Save Money With Solar Power For Homes - Top 7 Tips

By simply watching the evening news, you can readily see that the Earth is in trouble environmentally. Our reserves of fossil fuels are being rapidly depleted, and the burning of those same fuels is producing more and more carbon emissions that are the catalyst for global warming. Scientists have foreseen this crisis and have developed alternative systems for generating power from renewable energy sources. One major renewable resource is solar energy. The sun has been shining brightly for billions of years and promises to do so for several billion more. Many companies, and more importantly many individual homeowners, have made the commitment to help the environment and to save money with solar power for home use.

While the expanded use of solar power for homes will be of great benefit to both the environment and the homeowner, it is not enough to totally resolve our environment and fuel supply problems. Homeowners must also make a concerted effort to use electric power created from non-renewable energy sources more efficiently. It's come down to the level of individual responsibility.

Despite the protestations of the Luddites who insist that there are no environment or fossil fuel resource problems, most scientists and futurists agree that the entire country, if not the world, will be providing most of their power from renewable green energy sources. Wind and solar devices will dominate remote landscapes. Individual homes will look normal in neighborhoods where solar arrays display instead of shingles. The manufacture of these solar and wind generators will be more widespread than it is today, and will become more affordable for the general public. Buying a home without a solar array in the future, would be like buying a new home today without electrical wiring installed.

Nonetheless, there will continue to be applications where fossil fuels such as coal and oil will be needed; sometimes for fuel and sometimes for manufacturing processes and materials. Conservation will continue to be important. While we may no longer be depleting these resources at the present rate, we will continue to deplete them over a longer period of time. The secret for more efficient power is to use less power in general, and to design appliances and machines which use less power to perform their important tasks. Here are some wise and helpful tips for cutting done on energy use.

1. Don't overuse your air conditioner. Make sure not to turn the thermostat too low. They use a great deal of energy. Homeowners have become spoiled by the technology and leave the air conditioner on all day and night during the hot weather. Even when they are not home. Fans do an excellent job of cooling people. You'll save money and power if you use fans. You'll save even more money if you shut the fans off when you're not benefiting from the breeze. Fans don't cool empty rooms, just people and animals that are enjoying the breeze. Also, ensure that your air conditioners are operating efficiently by periodically cleaning or changing any air filters in the system.

2. Turn off lights when you leave a room. Some people leave lights on all day. Even the newer compact fluorescent lamps use power and can rack up significant kilowatt hours over time.

3. When you purchase a new appliance, make sure it's an "energy star" unit designed to do the same work as older appliances, but with less energy consumption.

4. Use all of your appliances less by using them efficiently. Wash dishes in the dishwasher only when it's full. Never turn on the clothes dryer simply to dry off a few small items. Wait for a full load. Dry your hair with a towel before touching it up with the electric dryer. Unplug your computer and TV when not in use. Many of these devices use up power even when turned off, running clocks or LED displays. Significant energy can be saved by following this simple step.

5. Keep doors and windows shut when the temperature outside, either hot or cold, requires heat or cooling inside. Plug up all drafts. They simple suck up energy and provide no benefit.

6. Try to use as much natural light in your home as possible. Keep windows clean and free from curtains or drapes that interfere with the sunlight. Where possible, install skylights in rooms without windows that face the sunlight. If you have rooms that require electric lighting during the day, you need to evaluate how to provide more natural light.

7. Think about providing you home with at least part of its energy requirements using solar or wind power. Even a simple solar water heater helps in a significant way to improve our environment and save money at the same time.