Using the Sun’s energy to power your home can be split into two categories. There are passive and direct solar power systems. Passive systems generally take advantage of the Sun’s thermal properties to generate heat. Thus solar water systems use the Sun’s heat to make hot water to be used in the home. Creating rooms in the home or Sun traps that absorb thermal rays can also act as a form of heating for the home. However this article is more concerned with the direct use of solar power to create electricity in the home.

The photovoltaic (PV) cell is the technology that creates electricity from sun light. It is made from a silicon compound that reacts to a certain frequency of sun light. This reaction causes an electron to be thrown from the atom. This loose electron flows from a negative to positive charge resulting in an electric current being produced.

Many PV cells connected together in series is referred to as a solar module. When many solar cells are connected together than are known as a solar panel.

You have probably seen solar panels dotted on roofs in your suburb. This is generally the most practical place to install them but they can go anywhere that their is plenty of sunlight.

The solar panels create direct current (DC) electricity. This is often pushed through a power inverter. The inverter converts DC to alternating current (AC). AC is used in the home to power most appliances.

AC is distributed to the various wall sockets, lights and other power points in your home by an electrical service panel. A utility meter will take account of the electricity that is consumed if you are connected to the utility grid.

For instance, if it is during the day when the sunlight is at it’s strongest, most electricity will be produced. If this coincides with you being at work the chances are you won’t be using any of this solar generated power. Thus the meter may go backwards. This is effectively giving you credit for the electricity that you are creating with your home solar power system.

A home solar power system can be either on or off the grid. On the grid is sometimes referred to as a net metering system or grid tied.Various states have laws that require utility companies to offer net metering programs to people using solar panels. This effectively means that they are fairly compensated for the electricity that they create rather than having to sell it at a wholesale rate.

A true off grid system means you are not connected to a reliable power supply so you have the responsibility of creating your own energy. The primary source can be solar panels but there should always be a back up system in case you use more energy than you expected or the Sun doesn’t shine as much.

Many people will have a fuel powered generator for this purpose. People more interested in renewable power sources might go for a wind power generator or some other renewable system. Another aspect of an off the grid system is that DC needs to be stored in a battery bank for use at night or when the Sun is not shining. This is another responsibility and space has to be found on the property to securely house the batteries.

A grid tied system with net metering is the way to go when you are first starting out. It is relatively hassle free and can help you save a bit of money on your monthly power bills. Eventually you may want to go off grid completely. This will be more responsibility but you will save more money as you won’t have any utility bills.