Solar energy isn’t just for electrical gurus or families able to make a large initial investment, it’s for everyone.

As the price of solar panels comes down and solar technology more efficient, solar energy is quickly becoming a way for the average family to save on monthly energy bills. Keep reading for 3 ways you can save a lot of money in your home with solar energy.

1. Go solar in the garden.

You pay nothing for electricity that comes from the sun, so why not use it in your home’s sunniest spot – the garden? Several manufacturers offer solar-powered exterior lights that can illuminate porches, pathways, stairwells and gardens. Some are even bright enough to provide security lighting.

These extremely efficient solar lights use electricity generated by sunlight falling on photovoltaic (solar) cells, which is then stored in a rechargeable battery for use at night.

Separate units that have a self-contained solar panel usually need to be placed in a sunny spot during the day, but lights with independent solar panels can go anywhere while you attach the panel to the roof or another sunny location.

2. Harness the sun to heat your water.

If you live in a sunny climate or can back up your solar system with a small, on-demand heater, this could be an ideal setup to save a lot of money. You’ll save big on energy costs by installing a simple solar water heater to supplement your conventional water heater.

Overall, a solar hot-water system is about 50-85 percent less expensive to operate than electric water heaters. The savings over gas heaters are less substantial, but there are still opportunities to reduce your energy consumption.

Before investing in any solar hot water system, have a heating consultant evaluate the potential savings and determine the system type and capacity best suited to your family’s needs.

3. Harness solar power through your windows.

Opening your home up to light can dramatically reduce your heating and lighting costs. When renovating a home, always consult a lighting expert on the best window placement for the longest amount of daylight allowance.

If you’re unable to invest in new windows, try simply opening the shades on a cold winter day or brightening a dark room with light paint and sheer curtains that allow the light to come in. For little to no expense, you can save a few dollars every month on your lighting bills.

Clearly the use of solar power is not a good fit for everyone. But for those able to take advantage of its benefits, the monthly savings can be significant.

BatteryMINDer Solar Charging System - 12 Volt, 15 Watt Panel, Model# SCC-015
 

BatteryMINDer Solar Charging System – 12 Volt, 15 Watt Panel, Model# SCC-015

$159.99

The BatteryMINDer Solar Charging System is an ideal choice for 12 Volt battery operations. This complete system is specifically designed for charging and maintaining up to four 12V batteries of any size/type/brand. Extends performance and life of 12V lead-acid, maintenance-free, marine deep cycle and sealed AGM batteries. Fully automatic desulfator dissolves life-shortening sulfate using safe low voltage high frequency pulses. Charges: Yes, Maintains: Yes, Desulfates: Yes, Conditioner: Yes, Works With: 12V lead-acid batteries, Amps: 1.25, Trickle Charge Amps: Regulated up to 1.25A, Charges Multiple Batteries (qty.): 4, Overcharge Protection: Yes, Polarity Reversal Protection: Yes, Power Source: Solar panel, Power Cord (ft.): 20in. from panel to controller Built-in automatic desulfator Not for use with aircraft batteries

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System - 2.88kW, 12-Panel Array, Model# Power 2.8
 

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System – 2.88kW, 12-Panel Array, Model# Power 2.8

$11,999.99

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for free online evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 2.88, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 12, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System - 2.18kW, 9-Panel Array, Model# Power 2.1
 

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System – 2.18kW, 9-Panel Array, Model# Power 2.1

$8,999.99

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for a free online site evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 2.18, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 9, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System - 7.92kW, 33-Panel Array, Model# Power 7.9
 

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System – 7.92kW, 33-Panel Array, Model# Power 7.9

$28,999.99

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for free online evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 7.92, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 33, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System - 5.76kW, 24-Panel Array, Model# Power 5.7
 

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System – 5.76kW, 24-Panel Array, Model# Power 5.7

$21,499.99

PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for free online evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 5.76, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 24, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility

VDC Electronics BatteryMINDer 12 Volt Solar Charging System with 5 Watt Panel and Desulfator, Model# SCC005
 

VDC Electronics BatteryMINDer 12 Volt Solar Charging System with 5 Watt Panel and Desulfator, Model# SCC005

$99.98

Optimizes all solar panels charge rates. Prevents over/under charging. Full time desulphation pulses safely extends life and performance of all batteries. Features exclusive U.S. Patented PulseMode desulphation circuitry, designed to safely remove sulphation. Charges: Yes, Maintains: Yes, Desulfates: Yes, Conditioner: Yes, Works With: All batteries / 12V lead-acid, Amps: .45, Trickle Charge Amps: Regulated up to 0.45 as needed, Charges Multiple Batteries (qty.): 1, Overcharge Protection: Yes, Polarity Reversal Protection: Yes, Power Source: Solar panel, Power Cord (ft.): 20 Not for use with aircraft batteries

Filed under: House and Home

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