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