I’ve discussed solar power for “off the grid” living if you’re building a new property. But while many people look through the listings at Bahia Realty Group for vacant lots to build a home in Orlando (and the Greater Orlando area is one place where new areas are being opened up for development at a very rapid rate), this may not be you case.
You can still take advantage of solar power, though. Studies have shown that the biggest consumer of domestic energy is heating water. I know that a hot shower is a great pick-me-up after a long day’s work, and, like most women, I find a hot bubble bath is a favourite stress-beater. Solar energy can heat your all water, reducing your energy bills dramatically. This is done by an arrangement of pipes mounted on the roof facing the right direction and at the right angle. The pipes are surrounded by materials that will absorb and retain the heat of the sun, and the water uses convection to flow through the pipe and back into your hot water cylinder again. Even in winter, you can get enough solar energy to meet your hot water needs (unless you’re particularly extravagant).
Sunshine, like other good things in life, is free. Why not make the most of it and do your bit to beat global warming?
Raul Aleman