Solar Energy Options for the Home
Spotlighting an Eco-Friendly Energy Source
With the technological advancements made in solar power today, it is entirely possible to run your entire home on electricity produced from the sun’s energy. In fact, the Canadian Solar Industries Association states that the daily amount of solar energy falling on 15 square kilometers, is equal to the energy capacity of all our nuclear power plants. The sun actually shines enough solar energy on the earth in one day to power the entire energy needs of the world for one year!
Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun to produce energy. Its energy can be classified in two ways:
Solar power is considered clean energy as it doesn’t produce pollutants or harmful byproducts into the environment. It is a convenient eco-friendly renewable energy source that will last for as long as our sun does – which is estimated to be about another 4.5 million years! Using energy from the sun will save you money and is good for our environment as it reduces greenhouse gasses.
Using solar energy has very few disadvantages, which basically amount to the reliance on sunlight to produce it, and the initial expense to set it up.
Passive Solar Systems
Passive solar energy maximizes the sun’s natural heating and lighting properties. In North America for instance, the south face of buildings gets the most exposure sun so they are often fitted with large windows to make use of it.
Studies show that up to 20% of household electrical consumption can be attributed to household lighting. Skylights are an energy efficient way to provide natural light in dark hallways and staircases. Also, because electrical lighting gives off heat, an energy effective skylight may help keep your home cooler during the summer.
Installation is key to a skylight maximizing the benefits of passive solar energy. If they aren’t installed correctly, skylights can lose heat, leak and overheat. Positioning is important as well, as it can play light off internal surfaces and reflect daylight into other areas of the home.
| Skylights (view all) |
| | $229.00 at The Home Depot | $160.00 at The Home Depot |
Micro Solar Systems
Micro solar systems for your home and garden can be segmented into:
Both operate on pollution-free electricity produced from the sun via photovoltaic panels that convert solar energy to electricity. This, in turn, is stored in rechargeable batteries.
They can provide 6 – 12 hours of light at a time, and features such as built-in photo sensors will turn lights on and off automatically at dusk and dawn. Solar lighting really helps in locations that may not have access to electricity, like the cottage or camping.
Where you place solar lighting will make the difference as to how long and how much light it will give off. The trick is to position the PV cell facing south on a perpendicular angle to the sun. Try to avoid placing lights in shaded areas so they are able to properly charge during the day. Placing photo sensor equipped units near bright lights such as street lamps may cause them to turn off prematurely.
Solar lighting is a popular and cost effective alternative to electrical and battery operated garden lighting. While electrical lights rely on cumbersome cables and cords to power them, battery operated units can be expensive. Solar options circumvent both these issues.
Whether you are looking to provide a pretty illuminated path to your door, or subtle lighting around your garden beds, garden lights are an inexpensive way to add pizzazz to your landscaping.
Solar garden lights are available in a number of interesting applications such as hanging lanterns, pool lights, carriage lights and tiered pathway lights.
Like garden lighting, solar floodlights are an eco-friendly way to beautify your home while avoiding the use of precious fossil fuels. Floodlights are a great addition to gardens for their ability accent landscaping features. A motion sensor feature will improve security and conserve energy, while other models can assist with illuminating your house number or front door. Solar floodlights can be purchased in sets or individually, and with remote or attached solar panels.
| Solar Garden Lighting (view all) |
$59.99 at Canadian Tire Corp | | |
| |
| | $16.99 at Canadian Tire Corp | $34.99 at Canadian Tire Corp |
Here is the ultimate guide to choosing the ideal patio...
In this guide you will find helpful tips to help you buy the...
Locks certainly have come a long way, and today’s technology...
Great news for the design enthusiast: The Home Depot is once...
Weddings • LCD vs Plasma • Resort Wear • Eco-Products for Your Home • Home Media Rooms • Lawn & Garden
