Advantages of Heating a Home With Solar Energy

The first solar powered engine was developed in 1861, but the cost made it unprofitable to produce, so solar power is nothing new. However, it was not until 1953 and a discovery made by Bell Laboratories that solar energy was considered to be an energy source for the future. Homeowners are beginning to realize just how many advantages there are to a home solar energy heating system.

While a solar energy system may cost more at the outset, it will end up saving money in the long run. First of all, it lasts a long time and does not have to be replaced that often. Secondly, you do not have to pay for the energy itself like with the electric company. Third, if your cells produce more energy than you use, your electric meter will run backwards, giving you a credit with the electric company. In essence, you are selling electricity to the electric company instead of the other way around.

Solar heat does not pollute the air outside, in the home or in the atmosphere. There is no oil tank to rupture and spill oil in the basement or no gas line to break an possible cause a disaster. This is an important health consideration, especially for those suffering from allergies or asthma.

A solar powered radiant heating system is installed under floors. The floors never get cold. Hot air rises. With a conventional system, there is a space between the heater and the floor and the hot air never gets down to the floor itself. Even a system with heating grates in the floor only heat the part of the floor right near the grate, where someone is not likely to walk. A radiant heating system also gives you more floor space. This system uses hot water to provide the heat.

Another way of heating a home with solar energy is to build a solar room like a solarium on the south side of the house. The room has its own solar power collection system. You get a new four-season room and the heat produced can be used to heat the rest of the house.

Anything you can do to increase the value and marketability of your home is an advantage, especially when it helps the new owner save money like an solar heating system will. It will make the house stand out in a positive way.