Chances are, you are already using solar energy in a variety of forms. It is the primary fuel source in the creation of food, fresh water, petroleum, and wood. The question we propose is “why use solar energy to power your homes”? Is it realistic for generating useful heat and electricity?

The answers to this question are simple. There is no other source of energy on the planet more reliable than solar energy. When is the last time you woke up in the morning and there was no Sun?

The other great benefit is that solar energy is cheap. The Sun does not send out monthly bills, and last we checked there are no taxes on solar energy. If there is a less expensive source of energy on this planet, then we would like to know.

It can be argued that solar energy systems are not extremely efficient. And we will not argue because this is true. But the thing to remember is this: solar energy systems are improving each and every year, and no matter what the efficiency is there is zero cost for the fuel.

The difficulties in using solar energy are with selecting the right application and the right equipment. How much does a solar energy system cost and how difficult is it to integrate? How simple or elaborate should it be? In my location, is solar energy right for me? Here we present a few straight forward answers to help your case.

If you have a sunny climate with lots of solar energy, then put it to use. You will save money in the long run, and living in an environmentally friendly way. We would estimate that at least 50% of the United States could be using solar energy in some way.

The more rainy and foggy your climate tends to be, and the more north you go, then the more difficult the prospects for using solar energy. A little more calculation and investigation may be needed.

The most simple and cost effective solar energy systems are designed for acquiring heat. They can be used for making hot water, storing thermal energy, among many other things. If your have cool Winters and lots of sun then you are a particularly good candidate for using passive solar heat.

Another popular form of solar energy is Photovoltaic (PV) electricity. These semi-conductor panels will convert solar radiation into useful electricity. It is true that there is a significant manufacturing investment in making PV panels, and they can cost some money. So the decision to make PV electricity should be more carefully considered.

The more efficiently you use electricity, then the more Photovoltaic energy is right for you. PV systems can involve significant up front costs, but they will pay themselves off over the long run. This time period for payoff depends on your Utility’s electrical rate, and the amount of electricity you plan to use. In certain States experiencing high electrical rates, such as California (which has a lot of Sun), absolutely a solar energy system could be right for you.

If you are far away from the electrical grid and building a new home, then solar power is easy to justify. You can save money by avoiding expensive transmission cables routed to your property.

There is one more possibility with solar energy – emergency reserve capability. If you were ever involved in a natural disaster, then how great would it be to generate your own heat and electricity? Simply turn on your inverter system and ride it through.

We should and could be making great strides in cutting greenhouse emissions and capturing energy from the Sun. If it’s there then let’s use it. Whether for heating your house, your hot water, or making electricity, solar energy solutions can be both a money saving and environmentally friendly path toward energy independence.

Walter Hull is a mechanical engineer with expertise in solar energy power systems. For a limited time you can get his free report to solar energy from your own yard.