Solar power for home use will generally involve solar panels of one type or another.  These convert the sun’s energy into forms of energy which we can use in our homes.

The are different types of solar panel and they behave in  different ways.  Let’s take a look at them.

Photovoltaic solar panels consist of photo-electric cells which convert the sun’s rays into electricity.  This electricity can be stored in special batteries so that it is available for use even when the sun isn’t shining.  Excess electricity can even be sold to the national grid, which is a further way that your solar power system can repay you.

The other sort of panel is for solar heating.  Solar heating panels heat up water directly rather than producing electricity to heat the water.  How do they do this?  The panel is rather like a radiator working in reverse. Water is fed through tubes in the panel and is heated by the sun.  The hot water is then stored in a traditional hot water tank until it is needed.  You can still use your traditional heating system in conjunction with the solar heating system so you don’t have to restrict your use of hot water to when the sun is out.

Both these types of solar panel are usually mounted on the roof, although they needn’t be.  The closer they are to where the energy they produce is to be used is best as the whole process will become less efficient the further they are away.

Solar power for homes is now a reality. Although there will be initial set up costs, it’s well worth looking into the figures to see if you can make solar power pay for itself for you.

There are two main types of solar panel which I’ll go over now.

The first type of home solar panel is the photovoltaic solar panel.  This converts the sun’s energy into electricity which is stored in batteries until it is needed.  One in the form of electricity the energy can, of course, be used for almost anything.

The other type of solar panel is more restrictive but perhaps easier to set up and more directly usable.  It’s almost like an inverse radiator on your roof.  Water circulates through the panel but instead of heat being radiated from the solar panel, it absorbs heat from the sun and transfers it to the water.  The hot water produced is stored in a traditional hot water tank and can be used for heating and hot water.  It can be topped up with your existing water heating system as required.

If you are considering solar panels for homes then a good starting point is probably the non photovoltaic type of panel as there is far less to install and it will let you experience the satisfaction of free energy a lot more quickly.

Once you’ve tried this type of solar panel you might decide to progress to a photovoltaic solar power system for your home.

Either way, you’ll be helping to cut down on carbon emissions while you do your bit for the environment.

Deriving heat and power directly from the sun clearly moves you towards self-sufficiency as it reduces your reliance on traditional forms of energy.  Your fuel bills can only go down as your use of solar power goes up.

Like everything, residential solar power systems have their start up costs but in time these costs will be recouped in the form of lower energy bills, and by selling excess energy back to the grid.

There are two main types of domestic solar power system:  Photovoltaic Systems (PV) and Solar Heating Systems.

Photovoltaic systems use panels made of photocells to convert solar energy to electricity.  This electricity is stored in batteries until it is needed.

Solar heating systems heat water directly from the sun’s rays without any conversion to electricity taking place.   Water is circulated through solar panels and the heat of the sun heats the water as it passes through the panel.  The heated water can be stored in a hot water tank in the same way as hot water is traditionally stored.

As well as your home solar power system, you will still have your traditional power systems.  This means that you have a backup for the times when there has not been enough sun to provide you with the required amount of solar power.  As soon as there is enough sun, your solar power system will kick in again.

There’s never been a better time to consider installing a solar power system in your home.