The United States Department of Energy is providing specific information on it’s website concerning the harnessing and distribution of solar powered energy sources on a broad commercial level, as well as to individual residential consumers. According the Department of Energy website, commercial power plants designed and constructed to make use of the renewable energy of the sun can be disbursed to provide energy to residential consumers without the necessity for purchasing personal solar technology systems for individual households.

Passive solar energy is the term used to describe a method of building design which considers the sun’s position in relation to the building to maximize solar heating sources. Without installing any technological devices specific to collecting solar energy, such as solar panels, utility costs can be dramatically affected by simply designing and constructing buildings to utilize the south facing walls for solar heat absorption and cooperatively designing the ventilation system of the building to direct the heat throughout the rest of the structure. By conscious placement of the structure there is a dramatic effect on energy consumption required to maintain the temperature within the building. Obviously, during the hot summer months, steps must be considered to shade the south facing walls from the sun’s impact, or the cost for cooling the building will overshadow the cost savings advantages exhibited during the winter months.

While the obvious benefits of passive solar power as a means of heating buildings includes that solar power is an unending energy source and no chemical reaction is required to convert the sun’s heat, therefore releasing no chemical bi-products or environmental pollutant emmisions, there are negatives to the use of passive solar energy which must be considered. For example, productive use of passive solar energy is dependant on the amount of consistent sunlight which can be expected for a geographical location. Even in areas of continual sunny weather, the heat transferred by the south facing walls in a passive solar application must be retained throughout the night time hours after sunset.

A compromising alternative to a spotty passive solar application may be to take advantage of the newest technology in solar grid films. While traditional collection grids designed for harnessing solar energy were previously constructed in large panel form which were typically attached to the roofs of buildings, new technology is emerging which has reduced the solar collection cells into a thin film which may be positioned flush with existing roof systems for unobtrusive installation. These films are much less costly than their predecessors in that less raw material is required for construction and are now also being seamlessly integrated with different types of roofing systems for virtually undetectable installations. Use of this type of solar energy system will allow your dwelling to remain on the electric utility company’s energy grid, but permit you to use the energy exclusively from your solar energy collector when available, at no cost. In this way, your home is hybridized to use passive solar energy to reduce overall fuel consumption, collected solar energy at no cost, and supplement your energy shortages with the utility company’s provided electricity.

Residential solar kits have found their niche with energy costs and demand for sources of efficient, green energy on the rise. Several manufacturers of solar power systems, such as Kyocera and First Solar, have found a growing demand for residential installations. Solar technology is continually advancing, becoming cheaper and more efficient, and home solar kits are becoming more readily available and affordable.

Residential solar kits can range from small, complementary systems designed to reduce energy costs, to larger systems that include greater power output and storage capacity. Generators can be added to automatically switch power on and off as the need arises. Homeowners can choose to supply power to a specific area of their home, perhaps a garage or small workshop, or to invest in a larger kit that could power an entire house. Solar kits can also be used as charging stations for electric or hybrid vehicles, essentially eliminating the owners’ carbon footprint.

The main advantage of the residential solar kit is its convenience and ease-of-use. Generally, a kit includes all of the essential equipment to suit the user’s specific needs. The typical residential solar kit includes a set of PV (photovoltaic) panels, power inverter, charge controller and battery, although individual kits vary. The appropriate kit will vary depending on budget, space, power needs, and sun light available to be converted into electricity. The grid-tie inverter is needed to change the DC electricity from the panels into the AC electricity we use in our homes. This is then stored in the battery, so the system can supply energy in times of low light. Wiring to connect the entire system is also often included. Solar kits, after installation, are usually expandable, additional or more efficient panels and larger batteries can be integrated as desired. Generators can also be added, switching on when battery power is low, making it possible to power homes away from the commercial power grid.

When considering the installation of a solar kit, it is important to take into account energy requirements and personal budget. Only individuals who are experienced in working with electrical systems should attempt self-installation. As with any use of outside labor, it is recommended to obtain multiple quotes, preferably those with previous solar installation experience.

The benefits of installing a solar kit are many. In the US, tax-breaks, grants, and incentives can lower base costs dramatically. From those of us trying to do our part in reducing pollution and erasing our carbon footprint, to those that simply need to chip away at some expenses, solar energy is an exciting solution.

Edmund E. Taylor has researched and writes on a number of topics including solar energy, the green movement, renewable resources and recycling. His background is in teaching and higher education. For more of Edmund’s articles on green energy, please visit PV Power, a supplier of residential and commercial solar power information.