Run Your Meter Backwards!

Solar paneling is becoming increasingly popular, both abroad and in the US.

In an effort to show support for solar powered homes, Tokyo based PanaHome corporation will re-inforce it’s advertising for developer built homes which feature solar power generating systems. The corporation started a sales drive in August 2004 that offered preferential mortgage rates to clients who purchase energy-saving homes fitted with solar power systems.

The state of California put a decade long plan to support solar power users in play in January 2006.  The plan included efforts to issue rebates to property holders who fit and use solar electric panels. The Public Utilities Commission in California approved a plan to stimulate the fitting of 3000 megawatts of solar power generation capacity on about a million California rooftops. Rebates are already widely popular, and the Californian community is buying into the benefit of solar power.

The Long Island community in New York is also looking to reap the benefits of superior efficiency, lower prices for solar gear, lower prices to access electricity needs and tax rebate incentives from both government and utility companies. Over the last two years, demand has skyrocketed for these systems.

Also called photovoltaic cells, solar cells were initially hastily developed to provide electrical energy for space missions. There are three types of solar cell: polycrystalline, monocrystaline and thin film. Less than a volt of electricity is produced from each cell, so a single cell is not of much practical use. Several cells have to be connected to produce a useable voltage.

There are companies, such as GreenFire ForceFive (with headquarters in Punta Gorda, Florida) that manufacture and sell entirely solar powered homes. Every GreenFire home comes completely outfitted with a 100% self-contained hybrid electric power system installed. The system uses photovoltaic panels to power 85% to 100% of the daily home electric needs, backed up by a 25,000W whole house diesel generator running on bio-diesel fuel.
Companies are even working to improve upon their existing models, including dye-sensitized solar cells, developed by Aisin Seiki and Toyota Central R&D Labs Inc. Since these cells are made of inexpensive material and do not involve complicated equipment for manufacture, they are close to 60% cheaper to create than conventional silicon-based products. Besides being less expensive, DSC's can produce electricity even in feeble sunlight.
Convenient, beautiful, environmentally conscious – who wouldn’t want a solar home at a fair price? You can guarantee your family's comfort by making your house less reliant on conventional energy sources and has the potential to save more than 90% on your heating and cooling bills.
Some forecasters identify solar power as a cost cutting solution, as energy costs keep on rising. Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy, a complete online supply of information on state, local, utility and special national incentives that promote renewable energy. Click on the underlined to read more about solar powered homes.

Adam O'Connor is the owner of http://www.sunpowerpro.com/, which provides excellent free information on solar powered homes. Adam O'Connor is an expert in his industry and his website helps people with modular homes implement passive solar design.

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