Solar Power Systems
When we talk
about solar power systems,
most people think of home solar power systems found on the roofs of
houses across the nation. A solar powered system is made up of more than
one part and is solar related. There are also a lot of portable solar
systems that are designed either for home or for travel.
Small Scale Solar Systems
One system
that is available features a solar panel on rollers that can be set up
anywhere. It attaches to a battery charger that also acts like a UPS.
The unit switched to backup power automatically when a power outage
occurs. This system comes with a 1,800 watt charger, a 90 watt Solar
Panel, and 50 foot of solar panel cable. The charger unit will provide
up to 12 hours operation for electronic devices hooked up to it.
Costco
offers a small solar panel with a charging unit that will operate a
computer when camping. It also has AC plugs to plug in other low wattage
devices such as lights. With this system, you can work on your laptop
late into the evening while running other appliances at the same time.
Eton Corp
offers a number of solar sound systems for less than $200. You can take
your music with you, even on a camping trip. These solar systems are
totally self-contained.
Silicon
Solar offers a large selection of Complete Solar Systems. Those solar
systems include Grid Tie Solar Systems, which hook into the grid. They
also have a number of solar systems that are stand-alone systems. Among
those solar kits are Cabin Kits, RV Kits, and Solar Camping Equipment.
Their solar system packages come complete with solar panels, solar
wiring, controllers and all other necessary standard equipment to make
the system operational.
Home Solar Systems
A
home solar system would normally refer to a
solar powered electrical system, although it could also refer to a
solar thermal system that
heats water for the home or a
solar air conditioner system that cools the home. Residential solar
energy systems have become much more popular over the years. That
popularity has been stimulated by two primary factors: the cost of
energy and government incentives. The cost of energy has been climbing
by an average of six percent or more per year over the past ten to
twenty years. Between federal government tax credits and state rebates,
some solar system can now cost a homeowner as little as 50% of the
actual cost to install a system. There are some solar companies that
have even put together a leasing program, where you are locked into one
flat rate over a period of several years. They install the system on
your home, and you don’t have any “up front” costs. Although you don’t
pay nearly as much up front, your potential savings after the first
eight to ten years is minimal in comparison to purchasing a home solar
system. When looking into a solar power system, it doesn’t hurt to check out all of your
options.
With the
advancements in solar technology, these solar power systems will
continue to come down in price as the quality of the solar panels
continues to improve.