Solar Panel Basics

Global warming is a huge problem which will significantly affect every country in the world. Many people all over the world are trying to do whatever they can to help combat the effects of global warming. One of the ways that people can fight global warming is to reduce their dependence on non-renewable energy sources like oil and petroleum based products. There has been a vast increase in the interest of businesses and everyday people in finding ways to live in a more environmentally responsible way and to find alternate fuel sources.
It’s not always easy to find ways to be more environmentally responsible and still meet all the obligations of everyday life. For example, many people would like the chance to ride a bike to work everyday or walk instead of having to drive a car but for many of those people that’s just not a feasible option.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Renewable Energy?
Why is it so Important to Use Renewable Energy?
The Advantages of Using Renewable Energy
What are Solar Panels?
What are SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC Systems?
The History of Solar Panels
Types of Solar Panels
Solar Panel Shingles
Solar Panels and the Environment
The Benefits of Using Solar Energy in Your Home
How Much Money Can Installing Solar Panels Really Save?
Solar Panel Use Around the World
Solar Panel Use in the United States
Is Using Solar Panels Right for You?
The Three Main Requirements for Using Solar Power in Your Home

1. Enough space to put the solar panel array.
2. Enough sun to make the panels work.
3. A way to finance the price of the solar panels
   The Top Five Reasons to Install Solar Power in Your Home
4. It helps the environment
5. It doesn’t cost as much as you think
6. You can save money.
7. You can make money using solar energy.
8. You’ll be self-sufficient
   How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?
   Figuring out how much power your home uses each day
   The position of your house
   What You Need to Know about Installing Solar Panels
   10 Tips for Choosing A Solar Panel Installation Contractor
9. Where is the company located in relation to your property?
10. Is the company certified?
11. Does the company subcontract their work?
12. What is there Customer Service like?
13. How much installation experience does the company have?
14. What is the company’s reputation?
15. What brands does the company have experience with?
16. What kind of a warranty does the company offer?
17. What payment terms and payment plans does the company offer?
18. Will the company help you with rebates?
    5 Tips for Safely Installing Your Own Solar Panels
19. Make sure you have enough mounts
20. Get help with the electrical components.
21. Check and double check the position of the solar panels.
22. Use the buddy system
23. Be thorough
    The Cost of Installing Solar Panels for the Average Homeowner
    Grants, Rebates, and Other Financial Incentive Programs
    Federal Financial Incentives for Using Solar Energy
    State Financial Incentives to Install Solar Energy Systems
    Making Your Own Solar Panels
    Tips for Making Your Own Solar Panels
    10 Ways to Use Solar Energy Around Your Home
24. Your outdoor lights.
25. Your pool and hot tub
26. Use a solar oven
27. Use “passive heat” storage tubes to increase and store solar energy
28. Use solar chargers to charge your MP3 player
29. Use solar powered appliances
30. Heat your water with solar power.
31. Use solar indoor lights
32. Try using solar powered electronics.
33. A solar power generator.
    10 Ways You can Save Money Using Solar Power
34. Put your lights on a solar timer
35. Install a solar water heater
36. Use solar heating to heat your home.
37. Use solar batteries.
38. Using a solar powered stove
39. Use a solar air conditioner
40. Use solar appliances.
41. Install a solar powered water purifier
42. Use solar power to run your ceiling fans
43. Use a solar powered heater
    What Appliances and tools Can You Run Using Solar Energy?
    The Next Wave of Solar Energy – Wearable Generators
    Selling Power Back to the power company
    The Future of Solar Energy
    Conclusion