| By J.R. Ferrara | | | | |
| | | | However, building your own solar power panels |
| Solar power is one of the cleanest ways to | | | | from online designs, using recycled |
| produce energy. The solar panels convert the | | | | materials, carry no guarantee against |
| energy of the sun into energy that we can | | | | performance. Commercially available solar |
| use--with no negative impact on the | | | | panels, which you can install yourself to |
| environment and no harmful byproducts. When | | | | save money, will still be covered by a |
| used for residential purposes, solar power | | | | warranty. |
| can provide hot water, warm pools and room | | | | |
| heating. We can also get energy to cook with. | | | | If you are all thumbs, you can always use the |
| Though installation of solar power equipment | | | | services of a qualified and licensed |
| for residential purposes requires an | | | | professional contractor to set up a solar |
| investment, it pays back over a reliably | | | | power system for your home. This will cost |
| short period of time. If your home is | | | | more than doing it yourself, of course, but |
| supplied by solar power that covers only 50% | | | | like all solar power systems, it will pay for |
| to 70% of your power needs, the savings are | | | | itself over time. Make sure that your |
| substantial, over a period of time. | | | | contractor offers a warranty against assured |
| | | | performance standards. |
| The benefit of solar power systems is that | | | | |
| they can be installed to complement the | | | | Most people who install solar power in their |
| existing, conventional power systems already | | | | residential homes do it to heat water for |
| in our homes. During times of extreme heat or | | | | their pools. Normally, large rooftop arrays |
| cold, solar heating and cooling systems can | | | | of solar photovoltaic panels are installed to |
| be supplemented with conventional heating and | | | | heat pool water and provide heated water for |
| cooling systems. | | | | other household needs. |
| | | | |
| Using Professional Help | | | | Residential Solar Power and Local Regulations |
| | | | |
| Depending on the type of solar power chosen, | | | | Before deciding to install solar power in |
| a do it yourselfer can easily install a home | | | | your home, you should check the local |
| water heating system for $2,000 or less. You | | | | regulations. Some states offer rebates or or |
| can choose systems that can store power in | | | | tax credits. If your solar power system |
| batteries. The stored power can be used later | | | | generates more electricity than you can use, |
| for heating, cooling, cooking, lighting and | | | | it can be fed back into the local power grid |
| uses. Many DIY-ers are quite creative in | | | | and your electric account credited. |
| using re-cycled materials to set up their own | | | | |
| solar power generating systems. Obviously | | | | Cha-ching! |
| this comes at a reduced cost. | | | | |