Solar Power Alternatives to Save Homeowners Money

Solar Power is a clean, alternative, renewable energy source that does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions. Solar power, like the two other major environmentally friendly energy alternatives wind and hydroelectric power, relies on ideal conditions such as plenty of available sunshine. Oregon and the Northeast during Fall and Winter months are not ideal locations to place a solar power plant. Sunny, desert areas with plenty of land available are the ideal place to place the photoelectric cells needed to produce electricity in this manner.

Solar Power also happens to be one of the least controversial of alternative energy sources and an array of options are available for the homeowner who wants to incorporate solar power devices into his house order to save on utility bills. Water heater, electricity generators, and devices that supplement more conventional furnaces can all be powered by the sun.

Solar Powered electricity generators work by the sunlight shining down on an array of photovoltaic cells. The energy then provided by the sun is converted into direct current electricity. A device in the array of panels converts the direct current provided by the cells into alternating current, the type of power used in homes. Using solar power to supplement other energy sources makes sense because while it is not inexhaustible (the sun will eventually stop producing light) it will continue to be a viable energy source for the amount of time humanity will be on the earth and likely far longer.

For areas with climates that do not experience a vast amount of sunshine on a regular basis, devices such as solar-powered water heaters may be a viable way for homeowners to save costs on their electric bill. Non-toxic antifreeze is circulated in a closed loop beneath the solar cells which heats the water. Solar Power systems installed in this fashion are typically installed on rooftops by homeowners.

Solar-powered night time lights are also available. The systems work by storing energy from the sun during the day and using them to power the lights at night. The principle that these devices operate on is similar to that used by a solar powered calculator, although calculators do not usually store electricity for later use.

In some places solar power plants are a viable way to produce a large amount of electricity. In other climates devices that use the sun to power them are used as back-up systems. Solar Power may not work everywhere but is a good alternative to help reduce the amount of non-renewable energy sources in high use in the world today.

Sources:

http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/alternative-energy/solar/outdoor-solar-lighting/

"A Sunny Outlook: Solar Energy Can Save Money." Rebecca Morris. September 20, 2007. The Daily Item. Sunbury, PA 17801.