of carbon emissions on the environment, having your own renewable energy source is looking more and more attractive.

Although the initial outlay of a residential solar power system may be high, in the long term they can save you a great deal of money. Many home owners enjoy the independence they gain and the knowledge that their actions are helping the environment. A renewable energy home solar power system can be used to supply some or all of your home's electricity needs. Some home owners, especially in remote or isolated areas, use home solar power systems in place of electricity supplied to them from power companies.

As most appliances in our homes are reliant on electricity, it can be very useful to find out how to make your own residential solar power system, from which you can get most of your energy needs.

There are ways to help you make it a do-it-yourself project, where you can find cheap solar cells and make your own power source. Most the materials are available in your local shops, but nowadays they are even easier to find - and are even cheaper - online. This can keep down the installation costs too.

Most parts can be sourced on the Internet, including the solar panels, charge controller, power inverter, and batteries. You may also find solar panel kits if you are trying to keep the cost down. If you feel confident to have a go yourself, a good manual is essential - also available from many online sources.

Residential solar powered systems are fairly easy to maintain. Since most are positioned on the roof, about the only occasional maintenance that may be required would be to remove dirt and leaves once in a while, so that your system can continue to work at maximum efficiency.

Residential solar power systems are generally expected to last for a minimum of about 30 years. They are also silent to run and, of course, emission free, since they function by means of sunlight.

The two main types of residential solar power systems are either stand-alone systems, which are not wired to an electric grid, or a grid-tie system, which is connected to the electric grid as well. This latter system allows you to use electricity from the grid when your system falls short of power and also allows you to sell off any excess power you produce back to your utility company by means of credits. These two options make it easier to consider where to put your system.

The main component used in a home residential solar power system is the photovoltaic cells. These are electrically connected in a series arrangement to make sufficient electricity to be used to power your home appliances, heat your water, or to be stored in batteries. The photovoltaic cells will need to be bought for your system. The solar panels, on the other hand, can be built using widely available materials.

There are many significant advantages to a home residential solar power system, such as saving money and helping the environment. Solar power in recent years has made great strides forward, which means it is becoming more affordable for everyone. Gas and oil prices continue to rise, so turning to residential solar power is now a viable alternative.

Building your own residential solar power system can be challenging, so thorough research is needed to help you accomplish your project. However, the end result is well worth it, knowing you have your own green, renewable energy source independent of energy companies and doing your bit for the planet Earth at the same time.