Here is an interesting story on the subject of using solar, after summer. Home based renewable energy concepts include small wind-turbines and solar heating and so far, solar energy for water heating has been the easiest and most successful practice. In fact, because water takes so much energy to heat, you reduce your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bills effectively with solar heating.

For those who have not seen one, a solar heat consists of a hot water storage tank and a flat plate collector, the tool that captures the heat from the sun. The tank links to a series of pipes which are set at an incline to capture sunlight. Of course, area plays a big role here with a bigger area capturing more sunlight, translating to more energy. But there is of course a rule on proportion since the tanks are proportional to the collector size.

What is good now is that aside from water, you can power batteries or back up systems with solar energy. Saves the hassle of looking for an electric torch during black outs.