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62 Products
 
 
 
Solar Lighting   (19)
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Top Selling Solar Solutions On Sale

See All On Sale
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Solar Charge Controller — 7 Amp
 
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt

Item# 339972


 
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032

Item# 336615


 
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt

Item# 339973


 
Solar Charge Controller — 7 Amp
Solar Charge Controller — 7 Amp
Solar Charge Controller — 7 Amp

Item# 336606


 
 
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
4.9 out of 5  4.9 / 5
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
4.5 out of 5  4.5 / 5
 
Item# 339972
Item# 336615
Item# 339973
Item# 336606
 
Was $99.99
Was $99.99
Was $59.99
Was $29.99
 
Sale $84.99
Sale $89.99
Sale $49.99
Sale $24.99
 
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Gable-Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX2515SOLARGABL
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
 
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Gable-Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX2515SOLARGABL
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Gable-Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX2515SOLARGABL
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Gable-Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX2515SOLARGABL

Item# 336620


 
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044

Item# 339954


 
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015

Item# 339619


 
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115

Item# 1686115


 
 
4.3 out of 5  4.3 / 5
4.7 out of 5  4.7 / 5
4.5 out of 5  4.5 / 5
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
 
Item# 336620
Item# 339954
Item# 339619
Item# 1686115
 
Was $289.99
Was $379.99
Was $499.99
Was $49.99
 
Sale $269.99
Sale $359.99
Sale $479.99
Sale $39.99
 
Sunforce Solar Shed Light — 10 LED, Model# 81098
Northern Industrial Solar Shed Light
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
 
Sunforce Solar Shed Light — 10 LED, Model# 81098
Sunforce Solar Shed Light — 10 LED, Model# 81098
Sunforce Solar Shed Light — 10 LED, Model# 81098

Item# 160895


 
Northern Industrial Solar Shed Light
Northern Industrial Solar Shed Light
Northern Industrial Solar Shed Light

Item# 336614


 
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF

Item# 336622


 
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt

Item# 339971


 
 
3.8 out of 5  3.8 / 5
4.1 out of 5  4.1 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
4.6 out of 5  4.6 / 5
 
Item# 160895
Item# 336614
Item# 336622
Item# 339971
 
Was $59.99
Was $39.99
Was $329.99
Was $26.99
 
Sale $49.99
Sale $34.99
Sale $309.99
Sale $19.99
 
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 11 Watt
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS panel — 100 Watt, Model# 36100
 
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170

Item# 121126


 
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036

Item# 339969


 
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 11 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 11 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 11 Watt

Item# 336608


 
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS panel — 100 Watt, Model# 36100
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS panel — 100 Watt, Model# 36100
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS panel — 100 Watt, Model# 36100

Item# 121125


 
 
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
4.1 out of 5  4.1 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
 
Item# 121126
Item# 339969
Item# 336608
Item# 121125
 
Was $499.99
Was $199.99
Was $109.99
Was $799.99
 
Sale $399.99
Sale $169.99
Sale $99.99
Sale $599.99
 

Top Selling Solar Solutions

Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Solar Charge Controller — 7 Amp
 
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt

Item# 339972


 
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032

Item# 336615


 
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt

Item# 339973


 
Solar Charge Controller — 7 Amp
Solar Charge Controller — 7 Amp
Solar Charge Controller — 7 Amp

Item# 336606


 
 
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
4.9 out of 5  4.9 / 5
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
4.5 out of 5  4.5 / 5
 
Item# 339972
Item# 336615
Item# 339973
Item# 336606
 
Was $99.99
Was $99.99
Was $59.99
Was $29.99
 
Sale $84.99
Sale $89.99
Sale $49.99
Sale $24.99
 
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Gable-Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX2515SOLARGABL
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
 
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Gable-Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX2515SOLARGABL
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Gable-Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX2515SOLARGABL
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Gable-Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX2515SOLARGABL

Item# 336620


 
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044

Item# 339954


 
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015

Item# 339619


 
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115

Item# 1686115


 
 
4.3 out of 5  4.3 / 5
4.7 out of 5  4.7 / 5
4.5 out of 5  4.5 / 5
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
 
