<p>Solar powered energy is an exceedingly effective way to heat a manufactured home (or to heat water) all year long. Having said that, before you make a decision about employing solar energy, you need to understand some of the basics. The most important thing to understand about a solar panel technology system is it consists of three components: heat collection, heat storage and heat distribution. Any solar system lacking the capacity for storage can only offer heat during the daytime.<br /> <br /> When you have a passive solar system, the building is the foundation of the three components. If your system is active, the components become part of that solar powered system when it is integrated into the home.<br /> <br /> Regrettably when it comes to manufactured homes there are actually two drawbacks with <a href="http://www.sunjuiced.com/" target="_blank">solar panel technology</a>: the lack of thermal mass for nighttime storage prevents the uses of a passive system and the space or structural strength may not be enough for the installation of an active solar system. Some solar technology units are quite expensive and might require some time to pay for themselves. Even so, if you can use a passive one with new construction then you will not be shelling out much cash whatsoever.<br /> <br /> Using solar powered energy for heating your home&#39;s water can be really cost effective. Needless to say, you need hot water throughout the year irregardless of your area&#39;s climate. Just be sure to weatherize your home if you are thinking about using solar heat. You can do this by buying heavily insulated windows and by adding weather-stripping to the windows or doors.<br /> <br /> Warming up a manufactured home using day time solar panel technology sources is a goal that is not only simply attainable but also appropriate. The best supply of daytime <a href="http://www.sunjuiced.com/category/solar-technology/" target="_blank">solar technology</a> is the use of windows. You can achieve this best by collecting the sun through south-facing windows during the day; you can then close the drapes or insulate the windows in the evening to retain the heat in the building. So that you can capture the sun&rsquo;s strength you can mount a thermosiphon air panel on the south wall or work with a roof-mount collector.<br /> <br /> If you implement the latter it will be necessary to install ductwork from the collector directly to and from the room that is right below the air collector. Just before you install a roof-mount solar collector it is necessary to make sure your manufactured home can stand up to the additional weight and wind loads.<br /> <br /> About the Author: Jamie Jake writes for J and M Homes about manufactured homes, home financing, the new Park Model Homes and more. J and M Homes specializes in <a href="http://www.jandmhomes.com/" target="_blank">manufactured homes for sale</a> and <a href="http://www.jandmhomes.com/financing/" target="_blank">manufactured home financing options</a> for retirees, vacationers and many others.</p><p><strong>About the Author</strong></p><p>(CityNext.Content #41)</p><p>Article Source: <a href="http://citynext.com/">http://citynext.com/</a> - <a href="http://citynext.com/finance/real-estate-articles/solar-choices-manufactured-homes">Solar Choices for Manufactured Homes</a></p>