DIY Solar Power
Over the course of a day, the sun emits huge amounts of potential energy in form of light and heat. This energy can be harnessed in a few different ways, including:
- Passive solar energy: taking advantage of the heat displaced by the sun to help regulate home temperature
- Thermal solar collectors: with the use of mirrors, the suns energy can be intensified and used to heat water or air
- Photovoltaic cells: sun light can be converted into electricity to be used in the home
When done effectively, taking advantage of the heat and light energy displaced by the sun can have a substantial impact on your monthly bills. Harnessing the suns power in this sense is known as Passive Solar Power. A few ideas to help you take advantage of the suns passive energy include:
- Insulation! This is probably the most important step in taking advantage of passive solar energy. Make sure that your walls, ceilings, and floors are appropriately insulated. Also check around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Proper insulation in a house should result in an inside temperature that stays relatively constant
- Another effective technique for keeping warm air in or cold air out is using curtains. Similarly, window shutters or clear insulating strips can also do a good job at regulating inside temperatures.
- Something most people do not realize is that plants can play a strong role in determining the temperature of a house. In addition to providing fresh air, plants placed effectively around windows and doorways can function as a sort of heat barrier, keeping a house cool in the summer.
In addition to taking advantage of the sun in a passive way, one can use a more active approach. As mentioned above, a thermal solar collector is a great tool for using the suns tremendous temperature output to heat water or a space.
A thermal collector is a device that features an array of dark metal plates, covered in a sheet of glass. The sun warms these metal plates, which absorb the heat and transfer it to a substance, for example water or air. This heated substance can now be used immediately, or stored in a well insulated container for later use.
Finally, light emitted from the sun can be captured and converted to electricity. Basically, this is achieved through a reaction that happens within the photovoltaic panels which results in charged electrons creating an electric current. This can then be stored in a battery or used directly.
About the author: Miles Novak is a writer and enthusiast of home energy. Visit his webpage for a guide to Do it Yourself products and Home Energy Solutions.
