Solar Power for Houses: Your Residential Solar Power System

People turn to solar power for several different reasons:

• High energy prices
• Climate change
• Fossil fuel depletion
• Solar energy costs are coming down

When these factors are taken into account, it’s no wonder that people are going solar. Here are some more data on each:

High Energy Prices

While we’ve been hearing most about high oil prices over the past few years, electricity prices have also been going up in many places. When combined with the price of solar photovoltaics coming down, solar looks a lot more practical than it used to. The recession may have lowered energy prices temporarily, but how long will that last? The volatility in energy prices also makes solar power attractive because you don’t get left vulnerable to energy price spikes when you produce more electricity than you use.

Climate Change

Operating a residential solar power system does not produce CO2. While some CO2 is produced during the making of solar panels and other elements of the system, there are vastly lower emissions than from the production of electricity from oil, gas, or most especially coal. Thus, every solar photovoltaic array very slightly reduces the likelihood of catastrophic climate change.

Fossil Fuel Depletion

The easiest, cheapest oil gets used first. Most oilfields and wells being brought into use now produce oil that is difficult to access or process in some way. This tends to keep oil prices high. It looks increasingly likely that we have hit Peak Oil, which means diminishing supplies of oil in the future no matter how much oil exploration and development we do.

While most electricity does not come from oil, prices for all forms of energy are linked and are likely to become increasingly so as more electric vehicles are made, and even more so if Coal-to-Liquids technology is used on any large scale. In the US, coal is the largest source of electricity. If Coal-to-Liquids plants are built to compensate for Peak Oil, this would increase the price of coal, and therefore that of electricity.

Coal supplies are not endless and it looks increasingly likely that there may be less recoverable coal than commonly thought. This is likely to raise electricity prices in the future. In such an environment renewable energy sources, including solar, look better and better.

Residential Solar Energy is Becoming More Affordable

The current recession has resulted in people buying less. During the high oil prices, producers of solar panels and other components vastly increased capacity. When the recession hit, they found themselves with excess solar photovoltaic systems, components, and raw materials. Prices dropped.

The USA is about to start giving larger rebates for solar which will help increase affordability for a very large, affluent market. This is likely to increase demand for solar energy, which might prevent lowering of prices in the short term, but will likely reduce them in the long term by increasing the capacity of industry. China has also started manufacturing solar panels, which is likely to reduce solar panel price due to economies of scale and cheaper labor in that country.

In California there is at least one company that offers leases of solar photovoltaic systems with guaranteed electricity prices lower than that of some utilities in that area. This increases affordability of solar by eliminating the high start-up costs of home solar systems which act as the largest barrier to going solar for many people.

More Information:

Fossil Fuel Depletion, Peak Oil and Energy Prices:

The Oil Drum

Richard Heinberg’s Museletter

Heinberg, R. 2009 Blackout: coal, climate and the last energy crisis. New Society Publishers.

Trends in Renewables and Renewable Energy News:

Renewable Energy World

Increasing energy conservation and energy efficiency are the most cost effective ways to reduce the amount of money you pay for energy.  Before you invest in alternative energy sources, you should check that your house uses as little energy as possible while still allowing you the lifestyle you want.   Of the two approaches, the simpler is energy conservation.

Energy conservation involves using less energy by doing things like turning off the lights when we’re not in the room.  There is no upfront cost to such actions, although they do typically require behavior changes.

Ways to reduce your power use through energy conservation

• Turn all lights out when you leave the room
• Set your computer to fall into hibernation mode when it is not in use
• Unplug appliances when not in use, or get a power bar and turn the power bar off at night
• Buy a timer for your home’s thermostat so that your home will be warm when you’re home and moving about and cooler at night and when you’re at work
• Turn your home’s thermostat down a couple of degrees Celsius and wear a sweater – presuming your home is not leaky enough that you’re wearing a sweater anyway and freezing cold besides
• Turn the TV off if you’re not watching it

Basically, if you aren’t using it, it shouldn’t be on.

