| As fuel costs continue to rise, alternative sources of | | | | In addition to these solar heating systems, there are |
| energy become more attractive to individuals and | | | | also solar power systems available. Rather than using |
| businesses. For those who are concerned about | | | | the sun's energy for heating applications, these |
| pollution or about the depletion of natural resources, | | | | systems convert solar energy into electricity. These |
| renewable energy sources such as wind and solar | | | | products are often constructed from hundreds of a |
| power have presented themselves as possible | | | | type of solar energy collection cell called a |
| alternatives to oil and coal. | | | | photovoltaic cell. The name of this type of cell makes |
| Yet as increasing demand for clean, renewable | | | | reference to the fact that the cell generates |
| energy drives a growing market for solar energy | | | | electricity from light. As sunlight falls on a photovoltaic |
| products, many people are left wondering what such | | | | cell, the light's energy is converted into electricity that |
| systems cost and where those costs come from. | | | | can then be used to power many kinds of electronic |
| Sunlight itself is free to everyone, yet the types of | | | | devices. |
| technology used to harness the power of sunlight | | | | Because of the complicated technology involved, |
| can be costly. If you're interested in purchasing solar | | | | these kinds of solar power systems can be very |
| power products for your home or business, knowing | | | | expensive. However, the cost savings may eventually |
| what you'll be paying for can help you make the best | | | | more than pay off your initial investment in the solar |
| investment. | | | | cells. |
| Two of the main types of products that take | | | | When considering what kind of solar heating or |
| advantage of solar energy are passive and active | | | | power system to install in your home or business, be |
| solar products. These two types of systems differ in | | | | sure that you are purchasing your equipment from a |
| how they are constructed and can also differ greatly | | | | reputable manufacturer or distributor who will be able |
| in cost. Passive solar technology can be used to heat | | | | to help you with any necessary repairs, periodic |
| air orwater using the sun's energy. Unlike an active | | | | upgrades oradditional conversion from traditional |
| solar application, passive solar set-ups accomplish their | | | | systems to a solar-powered system. |
| task without the use of additional electrical | | | | The best service will often be the most expensive, |
| components, such as fans that need an external | | | | but you may be able to find grant funding to help |
| electricity supply. | | | | offset the costs of equipment or installation. Many |
| Some solar space heating or water heating systems | | | | states offer grants for conversion to solar power, |
| are active solar heating systems that have various | | | | and doing some research into the grant programs for |
| components that require external power sources. | | | | solar power systems in your area will help you get a |
| Because of their simplicity compared with active | | | | sense of the how much financial assistance is |
| systems, passive solar heating systems generally | | | | available. |
| have the lower cost of the two. | | | | |