There can be little debate that solar energy is a topic of intense interest to many. However, not enough people seem to have a thorough understanding of all of the ways in which solar energy can improve their daily lives. Continue reading to get a better grasp of the true potential solar energy offers.
Switching to solar energy can save a ton on your electric bill. Solar power is absorbed through panels that are properly positioned on your roof. It is especially convenient if you live in an area that gets a long of sun. This will provide usable energy to your home in a much cheaper fashion than conventional electricity.
As you prepare to buy a solar power system, don’t underestimate the importance of recommendations. Talk to everyone you know, whether they are friends, family members or even coworkers. You may be surprised by the number of people that have experience with these systems. They can tell you what they found out along their journey and guide you in the right direction.
Remember – you get what you pay for! Yes, there are a lot of cheaper solar panels flooding into the market from abroad. But many of those panels might not last more than a few years, and solar energy is about a long term investment. It’s better to get solar panels known for their quality that’ll last for decades, rather than a cheap option that may only last a few years.
After your solar energy system is installed, you must check your power inverter often. You want to find a green light that is not flashing. You will have to speak with an expert if the light is off or blinking. It’s unlikely you have the knowledge to take care of this problem yourself. A visit from a technician should be free if you bought panels with a 25-year warranty, which is common.
Always use non abrasive cleansers on your solar panels. An abrasive cleaner can scratch the surface of the panel and cause permanent damage and affect how well the solar panel works. There are commercial cleaning solutions to use or you can use a pool skimmer with a very soft cloth on it.
Don’t underestimate the effect that shade can have on a solar panel’s output. One tree branch can produce enough shade to reduce the amount of solar energy produced by almost 80 percent and that’s without leaves. Take the time to properly situate any solar panels you install to maximize their efficiency.
If you are building a new home, now is the time to factor in solar energy! Ask a consultant to design windows that warm your home in winter while saving you a bundle on heating. Consider planting trees for shade and leaving space in the yard for solar panels too. Building solar energy into a new home is much easier than adding it onto an old one!
When considering installing solar panels, always check for local, state or federal incentives and rebates. The initial expense of solar panels can be costly so these incentives can be very helpful. Also consider the future saving and you will see that over time, your solar panels will pay for themselves.
Minimize the upfront costs of solar panels by considering a lease instead of a purchase. This spreads the payments over a long-term period into monthly installments, so you could actually start saving money immediately. Still, consider how long you will be in that building, as the long-term periods usually run a decade.
Experiment with various angles and placements, monitoring the power stored on a daily basis and making changes as necessary. Any angle might be acceptable, but there are times when a small tweak in the position can have a noticeable impact. Try different options and stick with the spot that works best.
If you are considering installing a solar panel system, it is important that the panel faces in the sun’s direction. Although this seems obvious, you would be surprised how many people forget this step. If your panel does not have sun, it won’t power up. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, your panel should face South towards the horizon.
Are you building a home or moving to a remote location? If so, then you might want to seriously consider using solar energy to power your place. Getting the local energy company to come out to you might be expensive or impossible, so using renewable solar energy is a great way to ensure you will have all the energy you need.
When most people think about solar energy, they think that it has to cost a lot of money, but it doesn’t. If you want to use solar energy, but you have a limited budget, you can install solar powered lights in your yard. This is a good way to save energy without spending more than you can afford.
Low prices can be very attractive but keep in mind that solar panels and their installation is not cheap. If a vendor has extremely low prices, you are probably getting low quality equipment or even second hand equipment. It is best to invest in quality solar panels and hire a trustworthy contractor to install them.
People often worry about space for solar panels or the panels becoming eye sores. However, most solar heating systems only require two to four meters of roof space and solar electric panels not much more. On top of this, panels can be designed to match your roof and blend in much better.
To help you receive the maximum benefits from your solar energy, choose energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Solar power can be used to heat the water needed for your showers, laundry and dishes. Solar heating can be used to heat or supplement your current heating. Also, solar energy can be used to help light the exterior of your home.
Solar energy is something that has captured the attention of many in recent years. The fact remains, though, that there are many individuals who still have much to learn on the subject. Hopefully, having read the article above, you now possess sufficient understanding of solar energy to start spreading the good word to others.