Solar Hot Water

• One effective use of solar panels is for home hot water heating. While gas and electric hot water heaters are still the primary way that homes get their hot water, solar hot water panels have the ability to fulfill this need without having to use fossil fuels. These systems work by using dark-colored panels on rooftops that absorb the sun's heat and use it to warm water-filled tubes that circulate back to a hot water storage tank. The system continually pumps the cooled water back to the warming areas to be reheated, providing a constant flow of warm water without the help of electricity or gas.
  
  

Solar Electricity Panels

• One common use of solar panels is the PV, or photovoltaic cell panel. These panels take the energy from the sun's rays and convert it to electricity for use in certain areas of the home. The amount of energy the panels can provide make it difficult for a home to receive all of its electricity from the solar panels, but it can provide enough to significantly reduce the amount of electricity being used from more conventional sources and therefore save the homeowner money on utility bills. PV cells on a home's rooftop may be able to run the lighting, a washer and dryer or other high-energy consumption appliances to help reduce more costly electricity use.
  
  

Solar Heating

• It only makes sense that the warm sunlight can be used for heating. Even though it's cold in the winter in some places, the sun often shines bright and still contains the energy needed to supply heat. Solar heating systems are available in both liquid and air types. Liquid-based systems work by allowing the sun's energy, collected by panels, to heat up a liquid such as water or antifreeze, which heats a "hydronic" collector and air-based systems heat the air in an air collector, according to the U.S. Department of Energy website. After the heat is collected in a chamber, the heated air is distributed throughout the building in the same way a forced air system works. These systems are capable of supplying space heat or as a supplemental or back up heat source.
  
  

Most Efficient Areas

• Since solar panels require direct sunlight to work, they are best suited for areas that receive an abundance of sunlight. This makes solar panels unpopular in some areas where the sun is less intense and may not provide enough energy to make the transition to solar power feasible. In places like the American Southwest, solar power is quite effective. Solar panels can be helpful for relieving energy costs in many areas, but it is the most efficient means of alternative energy in areas where the sun is intense throughout much of the year.