Breaking news
Starting in 2006 you can get up to a 30% tax credit on PV solar or solar domestic hot water heating system installation. Tax credit is limited to $2000 for the years 2006, and 2007. Tax credit directly increases your tax refund dollar for dollar.

Events in Wisconsin.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair
The 19th annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair June 20-22, 2009. The Fair will again be held at the ReNew the Earth Institute, MREA’s educational facility, in Custer, WI (just 7 miles east of Stevens Point). Events include workshops, and manufacture reps. Last year over 16500 people attended this fair.

The word solar means; produced by, or coming from the sun. So when we talk about solar energy, we are talking about energy that comes from the sun. Some of the solar energy that comes from the sun is in the form of visible light. The rest comes in the form of invisible solar energy that can be felt, or detected. This solar energy can be used to heat water, air, and produce electricity. Below are brief descriptions of some typical solar systems that can be used in a home.

Passive solar is designing a building that takes advantage of the solar thermal gain from sun light entering the buildings windows. The great thing about passive solar systems is that there are no moving parts. And if designed properly can significantly reduce heating costs.

Solar hot air
Solar hot air systems usually use a thermal absorber panel. That heats air that passes through it. Air movement is supplied by an electric fan.

Solar hot water
Domestic solar hot water systems have a solar thermal absorber panel that heats antifreeze. The antifreeze is pumped to a heat exchanger that transfers the heat from the antifreeze to a water storage tank. The antifreeze then returns to the solar panel. The water storage tank supplies preheated hot water to your hot water heater. The hot water heater only needs to heat the water to final desired temperature

Solar electric
Solar electric systems use Photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity. This DC electric power can be used to charge deep cycle batteries for later use, or be change into 120Volt AC power by a power inverter.

Going Solar Checkout what's involved in doing a solar installation.

Zero energy Home What is a zero energy home?