Energy efficiency involves using appliances that can do the same amount of work with less energy.  It does not involve you changing your daily behaviour.  The classic example is replacing incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent, but it goes far beyond this.  The largest use of electricity in many homes is heating.  By insulating the house, the amount of energy required to heat the house is reduced.

Cheap ways to reduce your power use through energy efficiency

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents
• Insulate your hot water heater
• Insulate your hot water pipes
• put plastic film over windows during winter

More expensive, but very useful

• Buy an energy-efficient refrigerator if your current fridge is more than 10 years old
• Insulate your ceilings, walls and floors
• Replace single-glazed windows with double or triple glazed windows

Of course, if you really want to increase energy efficiency there are a variety of methods for passive solar heating, but that is beyond the scope of this article.

When you install that new appliance…

I once lived in an apartment where the landlord had replaced all the windows with new windows that were supposed to be much better insulated and lose less heat.   However, he had installed them badly and there were gaps between the windows and the frame.  One of the gaps was so large you could see right through it to the outside.   Because of this, the house would not stay warm despite the new windows and the landlord complained about his energy bills to us.  Meanwhile, we complained that we were always cold.

This shows the importance of installing new energy efficient objects correctly.  If installed incorrectly, the object may well work badly if it works at all, and you may have done a lot of work and spent a lot of money for no energy savings.  So do it right the first time!

In the face of growing worldwide concern with regards to finding new and better renewable energy sources, solar energy is fast becoming a viable option. It is a field which will only increase in prominence in the coming years, and this has created immense opportunities for qualified individuals suitable for positions in this vertical.

Solar certification courses provide students with tremendous opportunity to gain a foothold in this growing industry and with the knowledge offered by these courses, they will be well positioned to be part of a knowledgeable workforce that will definitely be sought after in the solar installation industry.

Anyone who is looking to enhance his or her career opportunities in the field of renewable energy would do well to look into the career advancement possibilities offered by solar certification. With the increasing need to develop renewable energy sources in the current environmental scene all over the world, more and more electrical contractors are looking to enter the potentially lucrative solar electric energy industry.

There is an obvious need for electrical contractors to continuously add to their skill sets and receive endorsements from authorized certification bodies and one of the best ways to do that is by getting solar education. This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry who feel that the process of gaining solar certification is not really that much different from that which electrical contractors have already gone through in the past in order to become licensed contractors. It only makes sense to acquire solar certification as a means of further enhancing these skill sets. This will also allow them to develop their businesses in a way that will become increasingly more important and relevant to the environmental field.

To address this growing demographic, numerous renewable energy oriented organizations are stepping up to meet the demand by offering various solar education courses. Amongst the popular certifications in demand in the solar education space is the Solar PV Installation Certification program. Electrical contractors who have received such solar certifications are discovering that they are quite sought after by employers who are looking for capable and knowledgeable team leaders who can help crews break-in the new technologies inherent in green jobs.

Certificate programs for solar education and solar courses generally seek to instruct applicants in basic knowledge of the various solar applications and entry-level capability in common solar equipment installation procedures. This will equip them with credential certifications that are intended for renewable energy professionals and solar electric installers. The solar courses have been developed specifically for students that have little or no experience in the solar field, who are looking to gain knowledge on the basics of solar electric system operations and maintenance.

Keep in mind that these entry level solar certification programs do not render individuals qualified to actually install PV systems. Instead, they are intended to illustrate that students have gained a basic knowledge in the application and concepts of solar electric systems. Through further solar training, in Advance Installer Certification programs, candidates can equip themselves with expertise of a higher grid and scale.

Solar education and solar training courses are offered through a wide variety of venues. Some of the learning institutions where you can gain solar certification are colleges and universities, community colleges, vocational schools, technical learning institutions, and apprenticeship programs endorsed by appropriate government agencies.

