No two solar homes are exactly the same, but most are built around the same basic goals. These include increasing efficiency, implementing smart savings, and producing clean energy from our most untapped renewable resource: the sun.
Solar energy is flexible. You can start off with a single solar roof panel and increase your capabilities as budget and time allow. In addition, solar power does not need to be used in isolation. Plug your photovoltaic current into the main power grid to watch your meter spin backwards as you begin to produce more energy than you actually use. Or, pre-heat your water using thermal power so that your back-up system works less, saving power and money.
As the two examples above demonstrate, solar residential technology can be broken down into two general categories: photovoltaic (PV) power, which generates electricity, and thermal power for heating pools, water, and interior spaces.
PV systems can be connected to the power grid or store energy in batteries. They can also be combined with other forms of energy, such as a wind turbine or diesel generator, resulting in highly efficient hybrid energy systems. They are the working force on solar panels, shingles, and tiles. Most PV devices are still made from silicon cells, but this technology is rapidly advancing to implement more flexible and affordable options.
For residential purposes, solar thermal power usually consists of smaller, standalone systems that utilize a collector to store solar heat and a fluid to distribute it. Solar space heating systems can be classified as passive or active. Active systems circulate hot air or water using mechanical devices, such as pumps or fans. Passive solar techniques, such as a strategic orientation, shading, and design can be used in conjunction with active techniques to make the most of solar benefits without added costs.