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 »
All the elements to plan a resourceful solar energy system. Get a free estimate on a solar plan for your home.… Read more »
Revolutionary plastic solar cells are flexible which amounts for universal applications. Not as efficient as large solar panels, but evolving.… Read more »
Foil-based solar cells consist of a copper foil that is thinner then household aluminum foil and is very flexible. It is becoming a common replacement to standard silicon solar cells.… Read more »
Carbon based solar cells are an advanced alternative to traditional silicon wafers.… Read more »
Polymer solar cells are flexible and their production costs are about a third of the price of silicon cell manufacturing.… Read more »
New advances in solar cell development and research have created new types of cells including dye-sensitized solar cells.… Read more »
Portable refrigeration achieved with photovoltaic cells. Learn more about solar refrigerators.… Read more »
Less flexible then the most recent advancements in solar technology, silicon solar cells were the original semiconductor for solar systems.… Read more »
Solar pool heaters are designed to absorb the sun’s heat and transfer it to the pool water.… Read more »
Solar pool heaters cost nothing to operate because they run completely on free solar energy… 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 »
Solar panels don't have to look like a whole roof in themselves. Check out our information on solar roof shingles and get free installation estimates.… Read more »
Solar fountains cost less and use less energy then traditional water fountains.… Read more »
Unlike solar panels, solar roof tiles are not bulky and are aesthetically pleasing. With rebates in place, now is the time to go solar. Get free estimates from our local, certified solar contractors.… Read more »
Using solar shade to enable privacy and protection from the sun can reduce solar transmittance by over 95%.… 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 »
Cook using a solar oven.… Read more »
Unlike harsh fluorescent lights, solar lights produce a soft glow that works well to illuminate garden paths, sheds, patios, decks, and driveways.… Read more »
Your home's lighting can be powered by solar energy! Get free estimates for a solar system for your home from our certified solar contractors.… Read more »
Your introduction to solar panels from the certified solar contractors, CalFinder.… Read more »
Solar generators, inverting sunlight into usable energy.… Read more »
The solar inverter is an integral part to the solar energy system.… Read more »
Air based solar space heating is an active form of solar heating. To create an air-based solar heating system, you first need a method to collect and store the sun’s heat. Solar collectors absorb the sun’s energy and then transfer the heat to an air-h… Read more »
Expose the indoors with natural light using solar tubular lights.… Read more »
Collect solar power on the road.… Read more »
Passive solar heating is used in south facing homes and is lower in cost because it's efficient maintenance and operation.… 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 »
There are several different factors that go into figuring the cost of a solar PV system. There are also up front costs, rebates and rate of payback to be considered. Typically, solar PV systems cost around $10 per watt installe… Read more »
Solar cells are made of a material, usually silicon, that acts as a semiconductor. The silicon is cut into a wafer-thin size which absorbs solar radiation, or heat, and creates electricity as free-flowing electrons, or electrical current, is captured by… Read more »
Helpful information about solar cooling and air conditioning systems for homeowners. Get a free estimate, read recent blog entries, and get names of certified local solar contractors.… Read more »
Helpful and friendly information about solar air conditioning and cooling for homeowners. Get a free estimate, read recent blog entries, and get names of certified local solar contractors.… Read more »
Professional help for remodeling your air conditioning system to solar. Get information and free estimates from our highly skilled and certified residential solar contractors.… Read more »
Professional help with your solar air conditioning system. Get information and free estimates from our highly skilled and certified residential solar contractors.… Read more »
Professional help for solar energy information. Get information and free estimates from our highly skilled and certified residential solar remodel contractors.… Read more »
Professional help for solar cooling systems. Get information and free estimates from our highly skilled and certified residential solar remodel contractors.… Read more »
Two-stage evaporative cooling is the process of combining both the direct and indirect systems to increase comfort in the home solar power system. Get ideas, articles, and free estimates from home solar power contractors.… Read more »
Home solar power broken down into helpful information for a home solar power system owner. Read articles, solar blog, and get ideas and free estimates from certified solar installers.… Read more »
Learn all about the technology of solar cells for your home solar power systems. Articles, pictures, and free estimates from certified solar installers.… Read more »
Thin-film solar cells are the next generation of solar cells. Helpful information, articles, and estimates from home solar power installers.… Read more »
Friendly and helpful information about home solar power. Types and materials of solar cells in production today explained in articles, blogs, and free estimates from certified solar installers.… Read more »
Helpful information about home solar power to go green. Read articles, blogs, view pictures, and get free estimates from home solar contractors.… Read more »
Information and helpful ideas for going solar and building home solar power. Get articles and free estimates from solar power installers in your area.… Read more »
Breaking down the different types and materials used in solar cells for home solar power. Get ideas, pictures, and free estimates from residential solar contractors.… Read more »
Learn about solar cell types and materials with helpful articles, insightful ideas, and free solar estimates from residential solar power installers.… Read more »
Helpful information for learning the basics of home solar power and solar cells. Articles, ideas, pictures, and free estimates from certified solar installers are all here.… Read more »
Use the heat of the sun and the gravity of Earth to pull your hot water into the residential solar power system. Ideas, articles, and free estimates from solar contractors.… Read more »
Bring the power of the sun to the hot water in the home. Articles, ideas, pictures, and free estimates from certified residential solar installers.… Read more »
Copper indium selenide solar cells are a the beginning of CIGS cells and expand the possibilities of solar technology. Read articles, get ideas, and receive free estimates on residential solar power for the home.… Read more »
Thin-film solar cells are usually multi-junction cells. Learn the ins and outs of solar technology in a common sense, easy-to-learn way. Get ideas, insights, articles, and free solar estimates from home solar contractors.… Read more »
The composition of Hybrid Solar Cells is organic and inorganic semiconductor materials. Learn more through helpful articles, insightful ideas, and free solar estimates from certified solar installers.… Read more »
Learn more about solar powered light for around the home and landscaping. Articles and helpful information for guiding the way to a greener home solar power system!… Read more »
Need to light the back patio? Deck too dark at night? Learn all the information you need from articles and ideas about solar patio lights.… Read more »
Solar spotlights and floodlights can be used to illuminate a tree from underneath, bringing an ethereal, if potentially haunting, quality to the landscape.… Read more »
Light the way through landscaping and paths with solar pathway lights. Avoid the hassle of electrical cords but enjoy the beauty of lights in the yard.… Read more »
Light the tent, hike, or even attic with lanterns powered by solar electricity. Return the favor to nature by getting your products off the grid!… Read more »
Light the path to the backyard with the beauty of LED solar pavers. Learn about the easy installation, vast choices, and the best designs to suit your home.… Read more »
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I thought it crucial for me to secure the right contractor to install the correct solar heating for my swimming pool. Although the work has not started I am comfortable with the fact that this company has reputable and reliable and has their own crew that will install the solar system for me. In addition, this company is a qualified dealer that is accepted by the SMUD utility district in the Sacramento metropolitan area.
Our solar electric system has saved us so much money on electric bills. We are absolutely thrilled with our system! We researched multiple companies, but Verengo stood out from the rest, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. The Verengo representatives were on time, efficient and took care of all the rebates and paperwork. Thank you, Verengo!