Imagine this.  In just one hour, the earth receives more energy from the sun than the entire world uses during a whole year. How is that for a plentiful energy source?

The sun is the most popular of all renewable energy sources and most likely will be the most important energy source of the future. We see it used all the time in solar calculators, landscaping lights, flashlights, radios, and battery chargers – just to name a few.  What we don’t see as often, at least in Middle Tennessee, are solar panels on roofs, in yards or pastures.  However, with the increasing interest in renewable energy and the resulting decrease in costs, we should see that changing soon.

So, how exactly does solar power work? Residential homes that use solar power typically have photovoltaic (PV - photo = light/voltaic = electricity) solar panels located on the roof or near the house. These panels contain PV cells which are activated when the sun’s rays shine directly on them. In a series of (technical) steps, sunlight is converted directly into electricity. (Check out the links below for a plethora of detailed information.)

Just like micro-hydro, solar power can be used as a stand alone system (although not usually recommended) or as an extra power source to a grid-tied system. Using solar energy to power a home that is not tied to the grid will require more consideration than one that is.  It will need battery storage to compensate for periods without sunlight. Most experts recommend that due to the unreliability of nature, it is wise to use at least two renewable energy sources to power your home or supplement with a fossil fuel generator.

Conversely, for grid-tied systems, solar power can supplement electricity purchased from the utilities’ system, reducing energy bills.  And if there is any surplus energy produced, it can be fed back to the power company to be purchased or stored.  In Middle Tennessee, TVA will purchase 100% of the green power output at a rate of 15 cents per kilowatt-hour. Payments are guaranteed for 10 years from the date of the contract. It does require that all equipment be in compliance with national standards and codes and be certified by a licensed electrician.

Although setting up solar power is expensive, the low cost of system maintenance as well as government incentives for a grid-tied system can make it a more reasonable investment for powering a home. For instance, in Middle Tennessee, TVA offers a $500 incentive to help with start-up costs.  There are also federal and state rebates that can pay for up to half of your system.

If your home is in a remote location without utility lines, powering your home with natural electricity sources is real option. However, to use solar power you must have a solar window (unobstructed solar access) from 9 am to 3 pm year-round and a location that faces south.  You must also have enough space for the number of PV panels needed or room for expansion. (The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every Watt of energy required you'll need 10 square feet of space depending on the efficiency of the system you choose.)  If any of these three conditions are compromised, the size of the system will have to be increased.  But that is one of solar’s best features – its scalability.  You can start small and build your system gradually. Adding more panels is relatively simple. To get a quick estimate of the price and size of an adequate power system for your location, try the solar estimator at this link: http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme

If you’re looking for property, consider tracts that offer year-round water, a clearing with a large solar window, and/or at least one acre of rural land to set up a tower for a wind generator.  With at least two out of the three, you are all set to produce your own power if and when you decide you want help the environment, save tremendously on your power bills, be independent, and increase your property value.  Call us. We have just the spot!