Most people who want to invest in green energy systems for their homes for heating, lightting such as solar lights, free energy for fogponics or home hydroponics, so will do a bit of reading on facts about solar energy. It is almost impossible to make a valid choice for home energy systems unless we know about the available options. The applications of solar energy are multiple around the house, although we are most familiar with electricity generation and water heating. But did you know that you can heat your swimming pool, power attic fans, computers and small appliances with photo-voltaic cells?

Sunlight is efficient for charging batteries, this is one of the best known facts about solar energy. Although the popularity of sun-generated electricity is on the rise worldwide, the demand remains higher than the supply. The explanation is simple: not all geographical areas and climates are suitable for the use of photo-voltaic panels. It is more difficult to get enough solar energy for all the electric appliances when you live in a cold or temperate climate.

In terms of statistics, some interesting facts about solar energy indicate that water heating consumes most energy of all. You should expect a 30% consume of the total energy production to just heat water. The solar system as such consists of one or more panels with photo-voltaic cells, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller, the support structure and the corresponding wiring. The government presently offers tax credits and rebates for anyone who buys and installs specific types of energy efficient home systems.

If you read more facts and statistical data about solar energy, you will find out that for sunny regions, a 1 kilowatt home solar system can produce approximately 1,600 kilowatt hours in a year. You’ll only get 750 kilowatt hours per year in cooler climates with just two hours of sun exposure per day. You can further learn how much that will save in terms of coal consume and CO2 release in the atmosphere.

The optimal number of solar panels into an average home solar system is between ten and twelve; the panels should be oriented towards the North for maximum exposure. Very long warranties, this is one other advantage of solar panels. Yet, the system as such has a lower warranty span of about 5 years. The energy storage capacity and features vary according to the model of the panels. Cells collect sun energy and store it in batteries, or sunlight can be reflected, absorbed or insulated.