 Solar Power Systems:
Renewable energy for your home and business
The costs of consuming energy for your home and business can be high, not only financially but also
for this little planet we call home. These days, there are solutions available with solar panel systems
offering the brightest of those answers.
In recent decades, the emergence of renewable energy technologies has given
the world a reason to be optimistic about the future of the planet. The consumption of non-renewable resources, or
fossil fuels, was done with the odd pinch to the conscience, knowing as we do that our oil, coal and natural gas
caches would eventually run out.
But increasingly, we are turning to wind, wave, geothermal and solar technologies to power our
daily lives. The most popular of these alternative energy sources is solar power, with photovoltaic solar panel
systems fast becoming the consumers’ choice.
Photovoltaic solar panels (or modules) can be built into your home or business’s
roof top or wall, or simply mounted, making installation as free of disruption as possible. It can work effectively
in complete isolation and is also free of moving parts, thereby drastically reducing the cost of maintenance.
But there are other forms of solar power generation. Solar Thermal energy, which
uses light from the sun to heat water, also offers a good option for home and business needs.
There are three types to choose from, categorized as low-temperature, medium-temperature and
high-temperature collectors. The most effective for your home or business is a medium-temperature system, which can
provide a large percentage of the energy needed for hot water, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
There are a number of systems that are ideal for your home or business, but the two most commonly
used are Closed Loop and Solar Pool Heater systems.
The Closed Loop system is named so because it involves a closed piping system
through which heated water circulates around the home or business. The most reliable of these systems uses
pressurized glycol instead of water.
The Solar Pool Heater differs from the Closed Loop because it is an open system,
but is equally effective.
Already, more than 30 per cent of commercial building energy and 50 per cent of home energy in the
USA is used by HVAC systems; a thermal energy solar panel system can efficiently off-set a large percentage of the
cost. In the USA, systems cost as much as USD6000 with a tax credit incentive making the return-on-investment
period just nine years. It is estimated that the cost of a typical household is reduced to the tune of USD6 per
person per month.
While solar thermal collectors cost significantly less than photovoltaic panels (USD40,000) a large
area coverage of solar cells is generally required, making it more suitable for rural areas.
Renewable energy, for both home and business use, is the future of everyday living, with
technologies developing rapidly. Of them, solar power generation technologies are the most popular as they are
clearly kind to your pocket and easy to install and maintain – and, of course, they are also kind to your
conscience!
Friends
Energy Friends
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