Anyone who has ever considered photovoltaic cells knows that they are an enormous investment. However, there is a certain allure to solar panels and the ability to go “off the grid” that makes many homeowners at least consider photovoltaic cell technology, which remains one of the most sustainable available.

If you’re considering photovoltaic cells, there are three factors that solar panel manufacturers like to ignore when talking about their product. However, these factors can significantly diminish the energy savings that solar panels can produce, making it all the more important that you know about them.

Image courtesy ConstructionProgress
 

Solar powered attic fans can be a great way to save some money on cooling costs as well as support solar technology.

Although the initial cost for a solar powered attic fan is greater than other fan types, eliminating the need to call an electrician as well as future electricity savings can make this a prudent investment for many homeowners.
 
Image courtesy GreenThinkers.org

In residential construction there are four solar powered attic fan options ranging from 10 watts to 25 watt models. In this case bigger isn't necessarily better, nor will it get you better results.

This post veers a little to the left away from homebuilding towards a commercial retailer but that's alright with me. Why? Because it has to do with solar energy being harnessed by Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers in Knoxville and any homeowner with a south-southwest roof line that's clear of trees can harness the sun's rays, too.

I was reading Lynnette's pizza post over on sister site The Fun Times Guide To Franklin/Nashville (TN). On a whim I spent a few minutes looking into the Mellow Mushroom (ultra-cool) corporate website and discovered that the Knoxville location recently installed a solar panel array on its' roof. To me, that says a lot about where their head is at.

Why aren't more retailers installing solar panels on their roofs???

You wouldn't think luxury and green belong in the same sentence together but I'll give it a go.

Having a swimming pool in your own backyard is a luxury, while heating it with a solar panel heating system makes it green. In this context, green does not mean algae-laden.

Okay...so it's a bit of a stretch but it's a better ecological choice than heating it with natural gas or even a heat pump.

You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They're cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates. Source

After the initial installation costs of the solar pool heating system, the ongoing cost to heat this pool will be negligible. The only ongoing cost will be electricity to run the control panel, recirculating pump and periodic maintenance. In my opinion, heating the pool with the energy of the sun's rays vs heating with a natural gas system would be considered green. Agreed?