How to Convert Your Home to Solar Energy

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.

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.

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 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.