When buying solar supplies, keep in mind there are two main types of solar energy. Solar thermal energy can collect the sun’s warmth through water or an anti-freeze mixture. Solar photovoltaic energy converts the sun’s radiation to usable electricity. Solar thermal energy is commonly used in hot water tanks and pool heating, whereas photovoltaic systems are most commonly used for calculators, garden lights, RV appliances, and home and business electricity. The question is, how can the average person, who wants to make a difference, initiate change if he or she lives in a sun-friendly city? solar energy sources Solar supplies run the gamut from $60 light-up “sun bricks” to $20,000 home retrofits borrowing from solar energy sources. The $160 Smarthome solar power security camera runs solely off sunlight and is motion-sensitive to conserve energy. The Sol8 outdoor laptop/cell phone/camera charging station costs $140 and offers 13 watts of power. A 20 watt solar panel can power a Wii video game console for up to six hours. The brand new Venturi is the world’s first “energy-autonomous” vehicle that will take passengers up to 14 miles per day, run off solar energy sources and a back-up plug-in charger as well. Similarly, the Solar-Trike can take passengers up to 25 mph and will run for 6 to 8 hours on one 80 watt panel solar charge. According to The Solar Guide, solar electricity costs about $10 to $12 per watt installed.

Most people spend about $20,000 for their complete solar supplies, although combined state and federal grants, tax incentives and rebates can cover up to 65% of solar designs. solar supply Of course, you needn’t spend such a fortune on retrofitting your entire house, either. Small solar energy systems that power up computers, cell phones, video game consoles and television sets may only cost $700 to $1,000. Some people choose $5,000 solar energy sources to reduce their monthly hot water bill from 50 to 100%, while others pay $300 to $400 to reduce their hot tub or swimming pool heating bills similarly. Solar sources renewable energy is particularly well-suited for RVs, boats and remote cabins. By comparison, turbine wind energy costs several thousand dollars to hook up and micro-hydro systems cost $2,000 or less. resources renewable energy If you’re a Californian, do-it-yourself type who is interested in solar services, then you may want to check out some of Southern California Edison’s free solar energy workshops. These informative sessions are aimed at basic homeowners and provide information on financial incentives, solar supply benefits and installation techniques. The workshops are available in Lancaster, Fullerton, Redlands, Valencia, Santa Monica, Palm Springs, Victorville, Wildomar, Torrance and Ventura.