Green homes (solar systems..)
One way to make your home more green, and cut down utility bills as well, is to install home solar systems. There are two chief forms of home solar systems, widely known as grid-tie and off-grid.
A grid-tie system is connected to the local power grid, or the local power company. It has solar cells installed either near the home or on the home, and converts solar energy gathered into DC electricity. Inverters in the solar system convert the DC to AC, and the AC is then used in the home. Electricity unused flows back into the power grid, which acts as storage for the electricity, so that it is not wasted, but can be used as needed. This is a way of collecting credit on your electric bill, like getting money back, as it were. This is called 'net-metering', and means that the meter spins backward when electricity is returned, rather than always going forward, and costing you money for essentially unused energy!
This system does not require pricey batteries for power storage; the grid IS the power storage system, and energy is saved, to be utilized as needed. This is both energy and cost efficient.
Off-grid systems are used in more remote locations, where there would not be a local power grid to which to connect. It would be more costly, as it would need special deep-cycle batteries for power storage, and also another specific controller component to keep the flow of electricity from overcharging the batteries.
Solar systems need to be installed where there is an unhindered view of sunlight. Typically, this is on a south facing roof side. Frames may either be affixed directly to the roof, if feasible, or mounted onto frames. These frames can be either fixed or tracking, able to move to follow the sunlight.
The expense of systems depends on various factors, including the size of the home, geographical location, company and equipment chosen, and also if local power companies provide rebates. The government may also grant tax credits. Prices may range from $20,000 to $60,000, but the cost may be cut in half or more if there are rebates or tax credits given.
Several major companies which provide solar systems include: GE, Kyocera, Mitsubishi, SolarWorld, Sanyo, Sharp, Spectrolab, and Uni-Solar, among others.