Another solar certification that you can look into for purposes of enhancing your career opportunities with regards to green jobs are the ones offering certification and rating programs for manufacturers of solar panels. These programs are primarily designed to provide ways by which the maintenance of solar panels can be determined under recommended rating conditions. These solar certification programs encompass a broad range of solar-based applications including swimming pool heating, recreational heating, space heating, water heating and even cooling. These solar certification courses are generally voluntary and are offered to all manufacturers of solar-related products. One of the requirements of this program is the passing of a series of tests that have been developed by authorized solar certification bodies. This series of tests are conducted in line with industry standard methods that have been specified by independent laboratories.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net

In the face of the current energy crisis, with virtually all of the traditional energy sources rapidly dwindling, there is an increasing interest in alternative energy sources. More and more sectors are realizing the bigger role that alternative energy will play in the coming years, and it is a trend that will likely continue for the foreseeable future. As you can imagine, this will result in plenty of job opportunities in alternative energy, particularly in the field of solar energy.

At present, thousands of new graduates from varying educational backgrounds are considering careers in the field renewable energy. These fresh graduates are ideally positioned to fill the needs of financiers, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, provided they have the skills and capabilities required in the industry. And that is where the quandary lies.

While there is undoubtedly an increasing demand for experienced and qualified personnel in virtually every aspect of renewable energy, the demand greatly outweighs the supply. At the root of this wide demand and supply gap in the labor market, is the incessant lack of programs which train students careers in environmental jobs or green jobs. This void has begun to be addressed by a few educational institutes such as Boots on the Roof, a growing Solar Training institute in the heart of California, which is running a series of very successful solar training boot camps for students nationwide.

Interestingly enough, many of the professionals currently working in the renewable energy field began their education in other areas, even in fields that are totally unrelated. That being said, the best way to break into the solar energy industry is still by way of a thorough solar education as provided by traditional learning institutions, and Boots on the Roof is a good example to site here.

The younger generations in particular have taken advantage of courses offered by an increasing number of colleges and universities in sustainability and renewable energy.

In spite of these programs and similar others, solar companies are still dealing with under-staffed teams due to lack of skilled manpower. Some renewable energy organizations that are currently existent are now offering corporate solar training programs which are targeted towards applicants of different capability levels and interests. Some companies even offer solar training courses for military veterans who are looking for careers in the private sector.

You may also want to consider entry-level certificate program such as the ones offered by many technical colleges all over the country. These solar education courses typically consist of 24 hours of instruction, and will provide a basic entry point by which you can explore your opportunities in renewable energy.

While technical knowledge and background in solar courses is undoubtedly essential for those who are seeking careers in renewable energy, some basic business knowledge will come in handy as well.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net

Solar power and “green” building has become a focus in the construction market for several reasons. With the steady climb of energy prices, along with a decline in the price of solar installations, solar living has become a topic of interest for more than those that live in rural areas, or those looking to save the environment. Solar energy has become a viable alternative energy source, and the rates of both commercial and home installations are rising dramatically.

Who can use PV (Photovoltaic) training or solar courses?
People from all walks of life could benefit from solar training. Anyone interested in renewable, sustainable energy sources are good examples. Due to the expected rise of needed manpower in the solar industry, however, reasons other than the environment should compel others.

Already, the solar industry has discovered a skills gap in solar training. Those that know how to install photovoltaic arrays, develop other ways of harnessing solar energy, maintain the necessary equipment and several other areas are retiring � without the younger generation replacing them in knowledge and training.

Another area where the skills gap is showing is in “greener” building. Environmentalists, and others who just happened to notice solar energy is ultimately cheaper, are demanding energy efficient appliances, solar panels, rain catchers and any number of newer, more environmentally safe changes to their homes. As a builder without solar training, one may find themselves losing business due to lack of knowledge. With a little bit of time and effort, a general builder can turn into a “green” builder, with all the training and certifications necessary.

So how do you get involved?
As a “green” builder or solar installation provider, the first place to gather information would be your local homebuilder’s association. They’ll have information on solar product supplies, rules and regulations, and what’s need for PV certification. This is especially important, as each locality has its own regulations. They may not vary much from one to the other, but they do vary.