Item# 336620
Item# 339954
Item# 339619
Item# 1686115
 
Was $289.99
Was $379.99
Was $499.99
Was $49.99
 
Sale $269.99
Sale $359.99
Sale $479.99
Sale $39.99
 
Sunforce Solar Shed Light — 10 LED, Model# 81098
Northern Industrial Solar Shed Light
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 33 Watt
Sunforce 30-LED Solar String Lights, Model# 84230
 
Sunforce Solar Shed Light — 10 LED, Model# 81098
Sunforce Solar Shed Light — 10 LED, Model# 81098
Sunforce Solar Shed Light — 10 LED, Model# 81098

Item# 160895


 
Northern Industrial Solar Shed Light
Northern Industrial Solar Shed Light
Northern Industrial Solar Shed Light

Item# 336614


 
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 33 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 33 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 33 Watt

Item# 336609


 
Sunforce 30-LED Solar String Lights, Model# 84230
Sunforce 30-LED Solar String Lights, Model# 84230
Sunforce 30-LED Solar String Lights, Model# 84230

Item# 160711


 
 
3.8 out of 5  3.8 / 5
4.1 out of 5  4.1 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
4 out of 5  4 / 5
 
Item# 160895
Item# 336614
Item# 336609
Item# 160711
 
Was $59.99
Was $39.99
 
 
 
Sale $49.99
Sale $34.99
Only $299.99
Only $29.99
 
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
 
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF

Item# 336622


 
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt

Item# 339971


 
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170

Item# 121126


 
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036

Item# 339969


 
 
5 out of 5  5 / 5
4.6 out of 5  4.6 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
 
Item# 336622
Item# 339971
Item# 121126
Item# 339969
 
Was $329.99
Was $26.99
Was $499.99
Was $199.99
 
Sale $309.99
Sale $19.99
Sale $399.99
Sale $169.99
 
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500G-BL
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 11 Watt
Natural Light Energy Systems 10in. Tubular Skylight Kit — Model# 10KBPP
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1000G Solar Air Collector System — Model# SH1000G-BL
 
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500G-BL

Item# 456300


 
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 11 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 11 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 11 Watt

Item# 336608


 
Natural Light Energy Systems 10in. Tubular Skylight Kit — Model# 10KBPP
Natural Light Energy Systems 10in. Tubular Skylight Kit — Model# 10KBPP
Natural Light Energy Systems 10in. Tubular Skylight Kit — Model# 10KBPP

Item# 123405


 
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1000G Solar Air Collector System — Model# SH1000G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1000G Solar Air Collector System — Model# SH1000G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1000G Solar Air Collector System — Model# SH1000G-BL

Item# 456306


 
 
5 out of 5  5 / 5
4.1 out of 5  4.1 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
 
Item# 456300
Item# 336608
Item# 123405
Item# 456306
 
 
Was $109.99
 
 
 
Only $1969.99
Sale $99.99
Only $199.99
Only $1399.99
 

Top Rated Solar Solutions

Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500G-BL
Sunforce Solar Charging Kit — Solar Module, 123 Watt
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS panel — 100 Watt, Model# 36100
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
 
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500G-BL

Item# 456300


 
Sunforce Solar Charging Kit — Solar Module, 123 Watt
Sunforce Solar Charging Kit — Solar Module, 123 Watt
Sunforce Solar Charging Kit — Solar Module, 123 Watt

Item# 339617


 
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS panel — 100 Watt, Model# 36100
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS panel — 100 Watt, Model# 36100
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS panel — 100 Watt, Model# 36100

Item# 121125


 
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036
Sunforce 16 Watt Solar DC Lighting Kit — Model# 50036

Item# 339969


 
 
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
 
Item# 456300
Item# 339617
Item# 121125
Item# 339969
 
 
 
Was $799.99
Was $199.99
 
Only $1969.99
Only $849.99
Sale $599.99
Sale $169.99
 
Natural Light Energy Systems 10in. Tubular Skylight Kit — Model# 10KBPP
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1000G Solar Air Collector System — Model# SH1000G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G/S Two-Pack Solar Collectors, Model# SH1500G-BL-2Pak
 
Natural Light Energy Systems 10in. Tubular Skylight Kit — Model# 10KBPP
Natural Light Energy Systems 10in. Tubular Skylight Kit — Model# 10KBPP
Natural Light Energy Systems 10in. Tubular Skylight Kit — Model# 10KBPP

