• Harness sunlight to harvest free energy.Sun image by KPICKS from Fotolia.com
  
  Using solar panels to provide electricity for your projects is a great way to experiment with green energy. You will learn about the initial costs versus long-term savings involved in solar projects, as well as the strengths and limitations of using photovoltaic systems. Even simple solar projects can give you direct energy savings. Every watt you use from your solar panel is a watt you are not buying from the power company.
  
  

Solar Attic Fan

• For a great starter project with immediate savings, install a solar-powered attic fan. The simplest systems drive the fan only while the sun is up, but that is when the need is greatest. Parts are not expensive, installation is pretty straightforward, and improving the ventilation in your attic will reduce your energy costs.
  
  

Solar-Powered Back Yard Electronics

• A commercially available solar panel connected through a regulator and into a 12-Volt DC battery takes up little space in a backyard (or even an apartment patio). Once charged by the sun's energy, the battery will power radios, mini-televisions or other electronic entertainment devices using a 12-Volt DC plug. With this system you can use your electronic devices without drawing on your home electricity. The system can be taken camping or to the beach, where electric outlets are not available.
  
  

Solar-Powered Water Features

• Using a solar panel to power a water pump, you can draw water from a well or pond to fill and maintain a water feature such as a fish pond or a small fountain. For a free-standing fountain, a solar-powered pump allows you to place the fountain where you wish, rather than near a power outlet. To have the fountain running at night your system will need to include a battery and charger.