Feeling the Heat Article:
Solar Power Systems
by Jerry H. Simpson
Solar power systems have been around for a long time. When the technology first became available solar cells where heralded to be the end of the oil crisis and the energy crisis. We suddenly had plentiful free energy, all of it coming from the sun. Within ten years solar power systems were predicted to heat and power our homes and businesses. Some people even thought we would be driving solar-powered cars soon, with long, sleek shapes covered with solar panels.
Unfortunately, the reality didn't quite match up with the dream. Solar panels were expensive to manufacture, and unless you had a lot of panels exposed to a lot of sunlight, solar power systems didn't produce very much power. However, now that we're seeing more refinement in solar power technology, we may be witnessing a rebirth in solar power systems, at least in certain environments.
Though solar panels still absorb solar energy when it's cloudy outside, they absorb much more energy and therefore produce more power if they're exposed to direct sunlight. Solar power systems are therefore much more effective in Tucson, AZ, then they are in Seattle, WA. Also, solar power systems produce more power during longer days, so short Alaskan winter days aren't very good for solar systems. The ideal environment is in the desert, with long days and little cloud cover.
To be effective, solar power systems don't need to power an entire business community or even provide all of the power for a private residence. Solar power systems are much more efficient at heating water than they are at producing power. Since standard hot water heaters can consume over a third of a house's energy, replacing a gas-powered hot water heater with a solar powered heater can reduce a home's energy bill considerably, as well as making the owners eligible for a tax cut in select states.
Solar power systems are also very useful for providing power in locations which are hard to reach with standard power lines. They're extensively used for cell phone towers and other reflective antenna arrays located on mountaintops and other hard to reach places. Since these installations don't require a great deal of power or maintenance to run, solar panels can provide plenty of power without needing to be maintained or refueled. Though we're probably still quite a ways from a completely solar-powered society, we'll likely see many more solar powered devices as solar technology becomes more refined and more efficient.
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Solar Swimming Pool Heating!
After looking at plenty of houses and purchasing three different ones during my life, it's clear to me what most people want. You know, those few crucial things that everyone would like to make a reality in their home. One of them is hardwood floors. Most families want these, and they increase the value of a home. The second one is a great master bedroom. All couples like to have these, and they really appreciate the ones that offer dual vanities in the bathroom. And finally you have the swimming pool. This is a luxury that's either wanted really badly or can't be accepted. Some families insist on them, and a few others don't want anything to do with them. It's safe to say that they can present a problem when selling a home. Well, chances are if you're marketing your home to a family, they'll appreciate a pool. But, imagine having a pool with a solar swimming pool heating system. Talk about advanced.
As the future draws near, we're constantly enjoying new advances. Every time I turn around, there is some awesome and innovative nuance to the world. Take the solar swimming pool heating systems for example. This is about as cool as it gets and I'll elaborate why. Let's say you've always wanted a swimming pool and now you've finally got your wish. Well you can't exactly frolic and splash in it if the temperature is too low. You'll freeze your butt off. You have to keep the pool at a certain temperature so it's enjoyable at all times. In the past there were electric pool heaters to assist you with this process. In fact, you can still purchase them. However, why would you when there are solar swimming pool heating systems now available? These are the bomb. You can purchase a solar swimming pool heating system that's roughly 50-60 percent the size of your pool, and keep it heated all through the summer. Lay out the solar swimming pool heating panels on your roof-top and let them soak up the sun's free rays. This option is more affordable than you think, and it won't ever affect your power bill. That's the great part. Once you've bought them, you're done.
More and more pool owners are converting to solar swimming pool heating panels. Why not use natural energy if you can? They work for below-ground and above-ground swimming pools. Check out pricing and further details today.
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About the Author : Jerry H. Simpson is a regular contributing writer to Feeling the Heat, a site about Solar Energy and Alternative Energy. While Jerry may not have a college degree, his passion about writing showcases his true talents and many interests. Among his favorite topics are conservation, alternative energy, radiant heating and fossil fuel alternatives. Jerry can be reached by email at Feeling the Heat.
