How to Convert Your Home to Solar Energy

The Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy is quite the buzz word in some circles. Most people don't know all that it covers. And if you're not looking into it, you may not know that there are some lenders who appreciate your efforts by offering you a better assessment on your home's resale value. Fossil fuels are being depleted at an alarming rate. Solar energy is the alternative to compliment your green living effects.

Did You Know? According to a Solar Direct® article, "the energy required by a typical water heater emits 2 tons of carbon dioxide per year." The article goes on to state that this is two times more than some cars emit in a year.¹

How Does Solar Energy Work?

Homes that use solar energy are harnessing the power of the sun, in essence. Builders fit solar panels to homes to catch and store energy. The energy is converted to what is needed by the house, like electricity (solar photovoltaic) or solar water heating. And, voila! Your home is independent of traditional energy that uses fossil fuels. Best of all, you don't have to buy a new home to take advantage of the technology. You can have your home, in most instances, re-fit to include the required mechanics.

How Do I Convert My Home to Solar Energy?

There are three options that you have for converting your home to using Solar Energy.

These example dollar and percentage amounts are from the Sun Direct article which uses the Florida area as a base.

1. The option made most popular by the media is also the most expensive. Investing in solar energy is the first way. Its cost is not enough to keep people away. In Florida, the utility bills for some are ranging from $400 - $900 monthly. And by investing in solar energy, there have been reports of immediate reductions by as much as 90%. If that's not enough, this energy source can be used for backup when there is a power outage or during storms and hurricanes.

2. Solar Water Heating (SWH) is the next option. On average, heating water uses 25-30% of a household's energy. In a new home, the energy savings of an SWH will quickly offset the higher mortgage rate. You could be looking at a savings of up to 95%; that's potentially hundreds of dollars saved annually.

3. The third option you can choose is a system to heat your pool. The cost of a solar pool heater can be less than $2000 or as much as $6000, (pool size is a determining factor). With conventional fuel usage you can spend up to or more than $2000 annually. You can see why it becomes cost prohibitive to heat your pool. Whereas, the solar heating option restores the heating capability and there is no cost to operate.

Why Would I Switch to Solar Energy?

• Money saving
• No dirty fossil fuel toxins
• No power outages in storms that rob neighbors of communication and information

Converting your home to solar energy is a financially sound move. And, if it's cost effective for you, who wouldn't want to be independent of dirty fossil fuel consumption? When there's a power outage, where would you like your power supply to be generated from? And with the depletion of fossil fuels and the economic manipulation that is involved in the entire business, it's really great to be able to rise above the fray.

Having a solar home is one of the best green living things that you can do for your family and your larger environment. Using fossil fuels has always polluted the air, it's nothing new. Today, there's a clean, money saving alternative that is renewable and that can't be depleted. This "new" alternative is the sun. There's no "processing" the sun to begin with. It just shines and you work with that. No piping or emissions along the way to supplying your family with power.

There's More that You Can Do?

There are other things that you can do to solarize your home including how you insulate your home. Remember that a home that is airtight is a home that is retaining toxins from other chemicals. If your home environment is a green living environment, that's great! However, if you have don't have natural fiber carpet and hypoallergenic pillows and sofas, then there may be some outgassing happening in your home. Be sure, when you work on sealing and insulating your home, that you consider having adequate options for circulating outdoor air.

Green living is not difficult. Green Living refers to a new way to do many things. It's often a way of going back, getting back to the simpler way of living before EMF and radiation from Microwaves and genetically modified foods came about. Converting your home to solar energy is simply another great way to live better.

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