Solar energy is the energy source widely used in many parts of the central and southeastern America. A solar energy system gives many advantages to many, like cheap and no monthly energy fee obligation on the part of the consumer and the unlimited source of the energy. Although, in some parts of the country, taxes are collected in using a solar energy system, some states do not. There are still numerous reasons why solar energy system is widely used all over the country and other parts of the world.

Mostly solar energy systems are used to power a whole house. That means a solar collector must gather enough amount of heat to be distributed all over the house with at least a maximum energy consumption of 8,000 to 10,000 kWH per day. However, to eliminate this bulk accumulation of energy, some just use solar energy systems to power smaller devices that consume little energy.

One of the devices that uses solar energy or can use solar power is the heating and the cooling systems in the house. Solar energy is the main source of power that runs the heating and cooling system. These systems are not manually operated therefore must rely on electronics to become automatic.

The shift from the heating mode to cooling mode needs temperature sensor so the system may positively respond to a particular action. These changes in temperature is a big help in energy saving. For example, when a certain cooling device, say for instance a refrigerator, met the maximum cooling temperature the system shall automatically shut off therefore saving energy. The sensors needed so that a device would run automatically are called a thermostat. Thermostat regulates the temperature of a certain device automatically.

There are different types of thermostats. Each type is used individually in devices that needed specific actions performed by each type of thermostats. Prices of the thermostats may range from $30 - $250. The following are the types of thermostats:

* Electrochemical Thermostats - These thermostats are considered as the simplest thermostat. It consists of a lever that is manually set to the required room temperature. Most of electrochemical thermostats have built in timers that are intended to regulate day and night temperature.
* Digital Programmable Thermostats - These thermostats uses LCD's and LED's as monitors. Since these types are programmable, the flexibility of its action is expected to be high. You may program these thermostats in whatever action you want these thermostats to perform. These thermostats are slightly complicated and needs further reading of operation guide to ensure safety.
* Hybrid Thermostats- Hybrid thermostats is a combination of both digital as well as the manual operation.
* Occupancy Thermostats - These thermostats are ideal for places or rooms that are seldom used. Thermostats on this type keep a constant temperature unless otherwise change manually. These thermostats can be programmed to a specific period. After the period has finished, the thermostat will automatically slip back to its usual program.
* Light Sensing Thermostats - This type of thermostats is factory programmed. The actions done are dependent on the amount of light the room has. When the sensor sensed a change in temperature in the room through the lights, it will automatically shift temperature setting to adjust to the current temperature.

These types have their own pros and cons and sometimes the performance is dependent on the area where these thermostats will operate. Be sure to take for consideration the advantages and disadvantages of the thermostats, which are sometimes company dependent.

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