So you want to use solar energy...

Alternative energy is a great idea, but how many people actually know how to go about powering their home using renewable energy sources?
One of the most popular ways to alternatively energize your home is solar power. Not only does it reduce pollution but once you have the equipment set up, it doesn’t cost any more money because you don’t have to pay the sun a bill.
Conservation and Efficiency are the first two ways to begin reducing the need to use energy. Doing things like turning off lights when you don’t need them, unplugging phone and lap top chargers once the appliance has been fully charged, save energy, and are considered conservation. Energy efficiency comes from using ‘efficient’ appliances, like compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent. Conservation and efficiency are important when it comes to powering your house with alternative sources because for each dollar you spend on efficiency, you save $3-$5 on the equipment costs of renewable energy systems.
Solar energy is particularly useful because it can be stored, so the solar grid will soak up more than enough energy when there is sunlight, then you’ll still have electricity during seasons when the sun doesn’t shine as often. Another great thing about solar energy is that it’s actually really easy to set up - you basically attach the solar grid to a battery bank, which sends energy directly to your house’s main power grid -and voila! - you have electricity without the utility bill or pollution. Some types of grids also have a back-up generator, just in case you use a lot of electricity or the solar grid doesn’t produce enough, you won’t be without electricity.
A single solar panel probably won’t power your entire home. Using solar energy to its maximum is a process, as the solar grids can be somewhat pricey. Most grids are between $1500 and $2000, and you’ll need a few of them to power your entire house. Many companies will install them for you, though, and they don’t require much maintenance. Despite how expensive the solar grids seem, once you can power an entire home with them, the electric bill is nearly nothing, so the money saved may eventually pay back the money spent. And either way, a solar panel is great for the environment.

Reference
http://www.homepower.com/home/


http://www.earthtechproducts.com/grid-tied-solar-kit.html?gdftrk=gdfV2538_a_7c634_a_7c2338_a_7cgrid_d_tied_d_solar_d_kit

This is a link to what a solar grid looks like, and how it is installed in the home.

http://www.mrsolar.com/

This link will take you to an online retail store for solar panels which produce energy for residential and industrial use. They also have a calculator that will tell you how much solar power your house needs… but you have to insert the voltage and use information about all of your appliances and electricity usage so it’s kind of involved. However I think that for people who are serious about solar energy this is a great resource. Plus its kind of interesting to look at.

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Also, I realized while I was writing this that today is Earth Day. Interesting that the earth only gets a day of our lives while we've been using its resources for thousands of years...