Get To Know Solar Energy Basics

South Carolina's Midlands get lots of sunshine every year; an average of 115 sunny days and 103 partly sunny days. That equals 218 days when residents have access to free energy from the sun. All you have to do is harness that solar energy to create electricity for your home.   
Solar energy basics:   
•    Solar energy is generated by the sun and surrounds us every day. We are all familiar with its warmth and light. With new technologies, it is now possible to harness that energy to use inside our homes.
•    Solar energy can be used:
o    For indoor lighting;
o    To heat water or for space heating;
o    To generate electricity.
•    Solar energy can be used anywhere, but the amount of energy will vary geographically and seasonally, just as the amount and strength of sunshine will vary.   
Types of solar energy:   
•    Photovoltaic (PV) systems will produce electricity from solar energy. A PV system will use solar panels typically mounted on the roof of a home. The panels should be oriented as closely as possible toward true south. The panels also need to be tilted; the angle should equal the latitude where the home is located. In Columbia, that is just less than 34 degrees.
o    PV systems are connected to the electrical wiring inside the home. This links the solar energy system to the national power grid.
o    Most of the solar energy generated at a particular site will be used at that location; however, often, surplus solar energy may be exported to the grid.
o    The newest technology involves PV roofing shingles.
•    Solar thermal systems use collectors to heat water or to heat interior spaces.
•    Certain features, usually incorporated into the home's construction,  can be used to generate passive solar energy. These features reduce the need to use other energy sources for heating, cooling and lighting.
A solar energy system can be very efficient if it is properly installed and sized to meet your needs. At Comfort Services we are experts in solar energy systems for the Columbia area. Contact Comfort Services today and we'll help you harness that solar energy from 218 sunny days.