Training and certification is necessary. As a homebuilder using solar design, you’ll want to make sure that the finished home is certified as an energy efficient, solar domicile. For that to happen, you’ll need solar training and certification.

Likewise for solar installers. Each individual PV installation will be different, having its own requirements and sets of issues to overcome. This means that adding a PV system is not “plug and play”. Requirements and needs will have to be assessed, problems will have to be circumvented, and a custom solar installation will have to be designed. This is why PV training and certification is a must.

PV training and certification programs are readily available at our Boot Camps. Our programs are all NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) Approved. There are three types of certification; an Entry Level certificate, a Solar Thermal Installer Certification (solar heat), and the PV Installer Certification. To hold these certifications, you would be trained to design and install all types of custom solar solutions.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net

It is hardly surprising that with the growing interest in renewable energy sources, there is a corresponding growth of interest in people wanting to enter the solar jobs space. The area of solar energy is one that is proving to be particularly attractive, and is one that has expressed a growing demand for qualified and capable personnel to enter its workforce.

All of these developments have naturally given rise to the question of what training and certification requirements are needed for those who are looking to build a career in the solar energy industry. The obvious place to start is the training courses offered by both traditional learning institutions and technical and vocation organizations. These venues in particular have subsequently experienced a huge increase in the number of people interested in taking solar education courses.

This is a fairly logical turn of events since the gap between environmental and economic concerns is ever narrowing in the face of the need to develop alternative energy sources such as solar energy. The fact of the matter is that the rise of environmental technologies will result in the development of environmental jobs and �green� jobs, and students are becoming cognizant of this fact.

In fact, the high demand for solar courses has resulted in certain learning institutions being forced to place applicants on a waiting list. While this is a need that definitely has to be addressed in order to supply the personnel demands of the solar energy industry, it is a positive indicator in that it points to the fact that more and more people are interested in entering the field.

For those who are not able to get into any of the solar courses, further training options can be found in local community colleges, many of which have begun to offer courses directly related to renewable energy. Many of these courses offer the advantage of being taught by professionals that actually work in the areas of solar energy. Furthermore, community colleges also typically offer courses in electrical theory and construction, which provide just as much valuable training as specific solar courses�such as photovoltaic training for example�for someone who is looking to get a start in the solar energy industry.

It is interesting to note that while many professionals that currently work in the field of solar energy have earned their qualifications from traditional learning institutions�that is through regular degree programs and professional training programs in science, engineering or related disciplines�many of them have picked up the actual skills required by the job through direct, hands-on experience. In fact, there is a considerable number of professionals in the renewable energy industry that have developed the bulk of their skills and qualifications by way of solar training programs provided by their employers, even those that have previously worked at similar jobs in related fields.

A considerable number of the workers in solar energy field are experienced construction workers who have undergone apprenticeship programs. These solar education programs are either offered by trade associations or by vocational schools and community colleges, and they may last anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Applicants that manage to successfully complete these solar education apprenticeship programs are given a certificate of completion. These courses typically offer instruction in solar electrical system installation, system maintenance, and solar panel retro-fitting, and may even be applied for by high school level applicants that want to learn how to install or repair solar systems as a means of breaking into the solar energy industry.

While the people who work in the solar energy industry will likely continue to benefit from actual on the job experience for the foreseeable future, an increasing number of the future workforce will enter the field already possessing knowledge and qualifications that are specific to the field of solar energy. These individuals will be particularly suited to positions in the solar energy industry wherein relevant qualifications are more essential.

Those who are looking to become solar electrical system installers will greatly benefit their careers by obtaining certification through a program that is overseen by North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or NABCEP. While relatively few industry practitioners have earned their certifications through this program since it was established in 2003, the number will likely increase in the future as the program is implemented as an industry standard.

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Solar Training, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy
Education-Boots on the Roof.

For additional information on solar training courses, please visit Solar Training Boot Camps at
Boots on the Roof.

Article Source: Populate.net