What sorts of solar power options are available?
There are two basic types of solar power systems: Photovoltaic (PV) and Air/Water systems. Photovoltaic systems generally subdivided into passive, active, grid tie, and storage. Air/Water systems also subdivided into Passive and Active systems though they also fall under direct and indirect. Photovoltaic panels convert solar light directly into electricity. They are only 9-13% efficient, and the output can fluctuate hugely if a passing cloud hinders the sunlight. Passive Solar systems are typically built into the architecture of a building. For example, windows face a direction that maximizes sun light in the winter while shading the window during the summer. There may be a concrete floor that gets warm in the winter, but stays cool in the summer. Or pipes may flow through the house wherein water is passively heated by the sun. Finally there are Solar-Thermal systems, which convert solar heat into mechanical/electrical energy.
