What is Residential Solar Energy?

Residential solar energy refers to using clean, sustainable power from the sun to generate electricity for homes and apartment buildings. There has been much interest in residential solar energy since the turn of the 21st century, as more attention is brought to the need for sustainable methods of power generation. Any home, whether built today or 100 years ago, can be fitted to run on solar power. For people looking to save on utility bills and upgrade to green living, this may be one of the most important steps available.

In residential areas, solar power is mostly collected through the use of solar panel systems. These power receivers absorb sunlight throughout the day, storing excess energy and distributing it when needed. Solar panels are typically set up on the roof of a home or apartment building, to minimize space requirements and maximize sun exposure. Solar panels can also be hooked into the main power grid of a city, allowing owners to sell excess power to the city for municipal use.

There are other home and garden accessories that may use solar power without requiring panels. Solar lights can illuminate a garden for safety and evening atmosphere, and work by absorbing sunlight throughout the day and expending it after dark. Swimming pools can also be kept warm by the use of solar discs. These discs sit on the water's surface, sucking in sunlight and transferring it to the water around them. Both solar lights and swimming pool accessories are available at home supply stores and solar energy supply websites.

Some apartment complexes are now designed and built with residential solar energy in mind. By installing solar panels on the roof, fitting dwellings with energy efficient appliances, low-flush toilets, and recycling options, these complexes can bill themselves as extremely environmentally friendly. Additionally, apartments using residential solar energy will typically save large amounts of money on utility bills, which may contribute to rent and utility savings for residents.

One of the largest draws of residential solar energy is its ability to save people money. Once installation is paid for, electricity and utility bills may drop significantly or even completely. Another advantage of building new homes that use residential solar energy is that future residents can benefit from the utility savings without spending money to install power systems at all. Giving people the option to save money while helping the environment will hopefully give solar energy a bright and sunny future in the residential world.