You can get a device rated at 12 volts or higher for only $100 at a marine supply store or RV store. Next, purchase a battery. Experts recommend that you get rechargeable batteries from available green companies. Get any size of deep cycle 12 volt lead/acid or gel battery. You will need the deep cycle battery for nonstop use. Since solar energy has become more common and more viable in the recent years, developers have begun to develop different solar energy systems that you can choose from, depending on your needs and limitations. Choosing a solar energy system that would fit best for your home is not necessarily an easy thing to do, which is why it is important that you learn how to choose the best one in order to get the right type of solar energy system for your home. You will better appreciate solar heating systems and solar energy as a whole by knowing how the process works. Here is some more info. About the Collectors A solar energy collector gets the radiant energy from the sun to be converted into heat. A solar collector transforms solar energy into heat by taking advantage of the greenhouse effect. Concentrating and Non-Concentrating The concentrating gatherers use panels that are angled the right way to absorb the prime point of the direct rays of the sun. Non-concentrating gatherers are ideal for regions that have lower amounts of direct sunlight and absorb the energy rays of the sun from direct and various reflecting angles. The Romans simply improved the Greek s design and also incorporated windows into their structures, allowing them to be able to trap more solar heat. This actually played a role in their ability to produce a good growing condition for plants. Solar Hot Water Heater Prototype Unknown to a lot of people, but the original prototype for solar hot water heaters is actually a result of do-it-yourself projects of people in their hopes to be able to boil water, and keeping the water hot for a longer period of time. Solar energy is being used more commonly nowadays, in most homes, and even in the work place. And since this particular form of alternative energy is becoming more and more viable, new and better applications for its technology are now being developed for the future. Though the future for solar energy appears to be clear and better, a lot of people are still speculative about what the future really holds for solar energy.