Home Solar Power

Home Solar Power is fast becoming king of the electrical grid in California homes as solar power can be used to operate the entire array of home systems and gadgets. All major components of household electrical use are able to utilize solar power. These include electrical systems, such as those for lighting and appliances, and heating and cooling systems.

Types of Solar Power

Four types of solar power energy are going into California homes today. Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight to electricity. This is done through PV semiconductors in PV cells. CSP systems concentrate solar power through reflective units. These units create enough heat to produce electrical current. A third system uses solar power to heat water. Solar reflectors facing the direction of the sun heat working fluid which then heats the water. The fourth prevalent type of solar power system is transpired solar collectors, referred to popularly as solar walls. Transpired solar collectors use solar power to preheat building ventilation systems, making hot air. Solar air collectors also can be set up to heat individual rooms and spaces.

Solar power PV units must be maintained for peak performance. If that is the case, systems can be expected to last 20 years or longer since they are simply designed with no movable parts. Solar power also needs, above all else, sunlight. Fortunately, California is a sun-lover's paradise with the state receiving abundant amounts. The combination of sun and California solar power industry leadership has made the state the top builder and user of solar power systems. Climate doesn't matter. The only thing that does matter is finding unobstructed access to sunlight without shading.

Uses of Solar Power

Solar power is used to power literally everything and anything in California homes. Solar power panels can be installed on rooftops. More than half of California homes with solar power rent the panels with little money down. Either way, they aren't complicated to install but do require training, so it is recommended to have professional installations. Once installed, solar power can run the entire home's electrical systems. Solar power can be used in other ways such as solar heating of swimming pools which raises pool temperatures 10 degrees or more.

The majority of homes in California lease solar power panels that are installed on rooftops. Generally, the solar power company installs and maintains systems; however, virtually no maintenance is needed. Homeowners pay a monthly fee. Many times the solar panels produce more solar power than needed in the household, so an additional benefit for the homeowner is the ability to sell the excess solar power back to utility companies.

Future of Solar Power

Analysts predict that more than half of the solar energy panel market will be through Californians leasing the home technology. What's more, solar energy use and solar energy services increasingly will be tied to other energy-saving measures in sales packages. Companies will bundle appliances, heating systems and cooling systems with solar energy panels and rebates.