Can a solar system power a house?

Of course, it's not an all-or-nothing arrangement. You can always partially power your house using solar. If you want to invest in a $10,000 solar array, you can supplement grid energy with a 1.5-kW solar system.

Why is solar energy important in residential architecture?

Each day we become more aware of the importance of responsibly managing natural resources and understanding the environmental factors involved in designing a project. Solar energy is one of the most commonly employed strategies in residential architecture, both active and passive.

How do I build a solar-powered home?

So to build a solar-powered home, it's necessary to make sure there are no shadows on the roof's panel area during the sunniest hours of the day (typically from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and preferably during all sunny hours [source: AEG ]. The more hours the panels spend exposed to full sun, the more efficient the power generation will be.

Can active solar power be used in residential homes?

Getting active solar systems in the mainstream residential market has proved a challenge, though. Active solar power uses arrays of photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity, and it has traditionally been a prohibitively expensive technology.

Can solar panels be moved out over a deck?

The solar panels can be moved out over the deck to provide shading to both the exterior rooms and to the southern wall during the summer. The panels can be retracted in the winter to allow the sun to passively heat and light the home through the southern glass wall. A creative approach that can lead to interesting and versatile compositions.

Are solar systems a sustainable solution?

Many countries around the world offer incentives to encourage the use of solar systems, and the benefits of installing these systems can be seen in a short period of time, with a reduction of up to 95% in the monthly energy expenses, which makes this strategy one of the most attractive of all sustainable solutions.