Posts Tagged ‘solar generator’

Solar Cost – How to Calculate It?

April 5th, 2010

What is the cost for installing a solar power system? We all know that solar panels cost can take up to 50 – 60% of the total solar home cost people have to pay, however the cost of solar panels have been significantly reduced in 2009 and some experts expected the price to go down further this year. The number of solar residential has been increased in some States but some people are still reluctant to follow because they can’t figure out what is the real cost of solar power they have to pay. Many will ask questions like “How much does solar power cost for a 4800 square foot house?”

The answer to this question is actually depends on some factors:

- Where they live
- Total sun hours they get every day
- Total electricity they use every day
- Total solar electricity they want to make with the system
- Solar rebates and tax incentives (if applicable)
- Grid-tied or off grid (with solar batteries) option

We don’t need to 100% substitute the utility power with solar electricity because it really depends on how much money we are willing to spend on the solar electric system in our house. To help you calculate the solar price NREL has an online calculator set up for this purpose. » Read more: Solar Cost – How to Calculate It?

Common Solar Power Systems for Homes

March 15th, 2010

Are you one of those homeowners who are dreaming of having solar powered homes? Perhaps you’re already familiar with DIY solar power kits. The idea may sound inviting however a lot of people are scared to create their own solar power system. Solar power is usually available in three kinds. You too can use any of these powers gradually.

People usually associate solar power with solar panels. But you see, solar panels are not the only source of power. You can choose among the several components known today. Take a look at these solar components that you can use at home.

1. Solar cookers – this is already a common way of using solar power. Some people may find the cooker slow in terms of performance but if you’re not rushing, you can surely cook on time. You can use the solar cooker to roast, bake, and boil. This is best suited for a small family with a maximum of 5 members. You will no longer need fuel since you will be using only sunshine. There are also no emissions or smoke.
2. Solar thermal systems – this is an ambitious system but it’s simply an update of the oldest known consumer technology. In this system, you will need solar panels. From the panels, the sun’s heat is transferred to a water tank. The water in the tank is heated. Your home can also be heated by putting some pipes. This was already available back in the 80s but it was rather expensive. Today, the thermal systems are more affordable and efficient.
3. Solar generators – many homeowners are now utilizing solar generators for alternative power. The generator makes use of photovoltaic cells where the power inverter is hooked. You can use the solar generators for your lighting system at home. The electrical power is stored in the batteries and you can use it later. By using solar generators, it would be possible to run some electrical appliances. If you have $200, you can already create the generator.

A wealth of information can be found on the net if you simply do your homework and look for useful info. By purchasing the DIY kits, you can create your own solar power system. There are also instructional materials available online that provide step by step instructions on how to create solar panels or cells. It would help a lot if you conduct a search online and read the step by step instructions there; that way, you can determine if you can carry out the project or not.

Solar power systems are not that difficult to create especially if you already have a considerable knowledge about it. All you will need to do now is to establish a workable budget so that you can start with the right project that you can afford. You can start with very simple solar power systems for your home like the solar generators. The generators are much more affordable and easy to make. After some time, you can now make more complicated plans like the thermal systems. Solar power for homes is an excellent alternative to those who want to save on electricity and help save the earth.

Don’t think twice and if you have the money to purchase the materials to make solar power systems, go for it. In the coming months, you will surely benefit from it.

Solar Batteries

May 23rd, 2009

If you are living in a remote area where no power lines available then having solar batteries included in your solar power kits is a must. They are needed to store the electrical energy generated by the solar power panels. The batteries will drain current into the solar inverter when there is not enough sunlight to power up the system. » Read more: Solar Batteries