Item# 123405


 
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF
Ventamatic Solar-Powered Ventilating Fan with Panel — Roof- Mounted Ventilator, Model# VX1000SOLARROOF

Item# 336622


 
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1000G Solar Air Collector System — Model# SH1000G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1000G Solar Air Collector System — Model# SH1000G-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1000G Solar Air Collector System — Model# SH1000G-BL

Item# 456306


 
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G/S Two-Pack Solar Collectors, Model# SH1500G-BL-2Pak
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G/S Two-Pack Solar Collectors, Model# SH1500G-BL-2Pak
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500G/S Two-Pack Solar Collectors, Model# SH1500G-BL-2Pak

Item# 456302


 
 
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
 
Item# 123405
Item# 336622
Item# 456306
Item# 456302
 
 
Was $329.99
 
 
 
Only $199.99
Sale $309.99
Only $1399.99
Only $2999.99
 
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 33 Watt
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500GS Passive Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500GS-BL
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
 
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 33 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 33 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar Panel — 33 Watt

Item# 336609


 
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500GS Passive Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500GS-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500GS Passive Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500GS-BL
Your Solar Home SolarSheat 1500GS Passive Solar Air Collector, Model# SH1500GS-BL

Item# 456301


 
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170
Sunforce Pro Series CIGS Panel — 70 Watt, Model# 36170

Item# 121126


 
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032
Sunforce 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller, Model# 60032

Item# 336615


 
 
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
5 out of 5  5 / 5
4.9 out of 5  4.9 / 5
 
Item# 336609
Item# 456301
Item# 121126
Item# 336615
 
 
 
Was $499.99
Was $99.99
 
Only $299.99
Only $1099.99
Sale $399.99
Sale $89.99
 
Sharp Solar Module — 80 Watt, Model# 77761
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
 
Sharp Solar Module — 80 Watt, Model# 77761
Sharp Solar Module — 80 Watt, Model# 77761
Sharp Solar Module — 80 Watt, Model# 77761

Item# 339615


 
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt
Northern Industrial High Wattage Solar Panels — 15 Watt

Item# 339972


 
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Trickle Charger — 5 Watt

Item# 339973


 
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115
Sunforce 10-Pk. of Solar Garden Lights, Model# 86115

Item# 1686115


 
 
4.9 out of 5  4.9 / 5
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
4.8 out of 5  4.8 / 5
 
Item# 339615
Item# 339972
Item# 339973
Item# 1686115
 
 
Was $99.99
Was $59.99
Was $49.99
 
Only $549.99
Sale $84.99
Sale $49.99
Sale $39.99
 
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
Sunforce Industrial Solar Garage Light, Model# 81099
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
 
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Charging Kit — Model# 50044

Item# 339954


 
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt

Item# 339971


 
Sunforce Industrial Solar Garage Light, Model# 81099
Sunforce Industrial Solar Garage Light, Model# 81099
Sunforce Industrial Solar Garage Light, Model# 81099

Item# 336618


 
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015
Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel with 7 Amp Charge Controller, Model# 37015

Item# 339619


 
 
4.7 out of 5  4.7 / 5
4.6 out of 5  4.6 / 5
4.6 out of 5  4.6 / 5
4.5 out of 5  4.5 / 5
 
Item# 339954
Item# 339971
Item# 336618
Item# 339619
 
Was $379.99
Was $26.99
Was $139.99
Was $499.99
 
Sale $359.99
Sale $19.99
Sale $99.99
Sale $479.99
 

Big Deals on Solar Solutions

Expiration Date

The Basics: How Does Solar Energy Work?

Every minute of every day, enough of the sun’s energy reaches the earth to meet the world’s energy demand for an entire year. Using photovoltaic technology through solar panels, solar energy is created by converting the heat and light that comes from the sun into electrical energy.

