So with all of the discussions about renewable energy and particularly solar, you may be wondering how I can easily use solar energy at my home. Now we’re not suggesting you go out and put an $8000 solar system on your house. Today, we are talking about smaller and mostly inexpensive ways you can employ solar technology and principles to your home.
First off is something most of us have been doing for a long time, utilizing the sun and our blinds to either help heat or cool our homes. Utilizing your blinds by closing them during warm days or by opening them during cooler sunny days, you can impact the temperature in your home by as much as 10 degrees. Additionally and at a larger level is the appropriate placement of trees around your home the following site is an excellent resource for the proper use of vegetation.
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11940
One area that has always been problematic due to electrical power considerations is the use of outdoor security lighting. Today that is easier than ever before because there are convenient set ups that include lighting, motion sensors and a small solar panel to power it. Nothing more complicated than hanging the set up and the following site provides a nice example of what I’m talking about, this is a top end system and there are smaller systems for available around $50.
Finally a small and relaxing way in which to utilize solar is through the use of a simple solar fountain and at a larger level a garden sized solar fountain is also an option, links to show you both are below and I hope this information was helpful.
Personal fountain:
Garden fountain:
