People have experimented with Solar power for 50 years and now it is really taking off. What with all the re-bates, tax incentives and paybacks from State and Federal Governments, even the utility Companies have programs that will help with the installation costs. You can set up systems that provide part of your electric  and systems to supply all you will ever need. There are Solar Panels that mount to your roof on a rack or tiles that do double duty and act as solar collectors and at the same time keep out the weather as a shingle would. They can be mounted on a aluminum rack on the ground or up on a poll.

Solar is also used to heat water that runs through the panels for hot water heaters or hot water under the floor on a raised foundation or even a concrete slab to warm the feet on a cold morning or your whole home. They basically run poly tubing back and forth within a type of holding clip or channel that keeps it from moving when light weight concrete is poured over it and finished. When you use tile over the top a mat is thin stetted down to keep your tile and grout from cracking or coming loose. The mat is called a fracture barrier.

I have talked with people who make their own Solar water heaters. They suggest using two to three old tanks that are still sealed and don't leak. The other way to go would be to buy Solar tanks for hot water storage and distribution. You basically hook them up in series. Cold water supply coming in which in turn will heat up and be pushed when released out the hot supply line and back in to the cold on the next tank and down the line it goes being heated at each tank until they are full. You put them in a well insulated box built so that the side will open when needed repairs are due( if any) or to check for any leaks etc. The top of the box should be opened but covered and sealed from the weather with glass or plastic that will let the heat from the sun in without letting in the weather or more importantly without letting out the heat. You will need to check on relief valves and where they can be drained etc. because the water can become extremely hot and sometimes will need to have a relief system in place depending on the system you install. In some locations you may need to have a backup system according to local codes.

SDHW

It should be tilted down so that it is still  functional but can face as much to the exact south as possible or I should say within 15 degrees which will still give you 90% and have the most sun on it at all times of the day. It should also be as close to the incoming supply as possible but outside the building in its box. All pipes should be well insulated especially ones exposed to the weather. If you can't face the array due south then pick the west because of high evening temps and you can be off of true angle up to 30% with only loosing about 20% of the days sunlight.

Angle Formula = Latitude of the site + 15%

Make sure the panels or tank box (which ever you use) are not shaded from 9am to 3pm Standard Time for max exposure. Check with your local Green supply stores to see what other parts you will need according to your local building inspection department and if a permit is required for the work being done.

Building integrated Photovoltaic

Solar panels for a home or office, can be worked into the design. They can be a patio cover or shingles of the home. Today the designers are getting very creative so that you don't have those old ugly things of the past all over the place.

The Solar panel come in many shape and sizes. Mounting them on different types of racks, poles, rooftops depends on what you want to accomplish with your setup and what you want it to look like.

Recycle, Re-use, & Save

Recycle household waste using local facilities.

Compost veggies, leaves, and grass clippings.

Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.
 Switch to using energy-saving light bulbs.

Buy more seasonal and unpackaged food.

Hang your washing up to dry rather than using a dryer.

 Leave the car at home at least once a week, and cycle, walk, share a car or use public transport more often.

Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.

Reuse grocery bags when you shop.

Make your own clothes out of old ones.

Mix up old paint if it is the same kind (check the label). For an outside project, or always use the same color and then you won't have a lot left over.

Organize or volunteer in an environmental project in your local community.