Once the decision is made to install solar panels, one must determine how to mount them effectively. The mounting system should be simple, reliable, and provide for all your performance needs.

A popular method is to mount one’s solar panels on top of their roof. It is a simple and convenient solution, and so most folks attach their solar panels this way. Most often these mounting parts can be purchased right off the shelf.

The roof mount method is not perfect, however. For those of us who want the best performance from our solar panels, or who live in northern climates (as do the writers), there are some alternatives to think about.

The first thing to think about is snow. Every time snow gets on the solar panels, they have to be cleaned or they won’t put out much electricity. If your solar panels are mounted to your roof then you can imagine this difficulty.

In the mountains of Washington and Colorado, we have been working on a solution. We are designers and craftsman who desire convenience and performance with our own home based solar power systems. And like everyone else, we don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. We call this solution the Rotek system.

With the Rotek system your solar panels will be installed away from the roof, so the solar panels can be rotated easily and smoothly to any tracking angle. With this configuration we can make seasonal adjustments and more accurately track the Sun.

A second advantage comes in Winter when the solar panels can be rotated toward the ground, and operated at steeply sloped or negative tilt. This prevents the buildup of snow on the photovoltaic surface. It is also good for periodic glass cleaning, maintenance, or for dumping a load of snow if the panels were left up in a storm.

Whether for one snow storm or for a period of weeks, as long as there is snow on the ground you can leave your solar panels at negative tilt. As we have all witnessed, snow pack is highly reflective. Your system will continue to receive lots of beam radiation despite this abnormal tracking angle.

A second big issue with solar panels is their operating temperature. The cooler the panels, the more we maximize their discharge current. Roof mounted solar panels acquire much more heat, and the amount of energy lost at these higher temperatures can be as high as 20%.

Remotely installed solar panels will run cooler, and the electrical output will be better for this. There is fresh air to circulate on the back end (instead of a hot roof), and they can be located closer to the ground. The Rotek system, if used, would provide this additional advantage to your solar panel system.

Sooner or later the time will come to install your solar panels. The roof installed units will make a lot of sense, but those who want improved performance and adjustability should consider other options. The Rotek system is one such option, easy to install and simple to use without the extravagant cost.

Walter Hull is a mechanical engineer with expertise in solar power systems. For a limited time you can get his free checklist to solar power from your own yard.

The Sun can be thought of as a giant nuclear furnace stationed in the sky. It is a tremendous source of solar energy, cranking out massive amounts of radiation each and every day.

Electromagnetic radiation is the technical term for solar energy. This radiation is emitted by the sun and is absorbed into Earths biosphere in many ways. Because of its widespread importance to the biosphere, solar energy plays a crucial role to our existence.

Electromagnetic radiation is composed of tiny invisible energy waves, all traveling at the speed of light (3×108 meters per second). Forms of electromagnetic radiation include X-rays, gamma waves, radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, ultra-violet waves, and the visible light spectrum. The only difference between the waves is their frequency of resonance, and they are characterized based on this.

Solar energy is the primary element for Photosynthesis, the method by which plants make energy for growth. Plants in term provide us with food, wood, medicines, and more.

The Earths natural landscapes, they absorb solar energy and produce heat. It is the heat absorbed by mountains and plains that create local wind patterns. It is the heat absorbed by the oceans that creates the famous currents. Solar energy is responsible for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. It melts the mountain snows which form many of our rivers.

Solar energy is the catalyst for almost everything that occurs on Earth. It is as though the Earth has its own power plant, a giant Nuclear Fusion Reactor in outer space. It is a good thing too, because without it we would all be screwed.

Each and every day we should all be giving thanks to the Sun. It may be the most important element to our existence which we take for granted. Imagine if one day we woke up and there was no Sun? It would be like losing power at your home, but a million times worse. Probably most people would fall into an immediate panic.

If theres one thing that is decidedly for sure, then, is that humans need solar energy. When you think about it, really, our entire plant (including us) is solar energy, taking it in and transforming it into other forms.

With the recent advances in materials and industry, we now find ourselves with some new inventions for working with solar energy. It is now possible to make electricity directly from sunlight in a photovoltaic device. We can harness solar energy in absorption and concentrating collectors and store the heat.

We are entering a new age of energy generation for fulfilling our daily needs. We believe modern civilization has only just begun with these new age energies. Reaping the benefits of solar power and solar heat is in its infancy.

With all the choices on the market its hard to know exactly where to start. What kind of benefits can be obtained by harnessing solar energy? How practical is it, and how much money can be saved in the long run? The truth is, in utilizing solar energy everybody will have a different idea and different purpose. Its best to begin with a discussion of the various technologies and their rewards, and allow the reader to form his own concepts for moving forward.

To find out how to use solar energy as a budget source of power for your home get Walter Hull’s checklist on easy solar power from your yard.