Solar Power

There are many more options today for adding solar to your home than there were even five years ago. As the technology advances and more people purchase systems, the cost comes down and even more households bring solar online.

Even in northern climates, photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight to electricity can produce enough electricity to power everything from a water heater to an entire house. They are also one of the simplest alternative energy systems to install and maintain, making them ideal for domestic use. They do, however, need to be placed in a location that receives optimal daylight. Even partial shade from a tree can reduce the output of your solar panel.

In a nutshell, the solar panel (purchased from a dealer and installed on or near the house) turns sunlight into electricity and sends the power to be stored in a battery bank, also in or near the house. As appliances and lights require it, power is drawn from the battery, and the solar panels recharge the batteries as needed. A charge controller generally monitors the battery level and sends power to the battery from the solar panel(s) when the charge level drops below a specified amount.

PV cells need light, but their efficiency level actually drops in high heat. So, contrary to prevailing beliefs, solar panels actually do quite well in the northern climates, even Alaska-at least, during the summer!

For new construction, there are complete solar roofing systems that look very similar to regular shingles or metal channel roofing. For cost effectiveness there's nothing like installing the system without any retrofitting. The contractor can give you specifics on how much power your system will generate, and assuming you install energy-efficient appliances, lights, and other items in your new home, you may find yourself generating more power than you use!

On a much smaller scale, there are solar heater boards that use the sun's energy to heat air, and then direct that air into your house. For instance, the warm air can be used as radiant floor heat or to heat air going into a clothes dryer so you're not using so much "grid" power to dry your clothes.

And there's everything in between. Solar systems can be designed to be as small or as large as you want. Another advantage for the domestic user is that you can begin with just a few panels, whatever you can afford. Add more panels later as circumstances allow, and keep building until you get the system that powers what you want and saves you the energy you desire.

And remember-in many locales, excess energy can be sold back to your utility company. Kind of nice to get a check from them instead of sending a check to them!

If you want to start small, look into solar attic fans, solar radios, or solar battery chargers. Starting small will allow you to become familiar with the technology and how much power is generated by a given size panel. But it probably won't be long before you're sold on the idea of solar power, and itching to expand your system!