Solar energy has been used by humans since centuries ago. Throughout recent years the idea of using sustainable resources has grown in popularity as individuals move to more earth friendly ways of obtaining energy while reducing their costs. Energy from the sun is considered environmentally friendly as it is generated from a naturally replenishing source. There is an abundance of solar energy available, however only a small percentage is actually used. (Jacobson, 2009) Some countries such as Japan have spent a lot of time and money on research and development of solar panels. The goal of the Japanese government  is to have 30 percent of the homes implement a solar system in order to reduce green house gas emissions. (Kyodo News, 2008)

In order to capture the sun’s energy, photovoltaic panels need to be used.  Photovoltaic panels are made of arrays of cells that convert solar radiation into direct current energy. The panels can be installed on any surface that provides maximum exposure to the sun. Most often, solar cell arrays are being integrated into building elements such as roofs and siding. The energy is obtained by converting light into voltage between two layers of semiconducting materials. It can be used to provide lighting in homes, power to water pumps or other appliances that serve entire communities. The price of the panels can be quite high, but it is projected to drop as the demand for this reliable form of energy rises. (Friedman, 2008)

In Canada, some home owners like Scott McKenzie are choosing to go green.  Scott hired Ottawa’s Isolara Energy Services Inc. to install a solar system to heat his 2000 square feet home. He has paid approximately $3,330 for the panels, and expects the system to pay for itself in about 10 years. Another system that can be implemented is a solar hot water system, which should meet about 60 percent of a family’s hot water needs.  Hot water consumption comprises of 25 to 30 percent of household energy consumption.  Experts say that the hot water system will pay itself off in seven to eight years.

In addition to the solar hot water system, a backup system needs to be installed to heat the home during cloudy days when not enough sun is available to produce energy. The tankless Poloma hot water system kicks in for the household water needs and the radiant heat system. It heats water only when it is needed, therefore saving energy that a conventional heater uses to keep water hot all the time. By using the federal EcoENERGY and various provincial government rebates, the solar hot water and tankless setup will cost you about $12,000.(Langston 2008)

In conclusion, environmentally conscious owners are implementing solar technologies to reduce their carbon foot print. Although initially the costs of the systems seem quite high, over the long term they pay themselves off, and help decrease green house gas emissions.

Written by:  Eva Wolicki, REALTOR® – Realty Executives Polaris (Edmonton) evasells@realtyexecutives.com

Jacobson, Mark Z. Review of Solutions to Global Warming, Air Pollution, and Energy Security p. 4. (2009)

Kyodo News, Solar panels to go in 30% of houses by 2030. Japan Times online. Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080101a5.html

Friedman, Avi. Clean and Free Power from the Sun. CanWest News.  Don Mills, Ont.:May 6, 2008. Retrieved from Pro Quest database on March 10, 2010

 

Langston Patrick. New technologies take chomp out of home energy bills. CanWest News.  Don Mills, Ont.: Jul 29, 2008. Retrieved from Pro Quest database on March 11, 2010