I want solar energy - What do I need?

I want solar power. What do I need. No two answers will be the same. You will have to do the calculations with a little help. Here is a list of some of the items you might need.

• Inverters
• Charge controllers
• Array combiners
• DC disconnects
• Mounting kits
• Grid-tie systems
• Off-grid systems
• More

A System Sizing Calculator and components for building or installing a solar system are accessible through the links list on the right.

Solar Energy Trivia

- The average home could collect enough solar energy off it's rooftop to supply 1 - 3 times the homes daily needs.
- By estimates the amount of solar energy reaching the earth in 3 days is more than could be produced by all the known reserves of fossil fuels.

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Passive Solar Energy

Solar energy does not have to be expensive to be beneficial. Passive solar energy offers choices that are inexpensive and easy to implement. Some solar elements may be part of your home now.

South facing windows can provide a lot of heat and natural light in the winter months. Floors made of masonry, tile or slate, or walls made of cement, masonry or brick add thermal mass. Thermal mass absorbs heat during the day, then slowly releases it at night when it is needed. Heat will naturally migrate to colder areas. The thermal mass will even heat connected rooms. Keep in mind that darker, dull colors absorb heat better. In contrast, lighter, shiny colors reflect heat.

Overheating, even in colder climates is a challenge.  Keeping the window surface area to 8% of the total of the floor and wall area will help to maintain an even temperature. High performance windows - multiple panes, (over 2 panes and gas filled are best.) low E coatings, insulated frames and insulated spacers can help reduce energy costs by 45 - 75% and help to prevent overheating. Solar curtains and fans also help maintain the temperature.Thermal mass floors improve the comfort of your home by releasing heat at floor level and by keeping your feet warm. These things also work well in shops or garages with south facing windows.

  Solar water heaters are a good option.They can be added to existing homes, ( 2 tank systems ) or fully integrated into new homes. ( 1 tank systems ) Southern climates with no freezing concerns usually use open loop designs. Northern climates use closed loop designs. These designs use a system of loops or coils filled with food grade antifreeze to transfer heat to the water heater.

One other item to consider.  Solar lighting exists in almost every home. Taking advantage of the light already in your home can save a lot of energy. Open window blinds, use sky lights, solar reflectors and tube lights to get all the benefits you can.  

Passive solar can be used in many homes and should be considered for many beneficial reasons.

Active Solar

Active solar energy is one of the many ways we can reduce our energy use. Solar integrates into new or existing systems easily. Although integrating solar into new construction will give you more choices, you should not overlook the benefits of adding solar panels to existing systems.

New construction has benefits when adding solar -

• Positioning the house for maximum sun exposure
• Choices for panels
• Architectural tiles
• Flexible film
• Positioning Power panel close to solar panels greatly reducing wiring cost
  

Existing homes -

• Solar panels easily connect to existing systems
• Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to generate electricity
• Solar panels come in many shapes and sizes that are visually appealing
• Most homes can greatly benefit from adding solar
• Power during outages
• Reduced or NO costs for electricity (Depends on number of panels installed.)




Look at your electric bill for the amount of energy used by your home. Most Providers list the amount in KWh by the month for a one year period. This lets you see how much you use in a given month. Use this information to help you determine what system is right for your application. Whether you can be energy independent or supplement your energy use solar is a good option to consider.

If Americans start thinking GREEN, I think in the long run we will reap benefits way above and beyond what we ever thought was possible. If we need windmills, solar panels, electric cars, more fuel efficient cars, somebody has to make these. Why not AMERICANS. This GREEN movement alone , could bring many, many jobs. I think these will be big someday. The way I understand the big windmills are cost prohibitive to ship, so all of these would have to be made near the site! These are good jobs in your area. I live in Michigan, we will take all the jobs we can get. . . I think solar energy needs to be embraced. This is totally free energy! No one can tax the sun, at least not yet. If you own an electric car, it would be free to drive. Now you are starting to save some serious money. Who would not want that? I think GREEN is GOOD ! ! !

Going GREEN!!!!

Is going green going to save us money, or are the costs too high to make it worth it to the average person? Should the government give us tax credits to get the movement started? Will the average person be willing to sacrifice a little to break our dependence on foreign oil, create jobs and help save the environment? I hope so.