Did you know that solar power for the home is quickly becoming the number one source for eliminating rising energy costs? As you start reading the beginning of this article, you find yourself fully aware of the history of solar power, hydroelectric power and wind power.

Right off the bat, although most of us think of solar power for home use as something new, the Greeks and Romans knew how to harness the power of the sun’s energy.

They built their houses to face the sun.  In winter, their baked clay homes took in and stored the sun’s heat.

For many years, solar technology was not widely used because the cells were too expensive.  When the price of oil skyrocketed, people began to look for alternative energy sources.

You probably have many questions about how solar power works, so be sure continue reading every line on this page to learn the facts.

Where Does Solar Energy Come From?

Solar energy comes from the sun and the sun gets its energy from nuclear fusion.  All things, including the sun, are made up of elements.  An atom is an element in its smallest form.  Atoms have a center, called a nucleus.  In fusion, the nuclei of two atoms join.

Now here’s the part you really need to hear.  The sun gives off great energy during fusion.  This energy reaches earth as sunlight and heat.  As you probably already know, plants, animals, and people need the sun’s light and heat to survive.

In fact, almost all energy starts as solar energy. Plants will not grow without sunlight.  When plants die, they rot and the soil presses down on them.  After millions of years, plants turn into fossil fuels like oil and coal.  We have been using fossil fuels to create electricity and to run cars and trucks.

What Drives Hydroelectric Power?

Know that the sun also drives the water cycle.  The water cycle makes hydroelectric power possible.  The sun’s heat makes water evaporate in to a gas in the air.  This water vapor soon changes back into water and falls as rain or snow. The water refills rivers and oceans.

So, in other words, hydroelectric power is made from the moving water of rivers and oceans, which in turn helps to produce solar power for the home.

How Does Wind Power For Homes Work?

You may not be aware of this Solar energy also makes wind.  The sun heats some pockets of air.  When warm air hits cooler air, wind is created.  People can use machines to turn wind energy into electricity.

What Are Solar Cells?

Home solar power systems are made of solar cells that look like pieces of dark glass and come in several different sizes. When the sun shines on them, an electric current is made.  Many cells laid together make a panel.  A panel may supply part of a home’s energy needs.  Many panels together make an array.

Solar cells are used in many ways. You are probably most familiar with the solar cells used in small items like watches and calculators.

With the renewed interest in how to make home solar power, the price of solar cells has dropped significantly. Solar power for home use involves putting solar panels on your roof.    Solar powered homes usually draw extra power from electric power plants.

If any of this rings true for you about solar power for the home, how quickly will you take the next step and make significant changes in the way you use energy?  It’s no secret that solar energy makes up less than 1 percent of the energy used in the United States.
Take what you’ve learned here and consider how solar power can dramatically change your life.

Here’s a simple explanation of how to turn sunlight into electricity for your home: