Guest Contributor post by Matt J @ South Shore Roofing

A renewable energy system can be used to supply some or all of your electricity needs, using new and eco-friendly technologies. There are many different systems and technologies for powering your house while being eco-friendly and saving energy.

One of the most popular and efficient systems is solar electric system, which includes solar panels. They can help seize the sunlight and heat and create electricity. With them you can cut your costs significantly in the long run. And the added bonus is that they look great.

Small solar electric or photovoltaic systems are reliable producers of electricity for your home, they use natural, renewable energy, the sun, they do not pollute and are extremely cost effective. This kind of system includes solar panels for your roof that absorb the energy from the sun and use it to generate heat or electricity.

There are two main categories of rooftop solar technologies that are being used today and from which you can choose:

• The first one is photovoltaic (PV) which uses solar cells to convert the sunlight directly into electricity. The performance of a solar cell is measured in terms of its efficiency at turning sunlight into electricity. It is energy-efficient, as well as cost-effective. PV devices can be used to power anything from small electronics (calculators and road signs) up to homes and large commercial businesses.
• The other is thermal which uses sunlight to heat water or air for the interior of your house. The heated water stays in an insulated tank, much like with a conventional water heater, and you can use it whenever. By using solar energy, rather than fossil fuels, solar thermal systems reduce utility bills, as well as the emission of carbon-based greenhouse gases. They do cost more to install than traditional water heaters, but they can save you a lot of money on your water heating bills.

Solar panel technologies are advancing even further, in both their use and design. For example, they can now be designed in a way that makes them less visible and prominent than the standard solar panels, even incorporated and hidden within the structure of your roof. According to iAltEnergy, thin panel technology allows for thin laminated continuous strips of panels to be hidden in the profile of the roof or even incorporated in your windows.

You should also think about solar lighting and batteries for your home, both indoors and outdoors. These lights are just as good as your standard ones, intensity-wise, if not better. And they are certainly better when it comes to energy and power consumption, which is minimal – they are powered by the sun. They are small and can be charged and connected to a system of solar batteries. These batteries are also powered by the sun. The way it functions is simple. During the day, the lights are powered by sunlight, and the battery system charges. When the sun goes down and the lights cannot absorb its energy anymore, then they are powered by the solar batteries. Both the lights and the batteries are very affordable and good for the environment.