For ages sunlight has been utilized by man. From being used in ancient temples for natural lighting to being converted to electricity for today’s power hungry nations, the power of the sun has a number of uses.

And nowadays the sun’s rays can be used at home as a renewable energy source.

Basically, there are four main ways how to solar power your home:

Solar Ovens:

Using a solar oven is a really inexpensive and healthy way to cook food. It used to be used in poor, underdeveloped nations where electricity was not freely available. But now a lot of travelers, campers and environmentalists use it during summer as a green alternative to a conventional oven.

A solar cooker is made from a series of reflective panels in a parabolic shape that focus the sunlight on a box or pot, in which the food is cooked. It usually caters for up to five people, and can make a variety of boiled, roasted and baked dishes.

The one drawback of solar cooking is that it tends to take three to four times longer to cook food in. But if you weigh that against the unlimited power savings and its portability, having a little patience is not that bigger deal.

Solar Water Heater:

Solar water heating has a number of uses, and thanks to technological developments, modern solar water heating systems can be used at home to completely replace conventional boilers or geysers.

As cold water is pumped through a solar collector, the pipes absorb the sun’s energy, and heat the water, which is then stored in an insulated tank for later use. Usually the water can get so hot that it has to be mixed with cold water before it can be used.

Passive Solar Design:

Over half of a household’s power bill is spent just on heating and ventilation. So it crazy how few people think of trying passive solar living to save power and ultimately money.

With this form of solar power employment, sunlight is used as a natural heat and light source. The ideal passive solar home would have large double-glazed windows, with the length of the house facing the sun, and designed with materials that absorb the sun’s light and radiate heat even after the sun has set.

And like the Romans used the sun to light up their temples, careful placing of windows and mirrors in our homes can increase natural lighting, helping us reduce the need for electric lighting.

A natural air conditioning solution would be to plant deciduous trees on the sun-facing side of your home. This would provide cool shade in summer, but allow warm sunlight though in winter.

To replace your conventional ventilation system, you could install a solar attic fan or solar chimney that draws hot air out of the house, and pulls in cooler air.

Electric Solar Energy:

Also known as photovoltaic power, many homes are starting to make their own power at home with solar electric panels. These panels are made up of small silicon cells and need to be directly aimed at the sun to be most effective.

As the sun’s rays penetrate the solar panels, electrons in the cells become charged, creating a current that is stored in deep-cycle batteries. When electricity is needed, the stored power is passed through an inverter to change the DC to AC, which can then be used to power various household appliances or connected to the grid for net metering.

The good thing about solar power is that as long the sun is shining, you will get free power, technology is bringing down the costs and there is little effect on the environment. What’s more is, if you cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on an expert system, you can learn to build your own solar panel system for a tenth of the price.

And these are the 4 ways how to solar power your home. If your are willing to learn how to use these methods at home, you will not only be living a greener life, but you will reduce your power needs and costs, receive renewable energy tax incentives, and lower the burden on our vanishing energy sources. So take the initiative and enjoy the sun’s free, clean, abundant energy now.