From financing options to the different ways you can use it in your home, solar energy comes with a myriad of possibilities. At CalFinder, we’re constantly updating our solar library with the information you need to get solar. Start with “Solar Energy Facts,” to get a general idea of how solar energy can increase your home’s energy efficiency and make a big difference to the environment on a grander scale. Then, find out more about solar lighting, panels, and screens.
Solar energy can be converted into electricity and thermal power to heat your water and interior spaces. Solar energy can also be collected and distributed in ways that don’t require equipment or mechanical devices. Find out more by reading up on solar electricity, solar thermal power, and solar active and passive homes.
If you’ve already got a good idea about the size and scale of the system you want to install, perhaps our article on solar loans can help you. Then, before installing your equipment, consider hiring the best in the industry. Call one of our certified solar installers, each with a long history of expertise, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.
So you’ve converted to a hybrid car. You use nothing but CFL bulbs. Your dishwasher, shower head, and sprinkler system are all designed to conserve water. And you recycle every piece of paper, aluminum, and cardboard that enters your home. You may be ready for the next step: solar electricity.
Even if you haven’t integrated environmentally sustainable methods into every aspect of your home, you may be interested in harvesting energy from the ultimate source: the sun, our most powerful and untapped resource. Solar electricity is energy directly generated from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) technology.
In a solar-powered home, PV cells are configured together into a series of modules, or solar panels, which absorb fractions of the sun’s energy. Each PV cell is made from a semiconductor, usually silicon, which frees electrons once photons from light enter. The free electrons create an electrical current that can be harvested by metal borders around each PV cell.
Solar panels are assembled perpendicular to the sun’s rays for maximum effectiveness. They can be mounted easily on sloping rooftops using frames. Solar panels produce more power during the summer months and in regions where the sunlight lasts longer. They are often configured in conjunction with a home’s grid power system using a grid tie inverter. Measured in watts or kilowatts, solar power is also used to charge batteries, power electrical equipment such as appliances, lighting, or computers, or for other energy storing devices.
In some parts of the world, the grid connect PV power system is used to power city buildings as well as homes. Stand-alone PV systems usually store energy in batteries. In both cases, PV power can be combined with other forms of energy, such as a wind turbine or diesel generator, resulting in highly efficient hybrid energy systems.
Did you know that the sun can provide us with 10,000 times the amount of energy we need? Learn the facts about solar energy.… Read more »
Solar cells convert light energy into electricity. They come in many different types including, round, square, and even flexible.… Read more »
Solar water heaters used in conjunction with traditional water heaters are capable of supplying all the warm water your home needs. CalFinder offers free estimates for installing solar water heaters.… Read more »
Primarily used for heating swimming pools and hot water for your home, solar thermal power is specifically designed to collect, absorb, and distribute heat.… Read more »
If your considering taking-out a solar loan, expect to earn that money back in savings on energy costs within 5 to 15 years.… Read more »
Your introduction to solar panels from the certified solar contractors, CalFinder.… Read more »
There are worldwide concerns about energy as well as global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, leading many countries to more aggressively pursue alternative and cleaner energy sources. Solar is one of the top choices as an alternative energy source, … Read more »
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Bill's fantastic. I used him for solar water and solar electric. I couldn’t be more satisfied. He is very responsive, and always available to help if ever I need it. Bill takes pride in doing a great job and making sure his clients are taken care of. I’m happy to endorse him.
Has strong work ethic, his crew is great.