Alternative Energy Source: Solar Power

Early man worshipped the sun as a God, believing this astral body to be a mighty and powerful force in their lives. However, they were worshipping it for the wrong reasons! The Sun is the single most powerful energy force in the universe, capable of generating millions of megawatts of energy throughout the universe.

From the dawning of civilization, man has attempted to find ways to harness this renewable energy source and to bring the power of the sun into our homes. Archimedes the Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer is said to have used mirrors acting as a parabolic reflector to burn enemy ships attacking Syracuse.

Whether legend or fact, this early principle of using the sun’s vast power combined with mirrors to generate heat has inspired man throughout the ages to find ways to harness this seemingly unrequited source of power we call Solar Energy.

Solar power is by no means a new source of energy; it was first pursued seriously in the late 1970s as a means to reduce rising energy costs worldwide. Today, solar power is considered a viable alternative to reduce carbon emissions, and to preserve our environment. Whether it is for environmental reasons or cost-efficiency, solar power is truly an effective and efficient way to power your home.

Modern technology, in the last few years, has brought us more efficient and less expensive alternatives to using solar power. Solar panels can be found relatively inexpensively, or with a little instruction, you can link together many solar cells to build your own panels. Solar panels are more technologically advanced today than they were more than a decade ago. Their efficiency is four times that of their predecessors, the cost has dropped dramatically, and technology makes it possible to use solar cells even in low sunlight conditions, through the use of refractors built into the panel.

The efficiency of present-day solar panels and new technology is allowing remote places in third world countries to enjoy the benefits of electricity and hot water. Although we take these luxuries for granted, it is a Godsend to people who have never experienced the wonders of electricity.

Consider solar power as an accessory or an alternative to your present source of electricity. You can easily augment your present source of energy with solar panels. The number of solar panels you would need to power your home is based on the amount of wattage of each panel you choose. You can find panels as high as two hundred watts or as low as 5 watts. You can also purchase individual cells as low as 100mw. Connecting addition panels in series or parallel will increase your wattage potential.

Having too much power is not a problem, as you can use storage cells to hold the power built up, or you can sell the excess to your local power company. Most states in the USA require local power companies to purchase excess electricity produced from natural energy sources. You can begin by installing one panel and slowly build up the number of solar panels each month or two as your budget permits. An advantage to solar power is that once you install a panel, you will have a direct and immediate impact on your energy costs. The panel will begin working for you immediately after installation.

In addition to the other benefits, one that many people do not consider are potential government incentives. Some state and federal tax incentives are available as well as rebate offers. Make sure you check with your states department of energy or your local congressional office to ascertain if there are any monetary benefits offered by your government. Checking with a tax accountant may also reveal additional incentives.

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