There are two types of home solar power systems that can be created to provide energy to the home. They can be categorized as passive and direct applications of solar energy. The passive systems are generally to do with utilizing the thermal properties of the Sun. So water or a room can be passively heated by the Sun. The water can be plumbed into the home to be used for everyday needs. By understanding how hot air moves, a heated room can direct heat energy to other parts of the home to provide warmth. However is going to focus on the direct home solar power systems that create electricity for use in the home.



Electricity is created by utilizing sun light energy. The technology that does this is known as the photovoltaic (PV) cell. A cell is made from a silicon compound that throws an electron loose of the atom whenever sunlight of a certain frequency strikes the cell. When many cells are linked together in series, this forms an electric current.

A number of PV cells in a serial configuration is known as a solar module. When numerous solar modules are linked together in either a parallel or serial configuration they are known as a solar panel.

No doubt you have seen a solar panel on one or more roofs of homes in your area. This is where they are normally installed but they can go anywhere provided they get access to direct 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 numerous power points in the home via an electrical service panel or breaker box. If you are connected to the grid a utility meter will record your electricity usage.

For example, a solar panel works best when the sun is at it peak or midday. Most electricity will be generated at this time and the utility meter may well go backwards. This indicates that you are generating more electricity than you are actually using and effectively creating electricity for your power company.

There are two types of home solar power system - on or off the grid. On the grid is sometimes referred to as a net metering system. This refers to laws enacted in some states that require utility companies to pay a certain amount for the electricity that a home owner generates with their solar power system. Before these laws, the utility company would buy at a discounted rate making the installation of a solar panel less economically viable for the homeowner.

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.

Gasoline powered generators are often used as a back up system as they are fairly reliable, however some people that have the space may opt for another form of renewable resource, like a water or wind driven power system. Another responsibility of an off grid system is keeping a battery bank to store DC from the solar panels for use at night times.

Most people go for an on grid system with net metering as this is less responsibility and can stack up economically. With more experience they may go more off grid. Of course this is more responsibility and work but the potential to save money is greater.