Each solar panel is made up of many solar cells containing both a positive and a negative layer. Much like a battery, these layers generate an electric field. As the sun’s energy is absorbed by the cells, electrons are created and then travel toward the bottom of the panel and exit through a connecting wire. This flow of electrons produces electricity, which can be used in the same way as electricity generated by other non-renewable energy sources.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

If you’re looking for more affordable, eco-friendly energy alternatives, you can’t beat the benefits of solar energy:

  1. Economical — Now more than ever, consumers are feeling the pinch when it comes to the cost of energy for heating their homes, powering their vehicles and generating electricity. But, by investing in the right equipment, many are seeing that solar energy is by far one of the most economical, reasonably-priced energy solutions available. Low equipment maintenance over the long run makes it an especially good buy.
  2. Renewable — Because the supply of the sun’s light is free, unrestricted and renewable, solar energy users are never affected by shortages (other than nightfall), skyrocketing prices, or production limitations. What’s more, technological advancements enable solar equipment to consistently operate even on cloudy days.
  3. Environmentally friendly — One of the most eco-friendly energy alternatives, solar energy production does not directly emit fumes, create greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, or yield noise pollution.
  4. Convenient Power Source — Whether it’s used for back up to a permanent energy source or to provide power in remote areas, solar power offers all the convenience and dependability of standard energy resources, without the financial or environmental costs.
Solar Power

How Do I Generate My Own Solar Power?

Harnessing the sun’s energy for your own use begins with putting together the right components for your needs. If you’re ready to “go solar” consider starting with a few basic solar power components. You’ll want to add to your system as your needs grow and as you experience the benefits of solar energy.

  • Solar Panels – Your source for electricity and to charge batteries to power your car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, boat, personal watercraft, RV, home or appliances. Sold individually or in solar power kits, begin by determining the number of panels you’ll need based on your intended use.
  • Charge Controller — If the sunlight is too bright for too long, the voltage produced by the solar panels has the potential to damage the batteries. As such, a charge controller is required to regulate the charge, thus preventing overcharging and ultimately increasing battery life and performance.
  • Power Inverter — The power inverter serves a dual purpose, either converting the low voltage DC to the 120 volts AC needed to run appliances, or charging your batteries if connected to a utility grid or an AC Generator. Unless you plan on using battery power exclusively, you’ll need a power inverter.
  • Batteries — Your batteries store the solar energy for a consistent power supply over time, even when the sun isn’t shining. Deep-cycle or marine batteries are recommended as they are designed to be charged and discharged repeatedly.

Many appliances are now available as solar-operated products. These solar products allow you the benefit of use when there isn’t a conventional power supply handy or available, (i.e. camping, power outages, etc.) but also work to save you money by utilizing the sun’s light as their main source of energy. A few solar-operated product examples include:

  • Solar Air Collectors — These solar powered devices work like space heaters and can be used as a supplemental heating system when the sun is shining.
  • Solar Powered Lights — Gathering and storing the sun’s energy during daylight hours, some solar powered lights turn on automatically after dark and work well for added security and safety illumination outdoors.
  • Solar Auto Air Purifier — Works to absorb harmful gas, smoke and other particulates while efficiently operating on solar power.

Solar Power Installation Tips

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time contractor, you can always use helpful tips when installing a solar equipment energy system.

  • For maximum effectiveness, always place solar panels where they will be in direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours a day.
  • If placing on a rooftop, keep the pitch of your roof in mind when installing solar panels. Angling the panels to maximize exposure to the sun will also maximize the energy collected by the solar panels.
  • Consider installing solar panels at the same time your home is being roofed. This will make finding rafters and making repairs easier if you do both jobs simultaneously.
  • Even if you feel confident about installing your solar power system, consider bringing in an expert to assist you. Experienced professionals can help you maximize the effectiveness of your solar energy system.
  • Investigate government incentive and rebate packages available. These can range from product rebates to energy refunds to low interest loans. For more information, consult the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/)

How Many Solar Energy Panels and Storage Batteries Will I Need?

The following chart illustrates the wattage requirements to operate some standard appliances and devices using solar powered energy.

Appliance/Device Watts Required Watt Hours
Refrigerator—10 cubic ft, used by 2 people daily 120 960
Television—32-36 in. screen, operating 4 hours daily 160 640
Microwave Oven—1000 watts, operating 30 minutes daily 1,000 500
Lighting—Four 100 watt bulbs, operating 4 hours daily 400 1,600
Computer—Desktop computer, operating 3 hours daily 140 420
Miscellaneous—400 watt device, operating 1 hour daily 400 400
Total Daily Watt Hours Required 4,520