Are you considering the switch to solar energy? Solar panels could help you save on energy and reduce your impact on the environment both for your home and business. This article is going to go over why solar energy is great to use and how it can be used properly.
When using solar energy for the first time, it’s probably a good idea to start out small. For example, solar path lights are a great start. You can find them at your local hardware store or mass market retailer. They are as easy to install as any other garden light.
Don’t assume that harnessing solar power means going full scale and ripping out your roof. At a minimum, you can replace all exterior sources of illumination with solar powered lamps and light sources. During the daytime, they will charge. At night, they will light up from the power they have stored.
If you are able to afford the cost and the necessary space, a panel system that tracks the sun is your best bet for power generation. This system shifts the solar panels throughout the day so that your panels can absorb the maximum amount of energy. It can be quite costly to put in one of these systems, but you should start to generate a profit in a few years.
The advances in solar power increase with each year. The panels that used to be very expensive are now very affordable for consumers. Regardless of what size solar system you want, it is possible to find a high-quality, affordable one by doing your research and checking your options.
Carbon based pollution will be tremendously reduced when cars that are powered by the sun become widely available. There are other machines that use solar energy to operate. Solar powered generators are now available, and this would be the perfect solution to a long term power outage.
Solar Energy
Learn how you use energy. Before you make the switch to solar energy, you need to have a good idea of how much power your home uses. To select the correct size solar energy system, you’ll need to know this information. Since energy usage changes on a seasonal basis, monitoring your bills is important.
You do not have to purchase an entire solar energy system at once. Sometimes it is more economical to start small. These fans have temperature sensors that switch automatically on when the attic reaches a certain threshold. This removes heat from your home, lowering your cooling costs. Since the fan is solar powered, your power bill will not increase because of it.
You can start off gradually by switching simple systems such as exterior lights and your hot water heater to a solar powered system. You may want to start with small appliances so that the transition will not cause too much disruption to your daily routines. Convert to solar power gradually until you become acquainted with the benefits.
Solar panels are very expensive, so it may help you to buy as few of them as possible. Hire a pro to conduct an energy audit. This can give you a good idea of whether you are wasting money or not. You will then need fewer panels.
Solar Panels
If you want a particular kind of solar panels, research when they first emerged. The recent solar panels are best, but many companies will try to sell older models. The older technology is less expensive but the newer products are more efficient.
Find out what government laws are in place about solar power. A lot of locations require a number of permits. You do not want to install a system, only to have to remove it at a later time.
If solar panels are something you’re interested in, you should start looking carefully at the weather. Quality solar panels will produce enough energy for your home if you can count on at least five hours of unobstructed sunlight a day. You should consider other forms of clean energy if the weather in your area often includes rain, snow or clouds.
Regardless of the solar system you choose to use, ensure that the panels face towards the direction of the sun. The sun is the main source of energy, and the solar panels need unobstructed access to the sun in order to store as much solar power as possible.
Preserve your solar panels by having twice yearly maintenance performed on them. Get a professional to check the connections and level of damage to your unit.
Be sure and alter the angles on your solar panels during each season. As you progress from season to season, the direction of the sun will alter. When you change the angle, you’ll ensure that you’re getting the most energy that you can.
Think of your solar panel installation as a huge home improvement project. Do your research on different contractors and ask them to share references from other customers. Go over contracts with a fine-tooth comb, and don’t hesitate to have them reviewed by a lawyer.
Consider leasing if you cannot afford the purchase solar of energy systems for your home. Leasing a system saves you money, and you can usually recoup the installation costs within a matter of weeks.
Solar Energy
After reading this article, you ought to know more about how solar energy can help you. Come to the light, and start using solar energy today. Use these tips as needed to improve your solar energy experience and go green.