The 10 Top Solar Energy Residential Uses
Surprising solar power use is on the rise. Read more to find the top solar energy residential uses that are popular with fellow homeowners.
Residential Solar Energy Use Is Starting To Pick Up
Harnessing the power of the sun is just one of the alternative energy options that many homeowners are considering.
Because there are residential solar energy tax credits incentives, utility rebates and other local solar power grants, many homeowners consider solar energy to help them save on their utility costs.
With the rise in residential solar power use, many homeowners are beginning to wonder just how is solar energy used in the home.
Solar Energy Residential Use #1. Whole House Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy is being used as whole house energy systems, with net or reverse metering, making it possible to sell power back to the utility grid, or making a net utility bill much smaller, when the utility grid is only used to power heating and cooling systems or power large appliances that take 220 volt power.
- Because a solar panel system produces 110 volt or standard household current, the whole house solar energy systems requires propane or natural gas for these larger appliances and systems, but is capable of powering everything else.
Solar Energy Residential Use #2. Some Homeowners Are Using Solar Energy To Power Targeted Appliances
Residential solar energy is being used in individual circumstances to power a limited number of appliances.
- Usually, these small solar energy generators are capable of powering a toaster, radio and other small appliances that get frequent use in particular rooms of the home.
- Also, many homeowners are turning to solar powered generators to power specific home appliances during times of emergency.
Solar Energy Residential Use #3. Solar Energy Shingles
Solar roof shingles can be installed to offer individual solar energy cells to various parts of the home.
Many people are installing solar electric shingles because they make a great long-term investment and easier to install than solar panels.
Instead of the large solar energy panels, the shingles are incorporated into a roof and they seal with normal asphalt shingles for a weather-tight seal.
- The shingles have wiring that runs into the attic and it is used to power individual ceiling lights, outlets and appliances in the individual rooms they are installed over.
Solar Energy Residential Use #4. Solar Energy Skylights
Individual skylights can use solar energy to light a bathroom or bedroom.
The skylight has a solar panel that is installed in the roof and the wiring goes through the roofing, into the attic to power the light that flips with a switch.
- This allows natural light during the day and provides lighting at night.
- This is a way to power lighting in rooms that are dim during daylight hours and dark at night, such as interior rooms of your home.
Solar Energy Residential Use #5. Solar Powered Portable Generators
Residential solar energy is being used to power portable generators which can be used for emergency power sources.
- They are also used to power lawn and garden tools that require electricity in the further reaches of the yard, where extension cords aren't the best option, such as hedge trimmers or electric leaf blowers.
Solar Energy Residential Use #6. Residential Landscaping Lighting Systems.
You may be asking, how is solar energy used to light the outside of your home, and the answer: there are many attractive outdoor solar lighting options.
- Solar energy is being used to power water fountains and landscaping pond pumps, as well.
- You can also buy solar lights for your garden all the way up to solar security lighting and solar-powered flood lights with motion detection systems.
- And solar powered patio lights will add pizzazz to any backyard.
Solar Energy Residential Use #7. Solar Powered Pool Heaters And Solar Powered Covers
Residential solar energy is being used on solar swimming pool heaters and hot tub covers to heat the water.
- These covers keep leaves and debris from getting into the swimming pool or hot tub, but they have solar cells built into the covers to warm the water during the day and keep the warmth in at night.
Solar Energy Residential Use #8. Solar Powered Air Conditioning Systems
Many people are using residential solar energy to lower their electricity bills during those hot months of summer.
- They are also investing in a solar powered attic fan that will help to keep their attic cooler, and in turn helps to keep their home cooler during the summer.
- They are also using solar powered air conditioning methods to help keep their homes cool as well.
Solar Energy Residential Use #9. Solar Powered Heating Systems And Solar Powered Water Heater Systems
Residential solar energy is being to power home solar heating systems.
- Many homeowners use solar home heating because it operates efficiently and it doesn't pollute.
Residential solar energy is also being uses to in solar powered water heaters.
- Because water heating comprises about 20% of a homeowners electricity costs, many homeowners are using a solar powered hot water heater to save on their electricity costs.
Solar Energy Residential Use #10. Solar Powered Battery Chargers
Residential solar energy is being used in battery chargers that will recharge the batteries that run children's toys, portable radios and flashlights.
- Some of these rechargeable batteries not only cut your battery expense, but also don't use electricity to recharge the batteries for all of the gadgetry in your home that requires them.
Solar Energy Residential Use - The Bottom-Line
When you consider all of the small appliances in your home and lighting fixtures that use regular household current, you can see the possibilities are endless inside and outside of your home and in your lawn and garden.
Here's to finding a way to bring more solar power into your family!
P.S. Here's a few more tips to help your solar power projects go smoothly...
