The Heart Of Solar Energy: Solar Heating Panels
Solar panels have been a round for a long time. I am sure you have seen one in that old solar pocket calculator stuffed away in the back of your desk drawer, or even a solar powered radio. As early as 1920 flat plate solar heating panels were used in Florida, and Southern California.
Until recently the use of solar heating was not very popular to mainstream consumers in the U.S. due to the limited lifespan of early solar heating panels and equipment, and largely because of the high price tag associated with their purchase and installation. In 1980 Israel required all new homes to be built with solar heating panels and today Israel is the leader of household solar heating systems. Many other countries have also instituted solar heating panels and systems as their primary source of heating water, and to aid in reducing their dependence on petroleum.
Solar panels for homes have come a long way since then. A typical 50-gallon electrical water heater will use 11.1 barrels of oil each year, and in comparison this is the same amount of oil used to operate the average automobile for the same length of time. This staggering fact has opened the eyes of many homeowners in the United States to the possibilities of saving both money and reducing the environmental impact of carbon emissions created from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. Solar panels for above ground pools have also become a favorite among consumers. Today the average cost of a solar heating system that includes solar heating panels and required system parts is around $7500.00. There are many State and Federal incentives that help to reduce these initial costs by almost 50% with an average pay back of about $230.00 per year. As energy prices rise, pay back periods will decrease, and by maximizing exposure to the sun lower pay back periods are possible.
Don’t let the high price tag scare you; there are many DIY solutions, such as solar panel kits that almost anyone can afford. These do it yourself solutions come in a variety of packages from full solar panel kits with everything you will need to install a solar water heating system for your home or business, to blueprints with parts lists and build sheets that show you how to build your own solar power heating system with inexpensive parts. You should be aware that less efficient solar heating panels and systems can result in higher need for convention power to heat your home or business.
With today’s technical advancements in harnessing solar energy, and the production of cost effective light weight solar heating panels, by making an initial investment you can reduce and even eliminate your dependence on petroleum and conventional electricity to heat your home while saving money and taking a proactive stance on improving the environment.
