So what’s solar heating you ask? A Solar heating system reduces the need for conventional water heating by about 2/3. Normally a solar heating system has two parts, a solar collector and a storage tank. The collector heats the water, then it stores the water in the storage tank until it is ready to use. A conventional system is set up in addition to the solar heating system in case additional heating is necessary.
They call these active and passive solar heating systems. The conventional system uses electricity and pumps to circulate the water. The solar heating system relies on gravity and circulates the water when heated. The solar systems are actually more reliable because they have no electrical components and are easily maintained and last longer.
The government agency that’s dedicated to energy efficiency says there are five elements that constitute a complete passive solar home design that generates solar heating: 1) the entry point of solar light (aperture); 2) their hard, dark surface of the storage element, (absorber); 3) the materials that retain/store the heat that the sunlight produces and distributes (thermal mass); 4) how solar heat circulates from the collection and storage points into areas of your house (distribution); 5) and elements to shade the aperture area during summer months, like roof overhangs (control). The control ensures that the house will be comfortable in the summer months.
Passive solar design can have total reliance on solar power, or partial use that will produce solar heat and it will depend solely on the geographical location and design. Other things that will play a key role in the passive solar design will be wind patterns, vegetation, topography, and even the amount of sunshine in the area, plus the performance of the building.
New construction can easily be designed with the passive solar design in mind. Even existing buildings can be retrofitted to meet the qualifications stated above.
It goes without saying that the solar heating systems will help the environment and will also provide savings to those who invest in the systems. The savings will be obvious as the electric company statements decrease with their use. Possibly in time even you can resell some of your power to the electric company that will be added benefits to the homeowner or business.
The U.S. Department of Energy publishes estimates to show exactly what we can expect when we invest in solar heating and how the systems impact the environment so we no longer depend on fossil fuel and conventional electricity.
SolarGEM specializes in Orange County solar power, solar Orange County, and Orange County solar energy.
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Monday, May 28, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Solar Energy Systems
Many people have become more energy efficient in recent months and are looking into solar energy systems to decrease their utility bills. Much has been said and many are simply confused and want more information before they make their final decision. Without a doubt, solar energy is the cleanest source of electricity that’s available today and it makes sense because that energy comes directly from the sun.
Who can benefit the most from the sun’s energy? Those who live in the sun belt like California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, the southwest deserts and the Rocky Mountain States. States where the sun shines the greater part of every year will receive the most benefit from their solar energy systems.
The most common solar energy systems capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity. The photovoltaic (PV) systems emit no greenhouse gases, and the more we use them, the more we slow global warming. The advantages are numerous and the most popular are low maintenance and the ability of generating electricity for many years to come. Then when you add lower utility bills, the advantages grow far above any disadvantages.
Listed on the plus side, several states offer tax credits and/or rebates, including federal, state and local tax credits.
One of the questions you’ll have to answer for yourself is do you want to just lower your electric bills, or will you use the solar energy systems to completely do away with the local utility company? There are systems that use an independent system that is actually off the grid. They provide practically all or at least most of your electricity. These systems are common in rural areas where utilities are very high.
They usually have a battery system for use at night or in cloudy weather. Many also use generators as a backup.
When you have reached the stage where you need to talk to an expert before that final decision, it would probably be best for you to contact a certified solar electrical contractor. They can help you determine how much solar power system you will need and will give you an estimate how much you should save in the long run.
The company will also tell you the best location of your solar power system. The majority of users install the systems on their rooftops. However there are other systems available such as ground mounted and integrated shade structure like an awning, or one that is incorporated into roofing materials.
The solar power systems have been improved steadily and many are choosing these systems as opposed to other systems such as wind.
SolarGEM specializes in Los Angeles solar power, Riverside solar, and Orange County solar.
orange county solar power, riverside solar power, san bernardino solar power, los angeles solar power, orange county solar, riverside solar, san bernardino solar, los angeles solar, orange county solar panels, riverside solar panels, solar panels san bernardino, los angeles solar panels, los angeles solar energy, orange county solar energy, orange county solar companies, los angeles solar companies, irvine solar, anaheim solar, cypress solar, brea solar
Who can benefit the most from the sun’s energy? Those who live in the sun belt like California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, the southwest deserts and the Rocky Mountain States. States where the sun shines the greater part of every year will receive the most benefit from their solar energy systems.
The most common solar energy systems capture the sunlight and convert it into electricity. The photovoltaic (PV) systems emit no greenhouse gases, and the more we use them, the more we slow global warming. The advantages are numerous and the most popular are low maintenance and the ability of generating electricity for many years to come. Then when you add lower utility bills, the advantages grow far above any disadvantages.
Listed on the plus side, several states offer tax credits and/or rebates, including federal, state and local tax credits.
One of the questions you’ll have to answer for yourself is do you want to just lower your electric bills, or will you use the solar energy systems to completely do away with the local utility company? There are systems that use an independent system that is actually off the grid. They provide practically all or at least most of your electricity. These systems are common in rural areas where utilities are very high.
They usually have a battery system for use at night or in cloudy weather. Many also use generators as a backup.
When you have reached the stage where you need to talk to an expert before that final decision, it would probably be best for you to contact a certified solar electrical contractor. They can help you determine how much solar power system you will need and will give you an estimate how much you should save in the long run.
The company will also tell you the best location of your solar power system. The majority of users install the systems on their rooftops. However there are other systems available such as ground mounted and integrated shade structure like an awning, or one that is incorporated into roofing materials.
The solar power systems have been improved steadily and many are choosing these systems as opposed to other systems such as wind.
SolarGEM specializes in Los Angeles solar power, Riverside solar, and Orange County solar.
orange county solar power, riverside solar power, san bernardino solar power, los angeles solar power, orange county solar, riverside solar, san bernardino solar, los angeles solar, orange county solar panels, riverside solar panels, solar panels san bernardino, los angeles solar panels, los angeles solar energy, orange county solar energy, orange county solar companies, los angeles solar companies, irvine solar, anaheim solar, cypress solar, brea solar
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