Homemade Solar Heater and the Benefits of Solar Energy
As the cost of conventional sources of energy continues to rise solar power is now more than ever a clean and viable source of energy for the home and for business. More and more consumers are taking a serious look at solar energy especially homemade solar heater systems as a way to combat the rising cost. If you are considering installing a system in your home, make sure to read our homemade solar heater review of kits available for do-it-yourselfers who want to convert to solar energy. Billions of dollars have been spent in the United States over the past couple of decades in promoting and developing this technology. In this article we look at some of the benefits of solar energy.
It is roughly 90% less expensive to put in a residential solar system today than it was in the 1970s. And with energy bills rising rapidly it is now an increasingly attractive source of electricity.
In most cases, using solar energy to provide electricity for a home involves installing special solar photovoltaic cells in the roof of your home. It is true that the initial investment is quite expensive but this money should be recouped in savings on electricity bills over time and significant savings can be made in the long-term.
In sunnier areas solar power can meet and even exceed an average home’s electricity needs at certain times of the day. Surplus energy can be accumulated in batteries. In certain states, it can even be resold to power companies for a profit.
Here are some of the main benefits of solar energy:
* It’s cheap – Once you make the initial investment to have solar technology installed in your home it is a free source of energy. Once it has paid for itself you can make make significant savings on your energy bills. There may be tax incentives to help you cover the expense of going solar. What is more it will add significantly to the value of your home. With the public becoming ever more focused on stopping climate change, the popularity of green homes is surging so investing in a homemade solar heating system and solar energy will add value to your home and make it easier to sell.
* It’s pollution-free – Energy from the sun is the cleanest and most emission free source of energy available. If you want to do your bit to combat climate change solar energy is the way to go.
* It is simple – homemade solar heater systems and solar energy have very little maintenance needed. Once the system is installed you will have a constant source of energy and you won’t have to worry about adding extra fuel, paying bills and the other chores associated with conventional sources of energy.
* It’s consistent – If you use solar energy you do not have to worry about power failures. If there is a power failure, you will still have a source of energy. If your home is located in an area so remote that access to centralized sources of power is difficult to obtain then solar energy is an outstanding option.
* It’s neat – Even if you live in a heavily populated area installing solar panels should be no problem. Since they slot easily into the roof of your home there is no need for them to take up precious garden space. Also, while the panels themselves are costly, they are very easy and quick to install.
* It’s cordless – Modern stand alone appliances powered by sun energy are cordless as they don’t need to plug in to anything. Consider the case where you put in garden lights that are solar powered and it’s as simple as placing it in your garden in the run of the sun’s energy. These even have light sensors so they switch off and on automatically depending on the light.
The use of photovoltaic cells in the home can be quite expensive. However, there are other ways to leverage the sun’s energy. More and more, homes built in cooler parts of the country are being built to leverage the sun’s energy for warmth. This involves sensible design of houses by using methods such as having large glass windows on the south side of the home which will help warm the home during the winter. The home will need to be protected from too much sun in the summer so trees can be used for this.
Sun energy can also be applied towards heating up water for home use. This method simply involves using thin water pipes, painted black, and running them through a ‘greenhouse like’ box that is exposed to the sun on the outside of the home. In warmer areas this can provide hot running water throughout the home for free.
Solar energy may not be right for everyone. Whether or not solar energy and homemade solar heater is right for your home is determined by your geography. If solar panels are not viable for you, or you are unsure if you are ready to take the plunge, you should still consider buying solar appliances when possible. Many appliances such as fountains, watches, video cameras, radios and so on, are now available as solar appliances. These all make the need for batteries and/or wiring unnecessary.
~Ralph Somers, Editor
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